“Trigger finger,” or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes pain, locking, popping or clicking of the fingers or thumb when the hand is opened or closed.
In its early stages, trigger finger can cause pain. Usually, it is tender on your palm where the finger or thumb joins the hand. Sometimes, you feel the pain further along or even on the back of the finger. You might feel like your hands or fingers are stiff or swollen. As it progresses, the tightness can cause the tendon to catch as it tries to glide, leading to a painful snapping sensation when making a fist or opening the hand. Eventually, the finger can get stuck where it is, making it really hard either to straighten or to bend it.
The symptoms are often worst in the mornings immediately after waking up and can occur in any of the fingers or thumbs. People whose work or hobby require repetitive gripping actions are at a higher risk of
developing trigger finger. The condition is also more common for those with diabetes or other inflammatory conditions.
If caught in the early stages, a splint or anti-inflammatory medicines may be able to calm down the symptoms. After this, the first line of treatment is usually a steroid injection into the sheath of the tendon. This helps to decrease the swelling and allow the tendon to glide smoothly again.
If you have had injections that did not work in the past, your symptoms have been happening
for a long time, or your finger is stuck in place, your physician might discuss surgery with you.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms please call Miller Orthopedic Specialists at our Council Bluffs clinic at 712-323- 5333 or our Omaha clinic at at 402-991- 9958 for an appointment.
