Trigger finger is a disorder that affects the fingers. It's a painful condition that makes it difficult to move and may be made worse by periods of inactivity. In severe cases, the finger may even lock in a bent position. A doctor can diagnose this condition by talking to you about your symptoms and examining your hand. He will check the finger for swelling, stiffness, or locking. The initial treatment for trigger finger is usually nonsurgical and may involve resting the hand.
Injecting corticosteroids into the affected tendon can help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation. However, it's important to note that this treatment can only be effective in about 50 to 70% of trigger finger patients. Moreover, it can cause side effects such as colour changes, skin thinning, and infection. Surgical management is also a possible option in certain cases. The FPL tendon sheath may be removed by a surgeon, which may eliminate the problem for good.
Depending on the severity of the condition, trigger finger may require several treatments. The most common treatment is to avoid performing repetitive trigger activities for four to six weeks. Other treatments include wearing a splint or wristband that restricts motion, and taking anti-inflammatory drugs. In more serious cases, trigger finger may require surgery.