Trigger finger is a condition in which one or more of your fingers or thumbs get stuck in a bent position. It may be painful and can make it hard to move your hand.
If you have trigger finger, you may wonder if it will go away on its own. Unfortunately, trigger finger is a chronic condition that can only be managed, not cured. However, some treatments can help reduce the symptoms and improve the function of your affected finger or hand.
Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that bends the finger becomes inflamed or thickened. This can make it difficult to move the finger, and you may feel a clicking or snapping sensation when you try to straighten it. In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position.
Trigger finger is a common condition that affects both children and adults. It is more common in women and people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions.
How Do I Ease The Symptoms of Trigger Finger?
There are several things you can do to ease the symptoms of trigger finger. Here are some remedies you can try:
- Rest your finger as much as possible.
- Apply ice to your finger for 20 minutes several times a day.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or naproxen (Aleve).
- Stretch and massage your finger several times a day.
If these measures don’t help, your doctor may recommend a splint or steroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.
What Treatment Options Are Available?
There is no cure for trigger finger, but there are treatments that can help reduce the symptoms and improve the function of your affected finger or hand. Treatment options include:
- Splinting
- Steroid injections
- Surgery
Your hand specialist will recommend the best treatment option for you based on the severity of your condition.
Splinting
Splinting is often the first treatment option for trigger finger. A splint is a device worn on the affected finger or hand to keep it in a straight position. This helps to rest and protect the tendon and can help reduce inflammation.
Steroid injections
Steroid injections are another treatment option for trigger finger. A steroid medication is injected into the tendon to help reduce the inflammation. This can provide relief from symptoms and help improve the function of the affected finger or hand.
Surgery
Surgery is a treatment option for severe cases of trigger fingers that do not respond to other treatments. Surgery involves releasing the tendon so that it can move more freely. This can help improve the function of the affected finger or hand.
Trigger finger is a chronic condition that can be managed. Some treatments can help reduce the symptoms and improve the function of your affected finger or hand. If you have trigger finger, talk to your hand specialist about the best treatment option.
Conclusion
There are several possible causes of trigger finger, including repetitive motion injuries, arthritis, and diabetes. Treatment options depend on the severity of your condition but may include splinting corticosteroid injections or surgery.
If you have a trigger finger, you must seek treatment from a hand specialist to regain full use of your hand. With proper treatment, most people with trigger finger can find relief from their symptoms.
If you’re looking for hand and wrist care in Jacksonville, Florida, North Florida Hand and Wrist Center is led by expertly-trained hand and wrist surgeons. Ease any hand or wrist discomfort by making an appointment today!
