Procedures
“If you’re able to refrain from the activity that brought it on, rest your hand, try not to flex your fingers, and take an anti-inflammatory medication, it will commonly go away over a period of a few weeks,” advises Dr. DeHaan.
Medication
- Your hand surgeon may recommend you see a hand therapist or do specific exercises at home.
- Most people feel able to drive within five days.
- Avoid sports for two or three weeks, until the wound is healed and you have grip strength.
Therapy
Trigger finger is a painful inflammation of the tendon that flexes the finger and is treated with anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, and surgery as a last result. Copyright 2022 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Self-care
Trigger finger rarely regresses on its own until the symptoms disappear completely. In the case of mild forms, however, symptoms may disappear within a few months even without seeking treatment. Below several treatment options for trigger finger are listed below:
Nutrition
Specialist To Consult
How do you heal a trigger thumb?
What is the recovery time for a trigger thumb?
How do you cure trigger thumb?
Can trigger finger heal on its own?
Why do you have to have a trigger finger surgery?
What are the complications of trigger finger surgery?
How long does it take to get a trigger finger removed?
What is the procedure to release a tendon in the middle of the finger?
What is trigger finger?
How long does it take for a finger to heal after a sprain?
How long does it take to get a splint out of your hand?
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About this website
How painful is trigger thumb surgery?
After trigger finger surgery, you might experience minor swelling and soreness for several days. You might also have difficulty moving the finger initially, but this will improve in a few weeks. You might experience slight numbness or tingling near the incision site — this sensation will improve over time as well.
How long is recovery for trigger thumb surgery?
It will probably take about 6 weeks for your finger to heal completely. After it heals, your finger may move easily without pain. How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you can do your job without using the hand, you may be able to go back 1 or 2 days after surgery.
When is surgery needed for trigger thumb?
If a person tries nonsurgical treatment methods but still experiences trigger finger, a doctor will often recommend surgery. A doctor is also likely to recommend surgery if a finger becomes permanently “caught” or bent out of position. Surgeons usually take one of two approaches to treating trigger finger.
What causes thumb trigger?
Trigger finger generally results from inflammation within a tendon sheath, restricting tendon motion. A bump (nodule) in the tendon also may form. Tendons are fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Each tendon is surrounded by a protective sheath.
Are you awake during Trigger Thumb surgery?
This surgery will probably be done while you are awake. The doctor will give you a shot (injection) to numb your hand and prevent pain. You also may get medicine to help you relax. During the surgery, the doctor will make an incision in the skin of your finger or palm.
What is downside of trigger finger surgery?
Trigger finger surgery risks The risks of trigger finger surgery include: Infection. Nerve damage. Damage to blood vessels.
Can I drive home after Trigger Thumb surgery?
Please check with our office that we have a therapy appointment coordinated for you within 2-4 days after surgery, to begin range of motion exercises and avoid stiffness. You may drive and do light activities as tolerated.
Can you drive home after trigger finger surgery?
You may drive and do light activities as tolerated. Please avoid heavy lifting until the incisions are fully healed. You should refer to the pain management form for more detailed information on postoperative medications to avoid pain, nausea and constipation.
Is trigger finger a form of arthritis?
If your thumb or finger gets stuck in a bent position, you probably have a condition called trigger finger. While it can be preceded by a hand injury or strain, trigger finger is most commonly associated with arthritis.
Is trigger thumb a disability?
Can I Get Disability for Trigger Finger? If it can be established that your trigger finger is a result of your work duties, you may be entitled to workers' compensation while in recovery. A majority of these injuries are treatable, either through splinting or surgery, and should not produce any lasting problems.
Why is trigger thumb so painful?
The swelling and inflammation of the tunnel that the tendon runs through (tendon sheath) makes it difficult for the affected tendon to slide easily, causing the pain and stiffness associated with trigger finger.
What is the best remedy for trigger thumb?
Trigger finger usually gets better with rest, splinting, and OTC medications. Gentle stretching exercises can help ease stiffness and increase the range of movement in the affected hand. Anyone who experiences severe or persistent pain from trigger finger should speak to a doctor.
How long after trigger finger surgery can I use my hand?
It will probably take about 6 weeks for your finger to heal completely. After it heals, your finger may move easily without pain. How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you can do your job without using the hand, you may be able to go back 1 or 2 days after surgery.
Can I drive home after trigger thumb surgery?
Please check with our office that we have a therapy appointment coordinated for you within 2-4 days after surgery, to begin range of motion exercises and avoid stiffness. You may drive and do light activities as tolerated.
Can you drive yourself home after trigger finger surgery?
You may not drive yourself home from surgery. You must have a driver. You may not drive when you are taking narcotic pain medication.
When can I return to work after thumb surgery?
Some patients can return to work at the 2-4-week mark for light activities. If this is the patient's dominant hand, eating, typing, and other light activities are allowed. Patients who use the thumbs repeatedly, like office jobs, may need additional time or rest between jobs.
Trigger Finger Surgery Recovery - Hand and Wrist Institute
Trigger finger, or flexor tenosynovitis, is a condition where inflammation causes thickening of the flexor tendon in the finger, which then causes nodules to form.The inflammation and nodules make it difficult for the tendon to pass through the sheath surrounding it. Sometimes, the tendon sheath thickens as well, causing a narrow passageway.
Trigger Finger Release Surgery Performed by Dr. Benjamin Berenfeld
Video of Trigger Finger Release Surgery Performed by Dr. Benjamin Berenfeld
What is the advantage of a trigger thumb surgery?
The advantage of this mode of treatment is that the doctor has a visual of the tendon sheath he or she plans to cut. Watch a trigger thumb surgery video to gain a better understanding of what this entails.
What is trigger finger surgery?
Another trigger finger or trigger thumb surgery option is what is known as a percutaneous release. For this procedure, the doctor uses a needle to release the tendon without making an incision to the hand. The downside is that the doctor has no view of the internal structure of the hand.
How to treat a trigger thumb?
The vast majority of trigger thumb cases can be treated via conservative modes of treatment such as splinting, icing and resting the injured thumb, taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications and engaging in trigger thumb exercises. If these fail, one might also try a steroid injection into the thumb to remedy the condition.
How to heal a trigger finger?
But generally speaking, trigger thumb and trigger finger surgery recovery involves keeping any swelling under control via ice, elevation, rest and over the counter medications and engaging in trigger thumb exercises to maintain the thumb’s range of motion.
How to recover from trigger thumb surgery?
A doctor will provide more specific instructions as to how to treat the wound and the like. But generally speaking, trigger thumb and trigger finger surgery recovery involves keeping any swelling under control via ice, elevation, rest and over the counter medications and engaging in trigger thumb exercises to maintain the thumb’s range of motion. One should avoid forceful or repetitious motions of the hands (also thought to be causes of trigger finger/thumb) when recovering from trigger thumb surgery.
How long does it take for a trigger finger to heal?
On the plus side, this procedure has a shorter trigger thumb surgery recovery time than the open surgery, which typically takes four to six weeks to get fully back to normal.
Is trigger thumb surgery invasive?
Even when it comes to surgery for trigger thumb, there are options as to how invasive the surgical method of curing trigger thumb is. The more invasive trigger thumb release surgery involves the clinician making an incision in the hand so that he or she can “release” or slice the A1 pulley through which ...
What happens if you have a trigger finger?
If you have trigger finger, you might feel a little bump that catches when you use the finger. Eventually it can lock your finger into a bent position.
What to do if your trigger finger is not working?
If these methods don’t work, and your trigger finger prevents you from doing the things you normally do , you and your doctor might discuss surgery. Before Surgery.
What is the purpose of extending the finger after a pulley surgery?
On the day of surgery, a health care professional will mark the correct finger (the mark may be on the arm) with special ink and, if possible, extend the finger to make it easier for the surgeon to get to the “A1 pulley” that is the usual cause of the problem.
What to do if your finger is locked in a closed position?
Before Surgery. If your finger is locked in a closed position, you may need exercises, splints, or physical therapyto get it unlocked before surgery. This depends in part on the specifics of your case and how your doctor plans to approach the procedure.
What to do if your finger is locked?
If your finger is locked in a closed position, you may need exercises, splints, or physical therapy to get it unlocked before surgery. This depends in part on the specifics of your case and how your doctor plans to approach the procedure.
What to do if you still have pain after a hand surgery?
Your doctor might recommend that you do hand exercises or physical therapy if you still have pain after that. Some form of this surgery has been done for about a century, and the success rate is over 90%. There are possible problems like tendon or nerve damage, infection, and scarring.
How to make your arm numb?
Medical personnel will tie a tourniquet halfway up your upper arm. They will spray your hand with skin-numbing liquid and inject you with local anesthetic so that it’s numb. In special cases, your doctor could decide to use general anesthesia so you’re “asleep” during the surgery.
How many types of surgery are there for trigger finger?
There are three types of surgery for trigger finger:
What is a trigger finger?
Share on Pinterest. Trigger finger is a condition characterized by the fingers getting stuck in a particular position, usually a bent or ‘crooked’ position. Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis is when the finger gets stuck in a particular position at one or more of the joints. Trigger finger can make it difficult to move or use the finger;
What is the procedure to remove a tendon sheath?
Tenosynovectomy: A doctor will only recommend this procedure if the first two options are not suitable, such as in person with rheumatoid arthritis. A tenosynovectomy involves removing part of the tendon sheath, allowing the finger to move freely again.
Why is my thumb stuck in crooked position?
Causes. Outlook. Trigger finger can leave the finger or thumb stuck in a crooked position. It causes pain and stiffness and makes it hard to move the affected digit. If other treatments are not successful or the condition is severe, surgery is usually successful in restoring full movement. The recovery time for trigger finger surgery is quick, ...
Why do my fingers and thumbs get swollen?
Trigger finger is linked to certain medical conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis causes swollen joints and joint tissue, and this inflammation can extend to the fingers and thumbs. If the tendons in the digits become inflamed, it may cause trigger finger.
What percentage of people with diabetes have a trigger finger?
People with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing trigger finger. The condition affects 10 to 20 percent of those with diabetes, but only 2 to 3 percent of the general population. The link between diabetes and trigger finger is unclear.
How long after surgery can you move your thumb?
Surgery may initially cause some pain or soreness. Doctors may recommend over-the-counter painkillers for relief. Immediately after surgery, a person should be able to move their finger or thumb.
What is Trigger Thumb?
As you’ve just heard in the video, trigger thumb is a common and debilitating condition. The tendons in your thumb and fingers are covered in a tunnel-like structure of tissues that are called sheaths. If you have trigger thumb, your tendons have become inflamed. Because of this inflammation or swelling, your tendons are no longer properly gliding through your sheaths. When this happens, the base of your fingers may lock up, click, or pop. Essentially, your fingers get stuck in a non-relaxed position. This has the potential to be a very painful and frustrating condition, as you lose the full function of your thumbs. This condition can happen to all of your fingers including your thumbs, index, middle, ring, and pinky.
What are my Treatment Options For Trigger Thumb?
There is light at the end of the tunnel. Thankfully, trigger thumb is highly treatable with both conservative and surgical methods and remedies.
How do I know if the Pain at the Base of my Thumb is from Trigger Thumb?
People often describe the pain they are experiencing in their thumbs as:
How do you know if your trigger thumb is hurting?
Trigger thumb has the potential to have a variety of symptoms, although heavy thumb pain at the base of your joint and your thumb locking in the bent position are the most common. Other symptoms include finger stiffness that occurs in the morning, a popping or clicking sensation when you attempt to move your fingers, ...
How to get your thumbs back to normal?
Trigger thumb exercises are the best way to get your digits back to optimal functioning. They will help to work out and stretch your tendons in order to relieve your pain. Exercises are also a great option because they strengthen your tendons to prevent the issue from ever reoccurring, or starting in a different finger. Check out this blog to see a few examples of our favorite trigger thumb exercises.
What is the most common condition that affects the thumb?
To help you decipher which thumb condition you have read the most likely problems and their most common symptoms: Osteoarthritis - Osteoarthritis is the form of arthritis that most commonly affects the thumb or basal joint. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage of your thumb begins to wear away.
How to fix a sore thumb?
Bracing for your sore thumb joint is a great way to help fix your trigger thumb. If you are looking to immobilize your finger for pain relief this brace is a great option. This solution is great because it’s an easy at home remedy. If your thumb is stiff or swollen in the morning a brace like this should instantly help to alleviate your pain. Also, if you are someone who experiences trigger thumb symptoms by the locking of your fingers a brace will completely prevent this from occurring.
What is the purpose of trigger thumb surgery?
The goal of trigger thumb release surgery is to divide the A1 pulley to create more space for the flexor tendon and resolve the pain that occurs with powerful grip.
When should we perform a trigger thumb release surgery?
Generally the pathology of most trigger thumbs involves the A1 pulley and special care is used to preserve the oblique and A2 pulleys to prevent complications. The goal of trigger thumb release surgery is to divide the A1 pulley to create more space for the flexor tendon and resolve the pain that occurs with powerful grip. Many studies have shown low rates of recurrence with an open release that can largely be performed under local anesthesia. One study even showed the complete resolution of symptoms after trigger thumb release surgery is on average about 1.5 weeks afterwards as compared to 5.2 weeks for trigger fingers. Recent surgical research has explored performing this trigger finger and thumb release entirely percutaneously, in other words without making an incision, using only a needle to divide the A1 pulley. While the idea to perform the procedure percutaneously is almost 30 years old, the particular anatomy of the digital nerve in relation to the A1 pulley typically causes surgeons to prefer performing the procedure while visualizing the nerve.
What do we know about trigger thumb release treatment?
Despite the fact that finger and thumb triggering is one of the most common issues a hand surgeon sees, there are estimates of over 200,000 cases of trigger digits per year, trigger thumbs seem to always get lumped together with fingers and there are limited studies on trigger thumbs alone. Conservative management is very similar to trigger fingers and can include patient observation, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections.
How Can Proliance Hand, Wrist and Elbow Physicians Help?
A consultation with Proliance Hand, Wrist and Elbow Physicians can help determine if your hand suffers from trigger thumbs. Our highly trained occupational therapists are onsite at our Kirkland and Bellevue offices for your convenience to see your hand surgeon and therapist quickly and conveniently. Whether it is time to try a splint or a steroid injection or surgery for your trigger thumb, our staff can help you make an appointment at any of our five convenient Eastside locations.
Why do my fingers get stuck in the morning?
They can be associated with other conditions, like diabetes or carpal tunnel syndrome, but can also be present by themselves. Trigger fingers and thumbs can be particularly bothersome in the morning as they often become “stuck” overnight.
Why does my thumb feel like it's locked?
As with trigger fingers, trigger thumb patients typically experience a click or locking sensation in the afflicted finger or thumb as the hand goes from a grip position to an open palm or vice versa. While the exact cause is not known, trigger digits are thought to be due to overuse or repetitive activities.
Who is the president of the American Society for Surgery of the Hand?
The 2020 American Society for Surgery of the Hand president Martin Boyer once wrote a commentary that summarizes the current nature of percutaneous trigger thumb releases: “Percutaneous release adds an unnecessary layer of risk and complexity to a treatment that is straightforward and has withstood the test of time.”.
What is trigger finger surgery?
There are two types of trigger finger surgery. The first is called, “percutaneous release.
How long does trigger finger surgery last?
The surgeon then cuts the tendon sheath, allowing more room for the tendon to move. The surgery is an outpatient procedure and usually lasts about a half hour.
What is the procedure called when a hand surgeon uses a needle to break up tissue around the tendon shea?
The first is called, “percutaneous release. In a percutaneous release, a hand surgeon uses a needle, guided by ultrasound. The surgeon then uses the needle to break up tissue around the tendon sheath that is limiting mobility. Because there is no incision, percutaneous release doesn’t require stitches.
How to stop finger swollen?
Occupational therapy: An occupational therapist may work with you on stretches and exercises. These exercises can release tension, which will help stop trigger finger symptoms. Steroidal injections: Steroids decrease swelling. A doctor may inject your finger with corticosteroids.
What does it mean when your finger is stuck in a bent position?
Has your finger ever gotten locked in a bent position? You may be suffering from trigger finger . It’s one of the most common conditions that we treat at Michigan Surgery Specialists. Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger becomes stuck in a bent position, then snaps like the trigger of a gun being pulled.
What is the best way to keep your finger immobilized?
Splinting: A splint keeps the affected finger in place. That prevents inflammation caused by moving your finger throughout the day. You may also wear a splint to bed to keep the finger immobilized while you sleep.
How to reduce pain after finger surgery?
You can reduce pain by elevating your hand and taking anti-inflammatory medication . Occupational therapy can reduce pain and improve the mobility of your finger after surgery. There are few restrictions with this procedure.
What Happens During Trigger Finger Surgery?
Surgeons perform trigger finger procedures in an outpatient setting, and you can expect to return home after. You’ll receive anesthesia before your surgery so you can remain still for a more effective result. The practitioner makes a small incision into the palm during the procedure and opens the tightened sheath. This simple surgery allows the area to heal with extra room so the finger can move normally. The surgeon sutures the site and applies a small dressing, which must stay in place for about 10 days.
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger, or flexor tenosynovitis, is a condition where inflammation causes thickening of the flexor tendon in the finger, which then causes nodules to form. The inflammation and nodules make it difficult for the tendon to pass through the sheath surrounding it. Sometimes, the tendon sheath thickens as well, causing a narrow passageway. Trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendon gets and remains stuck in a bent position as you’re trying to straighten your finger. This condition can affect any finger, including the thumb.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Trigger Finger?
The affected fingers or thumb typically snap closed and stick in that position. You might experience pain and swelling in the finger or even a lump near a joint. Sometimes, you might need to extend the finger manually. In more severe cases, the finger can become locked in the bent position.
How long does it take to get back to work after a hand injury?
You might be able to return to work within a few days if your job doesn’t require repetitive use of the affected hand, but if you’re required to do any heavy lifting, have to apply pressure to the hand, or perform repetitive movements, you might need up to six weeks off work. Dr. Knight can tell you when it’s appropriate to resume normal activities when you come in for your follow-up appointment.
What Is Recovery Like After Surgery?
After trigger finger surgery, you might experience minor swelling and soreness for several days. You might also have difficulty moving the finger initially, but this will improve in a few weeks. You might experience slight numbness or tingling near the incision site — this sensation will improve over time as well. After about a week, you will come in for a post-op appointment, at which point the doctor will remove your sutures and dressing. Total healing time is about six weeks, after which most patients can resume regular activity.
Trigger Finger Surgery Consultation
During the initial trigger finger surgery consultation, the doctor stated I had two options for treating trigger finger. The first option was a cortisone shot. A cortisone shot is a steroid that reduces the inflammation in the tendon sheath. The second option was to have trigger finger release surgery.
What You Need To Know Prior To Trigger Finger Surgery
Prior to surgery I was given some instructions. I was to do the following to prepare for my surgery:
The Trigger Finger Release Surgery Procedure
Before surgery began, they took my vitals – height, weight and blood pressure. Next I was taken into the operating room where the nurse had me lay on the operating table. I was not required to wear a surgery gown, but they did have me put paper covers over my shoes. They took my arm and cleaned it extremely well for about 5 minutes.
24 Hours After Trigger Finger Surgery
Now that my hand was no longer numb, doing the exercise of opening and closing the hand 10 to 15 times an hours was a bit more painful. I had to actually use my other hand to open and close it. The bandage also started to come off.
5 Days Post Trigger Finger Surgery
Finally, 5 days after having surgery, my hand was starting to heal and felt closer to normal. This was the first day that I was able to get my finger straight. I did work on stretching it in the days prior. Most of the swelling I had in my hand had gone down. The stitched were probably the thing that bothered my the most.
7 Days Post Trigger Finger Surgery
Since my hand was feeling pretty good at this point, I went back to work. I just made sure I limited the use of my hand so my stitches were safe. A band-aid was used to cover up and protect the stitches. My hand became a little more stiff once I went back to work from the increased use. Overall returning to work with my hand was not too difficult.
2 Weeks Post Trigger Finger Surgery – Stitches Removed and Physical Therapy
At the 2 week mark, I went back to the doctor’s office to get my stitches removed. The doctor noted that the incision area looked extremely well. I think the method I used to wash my hands helped in the healing process. It did cause dry skin though. My hand was moving almost completely normal.
Why do you have to have a trigger finger surgery?
Surgery for trigger finger is done to increase the space for your flexor tendon to move. Your flexor tendon is a tendon in your fingers that is activated by your muscles to pull on the finger bones. That allows your finger to bend and flex. After surgery, the finger can bend and straighten without pain.
What are the complications of trigger finger surgery?
They move and test your finger during surgery. If complications occur, they may include: nerve damage. bowstringing, when too much of the sheath is cut.
How long does it take to get a trigger finger removed?
That means you’ll be in an operating room, but you don’t have to stay overnight in the hospital. The surgery should take from a few minutes to half an hour. Then you can go home.
What is the procedure to release a tendon in the middle of the finger?
Percutaneous release. This procedure is most commonly done for the middle and ring fingers. You may have this procedure done in your doctor’s office. Your doctor numbs your palm, then inserts a sturdy needle into the skin around your affected tendon.
What is trigger finger?
painful fingers, thumbs, hands, or forearms. the inability to do daily tasks without them being awkward or painful, including work, hobbies, or activities you enjoy. feeling embarrassed or nervous about having trigger finger.
How long does it take for a finger to heal after a sprain?
Here’s a general timeline of how long your recovery will last and what it will include: You’ll likely wear a bandage on the finger for four or five days and need to keep the wound dry. Your finger and palm will be sore for a few days. You can use ice packs to ease the pain.
How long does it take to get a splint out of your hand?
Nonsurgical treatments include: resting the hand for three to four weeks by not doing activities that require repetitive motion. wearing a splint at night for up to six weeks to keep the affected finger straight while you sleep.
