Imagine waking up with your fingers stiff and stuck in a bent position, or feeling a painful pop every time you try to grip something. If this sounds familiar, you might be dealing with trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. At Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery (VSON), our dedicated team, including Dr. Erik Dorf and Dr. Terrell Joseph, are here to help you reclaim the smooth, pain-free movement of your fingers.
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendons in your fingers or thumb become irritated and inflamed. This inflammation can cause the tendon to catch or lock as you bend and straighten your finger, leading to pain and discomfort. Any finger can be affected, and the condition often announces itself with a sharp click or pop.
Causes and Risk Factors
What puts you at risk for trigger finger? Here are some common culprits:
Repetitive Gripping: Whether it’s manual labor or enjoying a hobby like gardening, frequent gripping can strain the tendons leading to stenosing tenosynovitis.
Medical Conditions: Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can make you more prone to developing trigger finger.
Gender and Age: Women and individuals between 40 and 60 years old are more likely to experience this condition.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The signs of trigger finger are hard to miss:
Pain and Tenderness: Especially at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
Morning Stiffness: Fingers may feel locked in a bent position upon waking.
Clicking or Popping: A telltale sign when you move your finger.
Locking: The finger might get stuck in a bent position, causing significant pain until manually straightened.
Expert Diagnosis and Personalized Care
Dr. Dorf and Dr. Joseph are skilled at diagnosing trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, with a simple physical exam. They’ll check for tenderness, locking, and your range of motion to confirm the condition and plan your treatment.
Tailored Treatment Options
Non-Surgical Solutions
Rest and Splinting: Give your fingers a break with rest and supportive splints.
Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs can ease the pain and reduce swelling.
Steroid Injections: These powerful injections can offer significant relief by reducing inflammation.
Trigger Finger Surgery
When non-surgical treatments don’t do the trick, trigger finger surgery might be the answer. This minimally invasive procedure releases the constricted tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to glide smoothly. Our experienced surgeons, Dr. Dorf and Dr. Joseph, perform this surgery with precision, often resulting in quick recovery and lasting relief.
Prevention Tips
While not all cases can be prevented, these tips can help reduce your risk:
Activity Modification: Avoid repetitive gripping and heavy hand use.
Stretching: Regular finger stretches can keep your tendons flexible.
Ergonomic Tools: Tools designed to minimize hand strain can be a game-changer.
Why Choose Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery?
At VSON, we’re more than just doctors – we’re your partners in health. Dr. Dorf and Dr. Joseph are committed to helping you overcome trigger finger with personalized care and advanced treatment options. Whether you need non-surgical therapy or trigger finger surgery, we’re here to ensure you get back to living your life without pain.
Don’t let trigger finger hold you back any longer. Schedule a consultation with one of our specialists today and take the first step toward unlocking the full use of your hands. Your hands deserve the best care, and that’s what we deliver at VSON!