Trigger Finger

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb. It occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and can't move smoothly through its protective sheath. This can cause your finger to catch or lock in a bent position, like a trigger being pulled and released.

At Blacktown Health, our team of Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists in Blacktown often see patients with trigger finger. We understand how this condition can affect your daily activities and quality of life, and we're here to help you find relief and improve your hand function.

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What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

Trigger finger can present with various symptoms, including:

• A painful clicking or snapping sensation when you bend or straighten your finger
• Stiffness in your finger, especially in the morning
• A bump or tender spot at the base of the affected finger
• Finger locking in a bent position, which you may need to straighten with your other hand
• Finger locking in a straight position, making it difficult to bend
• Pain in the palm of your hand
• Swelling in the affected finger

If you're experiencing these symptoms, it's important to see a healthcare professional as early treatment leads to a faster recovery.

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Which fingers are most commonly affected by trigger finger?

Trigger finger can affect any finger, including the thumb. However, some fingers are more commonly affected than others:

• Ring finger
• Thumb (also known as trigger thumb)
• Middle finger
• Index finger
• Little finger

It's possible to have trigger finger in more than one finger at a time, and it can occur in both hands.

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What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger is caused by inflammation of the tendon or its protective sheath. This inflammation can be due to various factors:

• Repetitive gripping or grasping motions
• Forceful use of the finger or thumb
• Certain medical conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
• Long-term irritation of the tendon sheath
• Age-related wear and tear
• Previous hand injuries or surgeries

The specific cause of your trigger finger really depends on what you’ve been doing with the fingers, and our Physios, Chiros, and Exercise Physiologists in Blacktown can help uncover what might have caused your trigger finger.

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What are the risk factors for getting trigger finger?

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing trigger finger:

• Age: It's most common in people between 40 and 60 years old
• Gender: It's more common in women than men
• Certain medical conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout can increase risk
• Occupations or hobbies: Those involving repetitive hand movements or gripping
• Previous hand surgery: Such as carpal tunnel release
• Pregnancy: Hormonal changes can sometimes lead to trigger finger

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How is trigger finger diagnosed?

When you visit Blacktown Health with symptoms of trigger finger, our Physios, Chiros, and Exercise Physiologists will use several methods to diagnose your condition:

• Medical history: They'll ask about your symptoms, when they started, and how they affect your daily life.
• Physical examination: Your Physiotherapist or Chiropractor will:
  • Look for signs of swelling or lumps in your palm
  • Ask you to open and close your hand to check for catching or locking
  • Apply pressure to your palm to check for tenderness
  • Assess the range of motion in your affected finger

In most cases, trigger finger can be diagnosed based on your symptoms and a physical exam alone. However, in some cases, additional scans might be needed like xrays, ultrasounds, or MRI scans.

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Do I need any scans for trigger finger?

While trigger finger is usually diagnosed through physical examination, imaging tests can sometimes be helpful:

• Ultrasound: This can show thickening of the tendon or inflammation of the tendon sheath.
• X-rays: These aren't typically used to diagnose trigger finger, but they might be recommended to rule out other conditions like arthritis.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This is rarely needed but can provide detailed images of the tendons and surrounding structures if the diagnosis is unclear.

At Blacktown Health, our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Blacktown can refer you for these scans if necessary and explain what the results mean for your condition and treatment.

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How is trigger finger treated?

Treatment for trigger finger aims to reduce inflammation, improve tendon movement, and prevent the finger from locking. At Blacktown Health, we offer a range of treatments, including:

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms
• Splinting or bracing: To keep the affected finger in a straight position
• Exercises: We can teach you exercises to improve flexibility and strength
• Ice or heat therapy: To reduce pain and inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory medications: Over-the-counter or prescription drugs may be recommended
• Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation in the tendon sheath
• Surgery: In severe cases or when other treatments haven't helped

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Does splinting and bracing help trigger finger?

Splinting or bracing is often one of the first treatments recommended for trigger finger. It works by:

• Keeping the affected finger in a straight position
• Preventing the tendon from moving through the irritated sheath
• Allowing time for the inflammation to subside
• Reducing pain and preventing further irritation

Splints are typically worn at night, but in some cases, they may be recommended for use during the day as well. At Blacktown Health, our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Blacktown can fit you with the right splint and show you how to use it effectively.

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Can injections help treat trigger finger?

Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to treat trigger finger when other conservative treatments haven't provided enough relief. These injections can:

• Reduce inflammation in the tendon sheath
• Provide significant pain relief
• Improve the ability of the tendon to glide smoothly through the sheath

While injections can be very effective, their effects may be temporary, and repeat injections may be needed. At Blacktown Health, our healthcare professionals can discuss whether injections might be appropriate for your condition and help organise these injections through your GP and/or local imaging centre.

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Is surgery required for trigger finger?

Surgery for trigger finger is generally only considered when:

• Conservative treatments haven't improved your symptoms after 6 weeks to 6 months
• Your finger is stuck in a bent position and you can't straighten it
• You've had multiple recurrences of trigger finger despite other treatments

The most common surgery for trigger finger is called "trigger finger release." It involves making a small incision in the palm and cutting part of the tendon sheath to allow the tendon to move freely.

If surgery is being considered, our Physios and Chiros in Blacktown can help recommend some good hand surgeons that can perform this surgery, as well as provide the hand therapy and rehabilitation required after the operation.

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What exercises help treat trigger finger?

Exercise is an important part of treating and preventing trigger finger. It helps to:

• Improve flexibility in your fingers
• Strengthen the muscles in your hands and fingers
• Reduce stiffness and pain
• Prevent the condition from recurring

Our Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists at Blacktown Health will design an exercise program tailored to your specific needs. This might include:

• Gentle stretching exercises for your fingers
• Tendon gliding exercises
• Strengthening exercises for your hand
• Range of motion exercises

Remember, it's important to start gently and gradually increase the intensity of your exercises. Our team are experienced in treating trigger finger and can guide you through this process so you can recover quickly and safely.

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How can I prevent trigger finger or stop it from getting worse?

While you can't prevent all cases of trigger finger, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent it from worsening:

• Avoid repetitive gripping or grasping motions when possible
• Use tools with larger, padded handles to reduce strain on your fingers
• Take frequent breaks during activities that involve repetitive hand movements
• Maintain good hand hygiene to prevent infections
• Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Use proper form when doing activities that involve your hands
• Perform regular hand stretches and exercises

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Can trigger finger go away on its own?

In some mild cases, trigger finger may improve on its own with rest and self-care measures. However, without proper treatment, it often progresses and can lead to permanent stiffness or contracture of the affected finger. That's why it's important to seek professional help if you're experiencing persistent symptoms. We recommend getting early treatment when symptoms first start which usually leads to a much faster recovery without surgery.

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How long does it take to recover from trigger finger?

Recovery time can vary greatly depending on the severity of your condition and the treatment approach:

• For mild cases treated early: You might see improvement in a few weeks to a couple of months
• For more severe cases or those requiring surgery: Recovery can take several months

Remember, everyone's recovery is different. Factors like your age, overall health, and how well you follow your treatment plan can all affect your recovery time. Our Physiotherapists and Chiropractors in Blacktown will work with you to set realistic recovery goals and help you achieve them safely.

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Take home message

Trigger finger is a common condition that can significantly impact your hand function and daily activities. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with trigger finger can find relief and improve their finger mobility.

At Blacktown Health, our team of experienced Physiotherapists, Chiropractors, and Exercise Physiologists in Blacktown, are dedicated to helping you manage your trigger finger effectively. We offer a range of treatments and can provide personalised advice on exercises, lifestyle modifications, and strategies to prevent recurrence.

Remember, early intervention is key in managing trigger finger. So if you're experiencing persistent finger pain, stiffness, or catching, don't hesitate to contact us. We have clinics conveniently located around Sydney in Asquith, Mt Kuring-Gai, Willoughby, Milsons Point, Dural, and Blacktown so you can get the right advice and treatment for your trigger finger.