Trigger finger is a common condition that affects the tendon that flexes your thumb and finger. Swelling in or around these tendons causes one or more of the fingers to get stuck in a bent position – like the hand is about to pull an invisible trigger. Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath surrounding the tendon in the affected finger, making movement difficult, painful, and in some cases, impossible. The ring finger and thumb are most commonly affected. At OrthoGeorgia, our hand and upper extremity specialists offer personalized care for patients dealing with various hand injuries and conditions, including debilitating cases of trigger finger. Using the latest diagnostic and surgical techniques, we are proud to help our patients get back to doing what they love. Learn more below about the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for trigger finger in Central GA at OrthoGeorgia.
What are the Symptoms of Trigger Finger?
Symptoms of trigger finger typically start without a clear cause of injury. They normally progress from mild to more severe over time and are often worse in the morning. Stiffness may improve throughout the day as the fingers and thumb are used. Typical symptoms of trigger finger include:
A popping or locking sensation in the thumb or fingers, causing it to feel like the affected finger is “catching” as it moves
Pain and stiffness when flexing, bending, or straightening the fingers
A tender lump at the base of the finger or thumb on the palm side of the hand
Soreness in the palm that worsens when gripping something
Fingers being locked in a bent position and suddenly popping straight
How is Trigger Finger Diagnosed?
When you visit OrthoGeorgia with symptoms of trigger finger, our specialists will take several steps to reach an accurate diagnosis. They will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, including what makes your pain better or worse. Your doctor will then examine your hand, asking you to open and close it as they check for:
Tenderness over the flexor tendon
Thickness and swelling of the tendon
A clicking or popping sensation when the fingers are bent or straightened
Imaging tests like X-ray or ultrasound are not usually needed to diagnose trigger finger. In some cases, they may be ordered to rule out other causes of your symptoms. If this is necessary, digital X-rays are conveniently available on-site at all OrthoGeorgia clinic locations.
Treatment for Trigger Finger at OrthoGeorgia
Treatment methods for trigger finger depend on the severity of the condition and its symptoms. Treatment usually begins with conservative methods. At OrthoGeorgia, we want our patients to be active participants in their care, and encourage them to ask questions throughout their entire experience with our team.
Nonsurgical Trigger Finger Treatment
Initial treatment for trigger finger is usually nonsurgical, with the goal of reducing inflammation and pain. Your doctor at OrthoGeorgia will likely recommend:
Rest: resting your hand and avoiding activities that worsen your symptoms.
Splinting: Wearing a splint at night to keep the thumb and affected finger straight.
Exercise: Gentle stretches can help with flexibility and mobility while decreasing stiffness.
Medication: Over-the-counter medications can help relieve pain and inflammation.
Steroid Injections: Anti-inflammatory steroid injections can be administered at the base of the affected finger to help the tendon glide more smoothly. This treatment method is often effective at treating trigger finger for over a year. Your doctor may recommend more than one injection, with results monitored over time. Steroid injections for trigger finger are not usually as effective for patients with diabetes, but may still help these individuals avoid surgery.
Will I Need Surgery for Trigger Finger?
If trigger finger symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery. The decision to have surgery is normally rooted in the amount of pain or function loss the condition is causing, and whether or not it is interfering with your daily activities. For example, patients who cannot straighten their fingers even with gentle manipulation might pursue surgery in order to avoid permanent stiffness.
Surgery for trigger finger is called trigger finger release. This procedure releases the pulley responsible for blocking tendon movement in the hand. Once this pulley is released, the flexor tendon can glide more freely, eliminating the clicking and catching sensations typical of trigger finger. This procedure is normally performed through a small incision in the palm on an outpatient basis, with patients able to return home the same day. If your OrthoGeorgia hand specialist recommends surgery, your care team will ensure that all of your questions are answered and you feel comfortable before, during, and after your procedure.
Other Hand and Upper Extremity Conditions We Treat at OrthoGeorgia
Whether you are dealing with symptoms of trigger finger or have recently suffered an overuse injury on the basketball court, our hand and upper extremity specialists at OrthoGeorgia are here for you. We are proud to be the only Central Georgia practice with fellowship trained hand surgeons and surgeons who have earned the Certificate of Added Qualification in Hand Surgery. Whether your injury or condition can be treated conservatively or surgically, the members of our team will ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in your care plan every step of the way. Along with trigger finger, our team is skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of hand and upper extremity issues, including:
Happy Memorial Day! OrthoGeorgia will be closed on Monday, May 26th. Both Urgent Care locations will be closed May 24-26 and will reopen at 7:30am on Tuesday, May 27th.
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