Trigger finger occurs when the tendons in the fingers, which are responsible for bending the fingers, get caught in the pulleys that guide them. These pulleys are soft tissue bands along the finger that help the tendons function smoothly. When a pulley catches on a tendon, it can cause the finger to lock or catch during movement. This condition can affect any finger, including the thumb.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

In mild cases, patients may experience pain in the affected finger. In more severe cases, the finger may catch or become stuck when bending, requiring the use of the other hand to help straighten it. Diagnosis is typically based on the patient’s symptoms and a physical examination.

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Treatment Options

• Non-Surgical Treatment: Initial treatment may include a low-dose steroid injection into the finger to reduce inflammation. This can often alleviate symptoms.
• Surgical Treatment: If non-surgical methods are unsuccessful, a trigger finger release procedure may be performed. This involves making a small incision over the finger to release the pulley that is catching on the tendon. The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic, allowing the patient to remain awake but pain-free. Most patients can go home on the same day.

Recovery and Post-Surgery Care

Most patients find that the trigger finger release procedure is very successful in relieving symptoms. The surgery is typically well-tolerated, and patients often experience significant improvement shortly after the procedure.