Does one of your fingers frequently become stuck in a bent position? If so, you may be experiencing what is known as trigger finger, especially if your finger makes a snapping noise when you try to bend or straighten it.
Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in your affected finger. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.
Symptoms of trigger finger may also include finger stiffness, especially in the morning, and tenderness or an actual nodule or bump in the palm at the base of your affected finger.
People whose work or hobbies require repetitive gripping actions are at higher risk of developing trigger finger. The condition is also more common in women and in people with diabetes. Trigger finger can affect any finger, even the thumb, and more than one of your fingers may be affected at any given time. In some cases, trigger finger affects fingers on both hands.
Treatment of trigger finger varies depending on the severity. Nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen may relieve your pain but are unlikely to relieve the swelling often associated with trigger finger. Resting the fingers and hand, wearing a splint at night, and performing stretching exercises each morning are also potential treatment options. If your trigger finger pain is severe, your doctor may opt to inject a steroid medication near or into the affected tendon. Surgery may also be an option in severe instances of trigger finger.
Signature Medical Group’s practitioners are board-certified orthopedic surgeons whose expertise, experience and leadership in their profession translate into exceptional medical care and treatment for you.
If you suspect that you may have trigger finger, contact one of our many St. Louis or Kansas City area orthopedic specialists today!