Trigger Finger
Andreas Leonidou
Orthopaedic Surgeon
- Symptoms
- Conservative Treatment
- Surgical Treatment
- Costs
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What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, also known as tenosynovitis or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that disrupts the normal movement of the fingers.
The fingers of the hand bend with the help of the flexor tendons. The tendons pass through a tunnel in the palm called the tendon sheath. Sometimes, this tunnel becomes narrowed, causing the tendons to become inflamed and swollen. As a result, the patient experiences pain and an inability to fully extend or flex the finger. By applying more force, the patient manages to overcome the narrowing of the tendon sheath, causing the finger to suddenly snap backwards (which is why it is called trigger finger).
What Are the Main Symptoms?
Symptoms are usually worse in the morning and include:
Pain in the palm and finger
Inability to fully extend and flex the finger
A locking sensation
A snapping sensation when extending the finger
A painful, palpable lump in the palm
Causes
Trigger finger is more common in women over the age of 40. The fingers most commonly affected are the thumb and middle finger. The condition may affect several fingers at the same time. It may also coexist with other hand conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and de Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
The cause of the condition is not always clear. Manual work as well as repetitive hand movements (such as computer work) predispose to tendinitis. Gout, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes mellitus and hypothyroidism are associated with the development of trigger finger.
How is the diagnosis made?
Mr Leonidou will take a detailed medical history and examine you, confirming the diagnosis.
What is the appropriate treatment?
Initial treatment is conservative and includes:
Rest
Use of a night splint
Exercises: Wrist and finger stretches. Stretching of the distal phalanx of the finger, passive movement of the wrist with the fingers closed.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Local corticosteroid injection
When is Trigger Finger Operated On?
If conservative treatment fails or if the finger is locked, the next step is surgical release of the trigger finger.
Surgery – Procedure for Trigger Finger
Trigger finger release is performed painlessly and with minimal bleeding through a 1.5 cm incision in the palm. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and the patient returns home within a few hours.
How successful is the surgery?
Surgical release of trigger finger is a safe procedure with minimal bleeding, an exceptionally low complication rate and excellent functional outcomes. The locking sensation disappears immediately after surgery and the patient is able to move the fingers straight away.
What is the cost of the surgery? How much does it cost?
The cost is quite affordable. For more information, please contact us.
If you also suffer from trigger finger, consult the specialized orthopaedic surgeon Mr Andreas Leonidou. The doctor has 14 years of continuous experience abroad and specialization in upper limb surgery.
Book your appointment for immediate diagnosis, specialized care and targeted treatment in just one visit.