Straightening Out Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition that causes the affected finger or fingers to catch or lock, and eventually, they may be unable to straighten fully. The cause of trigger finger is unknown, but the condition is more common in women than men and in people between the ages of 40 and 60 years. Other risk factors include medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, or performing activities that strain the hand.

Symptoms of trigger finger include a lump in your palm that feels tender, swelling, your finger joints feeling like they are catching or popping, and pain when moving your fingers.

Treatment for trigger finger starts with conservative, nonsurgical methods. Resting or splinting the finger may be enough to treat mild symptoms and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and steroid injections can also help to relieve the pain and inflammation.

If nonsurgical treatments are ineffective, surgical treatment is available. Surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. A small incision is made in the palm the tendon sheath tunnel is cut so that the tendon can slide through it unobstructed.

For more information on trigger finger or if you are experiencing another hand condition, please request an appointment online with one of our hand specialists at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia or call (404) 255-0226.