Trigger Finger/Thumb

What is it : The description most patients give for trigger finger is that the finger locks and needs to be straightened by the other hand. The other way they describe it is that of a clicking finger. The tendon(s) which bend the digits travel through a series of tunnels. Either the tendons can become thickened or the roof of the tunnel and the result is a tightening at the first tunnel which causes the finger to ‘click’ or ‘lock’.

Trigger finger is most common in women and in diabetics. It can affect multiple digits and both hands at the same time. The majority of patients will not have a cause for Trigger finger but there are some rare medical conditions which may cause it.

Management : Trigger finger can improve with steroid injections. This can reduce inflammation of the tendons and prevent them from getting stuck at the tunnel and causing triggering. The injections can be performed in the clinic or your GP can refer you to a radiologist. If the injections do not improve the triggering then an operation tends to have a good outcome.

Post operative : The wound and digit will usually require approximately a week to settle down. Range of motion of the digit is encouraged from day one. We will review your wound a week after your operation.