Trigger Finger Release

Understanding Trigger Finger Pain

Trigger Finger Release in Wayne, Paramus, and Parsippany NJ

The pulley is released to allow the finger tendon to glide smoothly.

If a corticosteroid injection does not successfully treat your trigger finger after two attempts, then you may be a candidate for either percutaneous trigger finger release or open trigger finger release.

Percutaneous trigger finger releases can be done in the office. The finger of interest must be reproducibly triggering so that we are able to determine whether or not the pulley is successfully released. Local anesthesia is given, and a small poke hole is made in the skin. A needle is used to cut and release the pulley that the tendon is getting caught on. The finger is then tested to ensure that it is no longer getting caught. A compressive dressing is placed for the patient to wear over the next few hours. The area may be sore for a few weeks while everything heals. Hand and finger range of motion is encouraged immediately after the procedure. This is only an option for certain patients depending on the finger involved and the severity of the triggering.

The open trigger finger release may also be done under straight local anesthesia, but this procedure is done at a hospital or ambulatory surgery center. It involves making a small incision at the base of your finger over the involved pulley. The pulley is cut so that your tendon will glide smoothly without getting caught. A soft dressing is placed after surgery that may be removed after two to three days. Stitches will be removed in the office two weeks after surgery. Hand and finger range of motion is encouraged immediately after surgery, and full recovery usually takes a few weeks.

Developing trigger finger is often associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. There is usually no specific cause of this disorder. It may cause a bothersome clicking or locking of your finger. Many times you may not be able to straighten the finger without using assistance from your other hand. You may even feel a small painful nodule at the base of your finger. The affected finger may get stuck in a bent position, causing discomfort.

The snapping or clicking that you feel is a result of inflammation surrounding the flexor tendon in your finger, which are common trigger finger symptoms. This inflammation can also lead to finger stiffness. A normal tendon glides smoothly through several pulleys, but prolonged gripping can cause issues, especially in the ring finger. When inflammation develops, the tendon may get stuck on the wrong side of the pulley and prevent you from straightening the finger. This can leave the finger stuck in a bent position, leading to trigger finger pain.

Trigger finger treatment usually begins with a corticosteroid injection and may include physical therapy. This injection has anti-inflammatory properties which should allow the inflammation surrounding the tendon to subside. If a corticosteroid is not successful after two attempts and the issue is persisting, then you may be a candidate for surgery. To diagnose trigger finger, a healthcare provider will assess the functionality and movement of the affected finger, and sometimes more than one finger can be involved.

Trigger Finger Release Surgery

If a corticosteroid is not successful after two attempts and the issue is persisting, then you may be a candidate for surgery. The surgery involves making a small incision at the base of your finger over the involved pulley as part of the trigger finger treatment. The pulley is cut so that your tendon will glide smoothly without getting caught. This is an outpatient procedure and full recovery usually only takes a couple of weeks.

The procedure may also be done percutaneously in our office. This involves the surgeon numbing your finger and using a needle to cut through the pulley. This is only an option for certain patients depending on the finger involved and the severity of the triggering. Physical therapy is often recommended post-surgery to restore strength and free movement, and to loosen the tendon.

Injury Prevention and Recovery for Trigger Finger

Effective recovery is crucial in the treatment of trigger finger, especially for patients with underlying medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, which can exacerbate the symptoms. Recovery strategies include engaging in specific stretching exercises that help maintain the flexibility and strength of the tendons. These exercises are essential not only post-surgery but also as a preventive measure to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Patients are advised to perform stretching exercises that help keep the affected tendon supple, thus aiding in smoother tendon glide through the pulleys. This is particularly beneficial in preventing the finger from getting stuck in a bent position. If symptoms persist despite these preventive measures, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to re-evaluate your treatment options.

For those suffering from related conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, which can also impact finger mobility and cause pain, a similar approach may be recommended. By integrating these practices, patients can significantly relieve pain and improve their quality of life while ensuring that their finger regains its straight, functional position without the discomfort of snapping or locking.