Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common condition affecting the tendons in the hand. It can cause discomfort, pain, and restricted movement, making everyday tasks challenging. This article explores the nature of trigger finger, its symptoms, underlying causes, and how steroid injections can offer effective relief.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendons that control finger movement become inflamed or irritated. This leads to difficulty in bending or straightening the affected finger. The condition is characterised by a 'catching' or 'locking' sensation when moving the finger. In severe cases, the finger may become stuck in a bent position.

The flexor tendons in the hand glide smoothly within a protective sheath due to a lubricating membrane called the synovium. When the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, the space for the tendon to move narrows, creating friction and causing the characteristic symptoms of trigger finger.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning.

• A popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger.

• Pain at the base of the finger or thumb.

• Swelling or tenderness in the palm.

• A locked finger that straightens with difficulty or assistance.

While trigger finger can affect any finger, it most commonly impacts the thumb, middle, or ring finger.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of trigger finger is not always clear, but it is often linked to repetitive hand movements or prolonged gripping. Other factors that increase the risk include:

• Medical Conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are associated with a higher likelihood of developing trigger finger.

• Occupation: Jobs requiring repetitive hand use, such as manual labour or typing, may contribute to the condition.

• Age and Gender: Trigger finger is more common in individuals over 40 and tends to affect women more than men.

Treatment Options for Trigger Finger

Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms. Mild cases can often be managed with rest, splinting, or over-the-counter pain relievers. However, more persistent or severe cases may require medical intervention, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery.

How Steroid Injections Help

Corticosteroid injections are a widely used, non-invasive treatment for trigger finger. These injections deliver a potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the tendon sheath, reducing swelling and allowing the tendon to move freely.

Research shows that steroid injections are successful in resolving symptoms in approximately 50-70% of cases. It is an extremely effective treatment for trigger finger.

Benefits of Steroid Injections

1. Effective Relief: Studies have shown that steroid injections provide significant pain relief and improve finger mobility for many patients.

2. Non-Surgical Option: Injections are a less invasive alternative to surgery and can often resolve the condition without the need for further intervention.

3. Quick Recovery: Most patients experience improvement within a few days to weeks after the injection.

Conclusion

Trigger finger can significantly impact hand function and quality of life. Steroid injections offer a safe and effective treatment option, providing relief from pain and restoring finger mobility in most cases. If you are struggling with symptoms of trigger finger, you can contact us to discuss your needs, or book in directly for a consultation.

References

1. Makkouk, A. H., Oetgen, M. E., Swigart, C. R., & Dodds, S. D. (2008). Trigger finger: aetiology, evaluation, and treatment. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 1(2), 92–96.

2. Quinnell, R. C. (1980). Conservative management of trigger finger. The Practitioner, 224(1340), 187–190.

3. Sato, E. S., Gomes Dos Santos, J. B., Belloti, J. C., Albertoni, W. M., & Faloppa, F. (2012). Treatment of trigger finger: Randomized clinical trial comparing the methods of corticosteroid injection, percutaneous release, and open surgery. Rheumatology International, 32(5), 1359–1364.

4. Wolfe, S. W., Hotchkiss, R. N., Pederson, W. C., Kozin, S. H., & Cohen, M. S. (2019). Green’s Operative Hand Surgery. Elsevier Health Sciences.