Trigger finger

Trigger finger is a condition that causes your fingers to get stuck in a bent condition. This cause pain, stiffness and sensation of locking or catching when you attempt to bend or straighten back your finger. This may require  a gentle, passive manipulation of the joint in order to get it back to straight  position. It is commonly  affects the ring finger and the thumb but it can also  occur in the any other fingers. 

What causes it? This is often due to repetitive movement or forceful use of of the finger over period of time. This causes the tendon ( which connect the muscle and the bone) to get inflamed. Tendon usually glides easily through the tissue that covers it (called a sheath) as there is presence of synovium that keep it well  lubricated. However, as the tendons get inflamed, it became swollen and painful. Over time it lead to scarring and thickening of the tendon sheath which then affect the tendon's movement. Sometimes you can evel feel a tiny bump around the base of your finger. When you bend your finger, sliding of the inflamed tendon through a narrowed sheath causes a 'snap' or 'pop' sensation

How is trigger finger treated?

1.  Taking a break from repetitve activitie such as gripping, grasping or the prolonged use of vibrating hand-held machinery until your symptoms improve. This can be challenging if your occupation involve a lot of hand's movement 

2. Wearing a brace or finger splint in an extended poistion for up to 6 weeks. This is to restrict movement and helps rest the tendon

3. Applying ice to the affected area

4. Stretching exercises gently to maintain mobility of the finger

4. Medication with anti-inflammatory effect can reduce the pain and swelling such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Arcoxia

5. Injection of small dose of steroid near the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide freely again. However, the problem may recur again after months of treatment and you may require repeated injection. With injection, there is some risk of thinning or changing of the skin's color and infection risk 

6. Surgery require small incision in the palm of the hands and then cuts to the tendon sheath is made to give the tendon room to move freely. With surgery, there are risk of bleeding, infection and injury to the surrounding blood vessel and nerve. This is an option for patient who failed other treatments

If you suffered from trigger finger, talk to our doctor for more information on the treatment available