The human hand is a complex structure. You don’t often think about all of the tasks your hands accomplish, or all of the minute movements it takes to complete those tasks throughout each day.
When something goes wrong, many Las Vegas, Nevada, residents turn to the team at Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery for the very best diagnostic and treatment services, including hand surgery. Trigger finger is one of the conditions we commonly treat.
Here, we take a closer look at what trigger finger is as well as what kinds of treatment options can help.
Trigger finger gets its name because the condition causes one or more fingers or your thumb to become fixed in a bent position, similar to the position a finger makes as it prepares to pull the trigger on a weapon. It’s most common in the ring finger or thumb, but it can affect any finger.
To understand trigger finger, it helps to think about the mechanics of these digits. The muscles that allow your fingers and hands to function are held in place by small bands of tough connective tissue called tendons. Each of these tendons has a sheathing that protects the tendon, keeps it in place, and helps it glide smoothly as it moves.
If your tendon becomes damaged or irritated, it can swell. That inflammation makes it difficult for the tendon to glide back and forth within its sheath. Small nodules can develop, further complicating tendon movement. The result can be a finger or thumb that can’t release from its curled position.
This can affect your grip, including your ability to use tools, control your steering wheel, or button a shirt.
Aside from the classic presentation of an abnormally curled finger or thumb that you can’t easily extend fully, there are some earlier signs that could indicate trigger finger. They include:
It’s not always easy to determine the exact cause of trigger finger. Occupations or hobbies that require repetitive hand motions — such as industrial work, gardening, or playing racquet sports — are all known risk factors.
Certain health issues can also increase your risk of developing trigger finger. Some examples include diabetes, thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.
If you’re troubled by changes in the way you use your hands and you suspect you may have trigger finger, a number of treatment options can help you get your grip back.
In some mild cases, simply taking a break from the activities that may have caused the condition is enough to give your body a chance to heal. Over-the-counter antiinflammatory medication can ease discomfort, and gentle stretching can also be helpful.
If these efforts don’t improve your trigger finger, you may consider more advanced interventions. Steroid injections can help by reducing inflammation in the affected area. Dr. Williams can perform a needle procedure to break apart the restrictive tissue to permit normal tendon movement.
If surgery is your best option, Dr. Williams creates a tiny incision in the tendon sheath to allow more space for the tendon to move back and forth. This is an outpatient surgery, so you return home the same day. A relatively brief recovery time is all that’s needed to heal and regain normal finger movements.
If you’re frustrated by trouble moving your fingers or an abnormally curved finger or thumb and the limitations it creates, we encourage you to see our team at Carl N. Williams, Jr. M.D. Hand and Plastic Surgery. You can set up a visit using our online booking or give us a call when it’s convenient for you.
