Services / Trigger Finger

A trigger finger causes pain and affects mobility, but it’s a treatable condition. The team at Cascade Orthopaedics in Auburn offers effective nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for trigger finger. To get help for your trigger finger, call the office nearest you or schedule a consultation online today.

What is a trigger finger?

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis, is a painful condition that causes the finger to lock or catch when you bend or straighten it. The condition most often affects the ring finger and thumb. 

Trigger finger of the thumb is known as a trigger thumb.

You can develop trigger finger if you engage in repetitive movements of your finger or if you have a history of rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes. 

The tendons and muscles in your hands and arms give you the ability to bend your fingers and thumb. When you move your finger or thumb, a tendon glides through a sheath, which is the tissue that covers the tendon, holding it in place.

Inflammation of the tendon in your finger affects the gliding movement through the sheath. Instead, the tendon catches on the sheath, causing the trigger finger symptoms.

What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

Trigger finger symptoms often occur in the dominant hand and progressively worsen over time. With a trigger finger, you may have a popping or catching sensation when bending your finger. 

The finger may feel stiff, especially when you first wake up in the morning. You may also develop a nodule or tender area at the base of your finger.

What happens during a trigger finger evaluation?

Because the practice takes a patient-centered approach, you can expect a comprehensive evaluation when you come in with concerns about a trigger finger. 

The team will review your symptoms, medical history, and daily activities. They examine your hand and fingers and may request on-site imaging to confirm or rule out trigger finger. 

What are the treatment options for trigger finger?

Your provider customizes your trigger finger treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms. Initially, they will take a conservative approach and recommend:

• Icing
• Splinting
• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Physical therapy

However, your provider may recommend a cortisone injection into the inflamed tendon to quickly and effectively treat your trigger finger. If your trigger finger fails to improve after two injections, surgery might be necessary. 

The practice performs a trigger finger release to treat this finger condition. During this procedure, a provider releases the A1 pulley at the base of your finger that’s blocking the tendon's movement.

This procedure is performed at the clinic's ambulatory surgical center.

For help with your trigger finger, call Cascade Orthopaedics, or schedule an appointment online today.