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Dr. Daniel C. Eby

Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine

Trigger Finger

Does your finger lock in place? Does your finger click or snap when you bend it?

Trigger fingers happen when a structure over your tendon becomes inflamed. The result is a finger that is stuck in place or simply painful to use. If left untreated, the tendon can become damaged or torn.

Causes and Risk Factors

Overuse, age, diabetes, and hypothyroidism are common reasons why patients get trigger fingers.

Symptoms

  • Painful opening or closing of the affected finger
  • Snapping, clicking, catching of your finger with motion
  • Tenderness in the finger or over the nodule

Diagnosis

Dr. Eby and staff can confidently identify trigger fingers without imaging. Although, X-ray and ultrasound can be helpful to rule out other similar conditions.

Treatments and Recommended Imaging

Start at home with resting the hand and finger. Try common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.

Come into the office to be seen after trying the treatments above. We can try a cortisone injection which can calm down the inflammation and prevent further symptoms. Unfortunately, the injection does not always cure the issue.

The solution with the best long-term outcomes is a minor surgical procedure.

REFERENCES

McMahon, Patrick J., and Harry B. Skinner. Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Orthopedics. 6th ed., McGraw-Hill Medical, 2021.
Jennifer, Rynders, and Sara D Hart. Orthopaedics for Physician Assistants. 1st ed., Elsevier – Health Science, 2013.