Trigger Finger Treatments

Trigger-Finger

Nonsurgical Treatment

Rest: a splint may be used to keep your finger in a resting position
Medications: NSAIDS, Acetaminophen
Steroid injections can usually resolve the problem 80-90% of the time.

Surgical Treatment

Trigger finger is not a dangerous condition. The decision to have surgery is a personal one, based on how severe your symptoms are and whether nonsurgical options have failed. In addition, if your finger is stuck in a bent position, your doctor may recommend surgery to prevent permanent stiffness.

Surgical Procedure

The goal of surgery is to widen the opening of the tunnel so that the tendon can slide through it more easily. This is done on an outpatient basis, usually under local or regional anesthetic.

The surgery is performed through a small incision in the palm or sometimes with the tip of a needle. The tendon sheath tunnel is cut. When it heals back together, the sheath is looser and the tendon has more room to move through it. During surgery, the tendon sheath is cut.

Recovery

Free movement immediately after surgery is common
Soreness in palm is common following surgery
Complete recovery usually occurs within a few weeks; swelling and stiffness may not completely resolve for up to 6 months. If your finger was quite stiff before surgery, physical therapy and finger exercises may help loosen it up.