With trigger finger, the flexor tendon that controls finger and thumb movement gets stuck. This restricts movement of the finger or thumb, causing a tender lump in the palm, swelling, a popping or pain as the finger straightens, stiffness, or the finger/thumb to be stuck in a bent position. Certain repetitive hand uses and some illnesses like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can cause trigger finger, and it is most often seen in women.
Diagnosing Trigger Finger
Physical Exam
Your physician will ask you a series of questions and is likely to do a physical exam. The physical exam will including examining any specific areas of concern, especially as they relate to the reason for your visit to the office.
Treatments
Corticosteroid injections
Also known as cortisone shots, these are injections that may help relieve pain and inflammation in a specific area of the body. Cortisone shots are most commonly given into joints — such as the ankle, elbow, hip, knee, shoulder, spine, and wrist.
Surgery for Trigger Finger
When nonsurgical treatment methods have failed, this procedure – which is usually done on an outpatient basis – may be performed to widen the opening of the tunnel so that the tendon can slide through it more easily. Most people are given an injection of local anesthesia to numb the hand for the surgery. A small incision is made in the palm, or sometimes, this surgery is done with the tip of a needle. When the finger heals following the surgery, the tendon has more room to move and the finger can more easily be flexed and extended.