Trigger Finger (A1 Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that controls finger movement becomes inflamed or thickened, making it difficult to glide smoothly through the surrounding sheath. This creates friction and irritation, leading to pain and the characteristic “triggering” sensation when bending or straightening the affected finger.

The condition commonly affects the thumb, index, or middle fingers but can occur in any finger.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can develop from:

• Repetitive Use: Activities that involve frequent gripping or finger movement.
• Medical Conditions: Individuals with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout are at higher risk.
• Trauma or Injury: Direct injury to the palm or finger can contribute to tendon irritation.
• Age and Gender: More common in individuals aged 40-60 and slightly more prevalent in women.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain or tenderness at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
• A clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger.
• Finger stiffness, especially in the morning.
• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the finger.
• Finger locking in a bent position, sometimes requiring the other hand to straighten it.

If these symptoms interfere with your daily activities or worsen over time, it’s important to seek treatment to prevent permanent stiffness or loss of function.

Diagnosing Trigger Finger

At Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, diagnosing trigger finger involves:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Evaluating symptoms, tenderness, and finger motion.
• Observation of Triggering: Your doctor may ask you to move the affected finger to observe locking or catching.
• Imaging Tests: Typically not required, but X-rays or ultrasounds may be used to rule out other conditions.

Treatment Options for Trigger Finger

Our specialists offer a range of treatment options based on the severity of the condition and your individual needs.

Non-Surgical Treatments

• Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding repetitive or forceful gripping activities to reduce tendon irritation.
• Splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the finger in an extended position, allowing the tendon to heal.
• Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain and swelling.
• Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and improve tendon movement.

Surgical Treatments

If non-surgical treatments are not effective, a minimally invasive surgical procedure may be recommended.

• Trigger Finger Release: Performed under local anesthesia, this procedure involves releasing the tight portion of the tendon sheath (A1 pulley) to allow the tendon to glide smoothly.
• Percutaneous Release: A needle is used to cut the sheath in select cases, requiring no incision.

Both methods have high success rates and allow for a quick return to normal activities.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery from trigger finger treatment depends on the chosen approach:

• Non-Surgical Recovery: Most patients experience relief within weeks of rest, splinting, or injections.
• Surgical Recovery: Recovery from trigger finger release surgery is typically quick, with many patients resuming light activities within days and full activities within a few weeks.

Physical therapy or hand exercises may be recommended to restore strength and mobility.

Why Choose Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush?

Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush is a leader in hand and wrist care, offering state-of-the-art treatments and advanced surgical techniques for trigger finger. Our fellowship-trained specialists provide personalized, compassionate care to help you regain pain-free hand function.