Trigger Finger Specialist

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a condition where one of your fingers becomes stuck in a bent position due to chronic inflammation around the tendon. 

Typically, in the early stages of trigger finger, you may feel a snap-like sensation as your finger moves back into place. This is similar to the pull and release of a trigger.

You can develop trigger finger in any of your fingers, including your thumbs. In some cases, more than one finger may be affected, making it difficult to grab or hold objects. In severe cases, your finger may become locked in a bent position.

What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

Symptoms of trigger finger can range from mild to severe. You may experience persistent stiffness in the affected finger, especially when first waking up. Other symptoms of trigger finger include:

• Popping or clicking of the finger joint
• Persistent tenderness in the base of the finger
• Difficulty keeping the finger straight

You should seek medical assistance if pain in your finger interferes with your normal activities or if the joint of the affected finger becomes swollen or hot to the touch. These signs may indicate an infection has developed in the joint.

What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger affects the tendons of your finger, which attach the muscles to the bone. When the protective covering of the tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, you experience difficulties with the normal function of your finger joint.

Factors that can increase your risk of developing trigger finger include:

• Arthritis
• Repetitive gripping motions
• Complications from carpal tunnel surgery

You may also be at increased risk for developing trigger finger if you’re female, as the condition is more common in women than men.

What treatments are available for trigger finger?

Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez can review your symptoms and examine your finger to determine if you have trigger finger. He may also request imaging tests, like X-rays, to rule out other issues. 

Initially, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez may recommend rest and ice therapy to reduce your pain and improve the functionality of your finger. If these treatments aren’t effective, he may prescribe pain medications or anti-inflammatories. Steroid injections may also help reduce inflammation and allow your tendon to heal faster and restore mobility in your finger. 

For serious cases of trigger finger, Dr. Gonzalez-Hernandez may recommend a surgical treatment called trigger finger release. This is an outpatient procedure performed with local anesthesia.

To find out more about the treatments available for trigger finger, book an appointment online or over the phone with Eduardo Gonzalez-Hernandez, MD PLLC today.