If one of your fingers remains bent and you’re unable to straighten it, a trigger finger may be to blame. At Martin Orthopedics, the team of board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians has years of experience diagnosing and treating trigger finger. To make an appointment at the office in Little Rock, North Little Rock, Hot Springs Village, Benton, Cabot, or White Hall, Arkansas, call or book online today.
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, causes one of your fingers to get stuck in a bent position. It occurs when the sheath that surrounds a tendon in your finger becomes inflamed.
Anyone can experience trigger finger, but it’s especially common in people who have jobs or hobbies that require repetitive gripping motions.
Common symptoms of trigger finger include:
Trigger finger can affect one (or multiple) fingers. The severity of the condition varies from person to person, but symptoms are often worse in the mornings.
Make an appointment with the team at Martin Orthopedics if your affected finger becomes hot, swollen, or inflamed. These symptoms indicate an infection. You should also make an appointment if your finger remains locked and you’re unable to straighten it.
Several factors increase your risk of experiencing a trigger finger, including:
You might also develop a trigger finger if your job requires the regular use of hand tools.
To diagnose a trigger finger, your Martin Orthopedics provider physically examines your finger and hand. Afterward, they ask you to open and close your hand and check for any signs of pain, swelling, or tenderness. Next, your provider gently feels your palm to see if a lump or bump is present.
Treatment of a trigger finger depends on the severity of your symptoms and their effect on your daily life. If your trigger finger is mild, over-the-counter pain medication may provide significant relief. You might also benefit from rest, a finger splint, or stretching exercises.
If conservative treatments don’t provide relief or your symptoms get worse, the team at Martin Orthopedics might recommend steroid injections or surgery. During trigger finger surgery, your provider makes a small incision near the base of your finger and cuts the restricted section of your tendon sheath.
To receive treatment for a trigger finger, make an appointment at Martin Orthopedics by calling the nearest office today or scheduling online.
