Trigger Finger Specialist

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a condition that involves one or more of your fingers locking up or getting stuck while bent. Your finger may straighten with a sudden snapping motion. If this happens in your thumb, it’s called trigger thumb.

This condition occurs when tendons in your fingers become inflamed. Over time, this inflammation can create scarring or thickening that interferes with the fluid motion of your tendon. When this happens, you may experience popping and locking when you try to bend and straighten your finger.

Who gets trigger finger?

Trigger finger can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in women and adults between ages 40 and 60. Other factors that may increase your risk of developing trigger finger include:

• Work and hobbies that involve frequent gripping and hand use
• Diseases such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Recent carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

Trigger finger symptoms may be mild at first and get more severe over time. You may have trigger finger if you experience any of these signs or symptoms:

• Stiffness in your fingers that may be worse in the morning
• Popping or clicking when moving your finger
• Having your finger stuck in a bent position
• Having a stuck finger suddenly pop into a straight position
• Tenderness or a bump in the affected finger

How does an orthopaedic surgeon treat trigger finger?

Dr. Lewis can diagnose your trigger finger with a physical exam. He may ask you to open and close your hand, checking for signs of impaired movement.

Then, he recommends treatment based on the severity of your trigger finger symptoms. Mild cases may respond to physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medicines.

If your case is severe, or symptoms persist, Dr. Lewis may recommend further treatment such as localized steroid injections to reduce inflammation. Sometimes, surgery is necessary to relieve your trigger finger. Dr. Lewis has expertise in A1 pulley release, a surgical procedure that treats trigger finger by releasing the tendon from the first annular (A1) pulley in your finger.

If your finger is stiff or locking up, it’s best to get treatment early.  Call Coastal Shoulder Surgery & Sports Medicine today!!  Located in Tampa Bay, Largo, FL.