Trigger Finger Release

Symptoms of trigger finger include:

• Pain when bending or straightening your trigger digit.
• Tenderness in your palm.
• Clicking of your trigger digit during movement, or locking in a bent position. The digit may need to be straightened using your other hand.
• Stiffness in your trigger digit.

If you think you may have trigger finger, it’s worth seeing your GP. They may suggest that you avoid activities that are causing you pain to see if this helps to relieve your symptoms. Over the counter pain killers may also be useful.

Treatment for trigger finger depends on your symptom’s severity and how long you've had them. Mild cases of trigger finger can get better without treatment.

Treatment options for trigger finger release

Initially non-surgical treatment may be recommended including non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, splinting where your finger is strapped to hold it straight, and corticosteroid injections to relieve your symptoms.

If you have severe trigger finger or other treatments haven’t worked, then trigger finger release surgery will be recommended.

Surgery for trigger finger is normally performed on an outpatient basis, under local anaesthetic and takes around 20 minutes. There are two types of trigger finger release surgery:

• Open trigger finger release surgery – this is generally the preferred option. Your hand surgeon will make a small incision in your palm and carefully cut through the tendon sheath to make it wider.
• Percutaneous trigger finger release surgery - a needle is inserted into the base of your affected digit and is used to slice thought your ligament. There are no cuts or scars but there are nerves and arteries very close to the tendon sheath that could easily be damaged.

The benefits of trigger finger release surgery include regaining the ability to properly move the affected fingers, and normal use of your hand.

Complications are rare with trigger finger release surgery. However, as with any surgery, complications could occur and include:

• Infection
• Pain or stiffness in your finger
• A tender scar
• Nerve damage
• Bowstringing - where the tendon is in the wrong position
• Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) - pain and swelling in your hand that usually resolves after a few months.

Immediately following surgery most people can move their fingers. You may feel soreness in your palm. You may be advised to have physiotherapy for finger exercises to help loosen your finger. You can expect recovery to take a few weeks. Swelling and stiffness may take up to six months to go.