Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger or thumb becomes locked in a bent position. This condition, caused by inflammation of the tendons in the finger, can be painful, cause embarrassment, and limit your activities. But thankfully, treatment of a trigger finger is possible, and can result in complete restoration of a finger that looks and functions normally.
Dr. Francesco Campanile is a fellowship-trained hand surgeon in Denver who can correct your trigger finger. He has the skills and experience to evaluate your condition and provide you with solutions. Contact us today so that we can evaluate your symptoms and develop a recommended treatment plan.
Condition Overview
A trigger finger is caused by a problem with a tendon in the hand. Tendons are bands of tissues that connect muscle to bone. In the hand, flexor tendons connect the muscles of the forearm to the finger and thumb bones. Tendons are covered by, and move within, a tunnel of tissue known as the tendon sheath. If the tendon itself becomes inflamed, movement within the sheath may become difficult or impossible, with a catching or clicking sensation as the tendon moves.
A person with a trigger finger (technically known as stenosing tenosynovitis) may experience significant pain when trying to move the finger or perform routine tasks such as pointing or grasping. In advanced cases, the finger may become locked in place. Trigger fingers can be caused by highly repetitive or forceful use of the digit, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or diabetes. Any condition causing thickening or swelling of tissues may cause trigger finger, though often the root cause is not determined.
Dr. Campanile’s Approach
As with many conditions of the hands and fingers, a non-surgical solution is best in most cases if it is effective. For less extreme forms of trigger finger, cortisone injections may be used to shrink the tissues around the flexor tendons. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications, hot or cold wraps and even regular massage may provide adequate relief.
Surgery to correct a trigger finger or trigger thumb is performed on an outpatient basis under a local anesthetic or regional nerve block, depending on patient preference. After making a small incision on the affected finger, Dr. Campanile enlarges the portion of the tendon sheath that is causing the tendon not to move smoothly. Use of the digit after surgery is essential, as this limits the formation of scar tissue.
Get Help
If a trigger finger is causing you pain or limiting your activities, it’s easy to get help from a skilled hand specialist in Denver. Call us today at 303-345-7476 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.
Telephone No.303-345-7476