Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger Treatment in Houston, TX

If you are experiencing issues with your fingers getting stuck in a bent position, it might be trigger finger. Our highly trained hand and wrist specialists at Hand Surgery Specialists of Texas are experts in diagnosing and offering trigger finger treatment. Call (713) 322-0054 to schedule an appointment at one of our offices in Houston, Baytown, or Katy, Texas.

What is Trigger Finger?

Causes

Understanding the trigger finger causes is essential in formulating a targeted treatment plan. The primary cause is the swelling of the flexor tendons in your hand. These tendons, which are like cords connecting muscles to the bones in your fingers, facilitate the bending and straightening of your fingers and thumb. In individuals with trigger finger, these tendons swell up to a point where they can no longer glide smoothly through the tendon sheath tunnel, a small tunnel of tissue that surrounds the tendon and keeps it attached to the bones.

Trigger finger can develop due to a variety of factors including repetitive motions or overuse of the fingers and thumb. Occupations or hobbies that require heavy hand use, especially involving substantial grasping or gripping, can significantly contribute to the development of this condition. Industrial workers and individuals who engage in crafting are generally at a higher risk. It is essential to be aware of the activities that can exacerbate the condition to seek timely trigger finger treatment.

Moreover, underlying health issues can also be trigger finger causes. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes, or a previous injury to the hand can predispose individuals to developing trigger finger. Interestingly, it is also more prevalent in new mothers, commonly manifesting 4-6 weeks post childbirth. While it was previously attributed to activities such as wringing out cloth diapers, it is now believed to be more related to hormonal changes and inflammation experienced post-pregnancy.

Sign & Symptoms

Early detection of trigger finger symptoms can facilitate a quicker and more effective treatment process. The symptoms include:

• Difficulty straightening the fingers or thumb
• Catching or popping sensation when straightening fingers or thumb
• Swelling or inflammation in the affected finger or thumb
• Pain in the affected finger or thumb
• Soreness at the base of the finger or thumb
• Stiffness of the fingers

Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis is generally determined through a physical examination and a discussion of your medical history. The trigger finger treatment plan can be non-surgical or surgical depending on the severity of the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatment

The initial step in non-surgical trigger finger treatment involves resting the affected fingers and possibly using a splint. Anti-inflammatory medicines might be prescribed to reduce swelling.

Steroid Injections

If the initial treatments don’t alleviate the symptoms, steroid injections might be recommended to reduce swelling and facilitate smoother movement of the flexor tendon.

Surgical Options

In severe cases, trigger finger surgery might be necessary. The surgery can be an open procedure or a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure, both aiming to widen the opening of the sheath tunnel to ease the movement of the flexor tendon. Our trigger finger specialist, Dr. Lopez, is highly skilled in performing the endoscopic procedure, offering excellent patient results over the past 10 years in Houston.

Recovery

Recovery from trigger finger treatment focuses on reducing swelling and facilitating smoother tendon movement. Non-surgical recovery might involve rest, splint usage, and medication. Post trigger finger surgery, normal motion is usually restored immediately, with the “No Stitch” release being a popular minimally invasive option allowing for a quick recovery.