Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs when thickening or nodule formation of a finger tendon preventing it from gliding smoothly within its sheath.

Symptoms

  1. Pain over finger or palm area
  2. Difficulty with finger movement
  3. Finger locking or popping sensation

Risk factors – repetitive use or finger injuries, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren disease, and hypothyroidism.

Diagnosis is made through history and examination.

Treatment options

  1. Rest
  2. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications
  3. Splinting
  4. Steroid injection
  5. Surgery

Steroid injection combine with lignocaine (pain medicine) for trigger finger is simple, effective and safe. Patient with trigger finger should consider early steroid injection if rest, medicine and splinting does not resolve their symptoms as the success rate if higher if it is done earlier.