Trigger Finger Specialist in Dallas, Texas

In our hands are tendons that attach to our thumb and finger bones. These tendons pass through a tunnel, called a tendon sheath, and connect to the muscles from our forearm. These muscles allow our fingers and thumb to straighten or extend.

Typically, the tendons glide smoothly through the tendon sheath, allowing for effortless, easy movements. However, tendons can have difficulty fitting through the tendon sheath if they are swollen or develop a nodule. When the tendon gets stuck in the tendon sheath, it can cause pain, swelling, and a sort of popping or catching feeling. The finger or thumb may also get stuck in one position and will be difficult to bend or straighten. This is what is referred to as Trigger Finger, technically labeled stenosing tenosynovitis.

Trigger Finger is a common hand condition that brings hand, finger, and top of wrist pain. It can affect any finger on your hand, including the thumb. It is also possible that more than one finger is affected at a time.

There is no single, definitive cause of Trigger Finger, or at least none that is known. We do know, however, that the condition appears to be more common in women than it is in men and occurs mostly in individuals aged 40-60. 

It is also likely that certain occupations or hobbies involving repetitive hand movement and gripping can lead to the development of Trigger Finger. This may be something like a construction job that requires the frequent handling and gripping of tools. Such movements can cause the tendons in the hand to become irritated and inflamed. 

Certain medical conditions might also contribute to an individual developing stenosing tenosynovitis. It is believed that diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and gout are linked to the contraction of Trigger Finger in some way. 

For those who have had carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, Trigger Finger may be one of the complications associated with that procedure. This is especially so within the first six months following the surgery. In addition, some individuals might be born with a nodule on their tendon that plays a role in the development of this condition.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger typically begin with pain or discomfort at the base of the thumb or finger. There may also be pain on top of hand near wrist. In addition, the palm of the hand might be painful or irritated, sometimes resulting in swelling or even a small lump or “nodule” developing. 

If you experience Trigger Finger, it will be difficult to bend or straighten your fingers or thumb. It may be that the fingers catch or get stuck when you attempt to move them or, in more severe cases, become unable to move at all. The symptoms may appear worse after first waking up in the morning or after periods of inactivity. 

Other symptoms may include:

• Finger stiffness
• A popping or clicking feeling when moving your finger
• Finger locking in a bent position, then suddenly pops straight
• Finger locking in a bent position that you are unable to straighten

In many cases, Trigger Finger is more of a nuisance than it is a serious medical condition. Sometimes it will even heal itself on its own. However, it can potentially cause problems if left untreated. Without proper treatment, the affected finger (or thumb) can become permanently stuck in either a bent or straightened position. This can make carrying out simple, everyday activities rather difficult or otherwise painful.

For individuals with mild symptoms, rest and pain relief medications may relieve these symptoms. The doctor may recommend that you wear a splint for support and may suggest over-the-counter pain medication to reduce discomfort and swelling. In some cases, doctors may choose to inject an anti-inflammatory cortisone medication into the site.

People may work to prevent Trigger Finger by avoiding certain repetitive activities that strain the fingers and palm. Sometimes, though, this may be unavoidable, as you may be in a line of work that requires constant flexion of the fingers or hands or have a previous medical condition that inevitably leads to this diagnosis. In this case that prevention is not an option, it is best that you seek immediate medical treatment after developing this condition. At SPORT, we offer both therapeutic and surgical options to repair stenosing tenosynovitis. Call our office today to schedule an appointment with our skilled physicians.