Home
PG College
Patient Login
International patients
Contact Us
Emergency
Download Reports
Trigger Finger Treatment in Pune
Get expert trigger finger treatment in Pune with orthopaedic surgeons providing tendon release and pain-free hand movement.
Overview
Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common hand condition that makes it difficult to bend your affected finger or thumb. This condition occurs when the tendon in your finger becomes inflamed and swollen, causing it to catch or stick when you try to move it.
Your fingers contain tendons – tough cords that connect muscles to bones and allow movement. These tendons are surrounded by protective sheaths and held in place by tissue bands called pulleys. When everything works normally, your tendons glide smoothly through these structures as you bend and straighten your fingers.
With a trigger finger, inflammation disrupts this smooth motion. The swollen tendon may catch in its sheath, creating a painful clicking or snapping sensation. In severe cases, the finger can become stuck in a bent position, requiring force to straighten it.
This condition can affect any finger or thumb and may involve multiple digits (more than one finger or thumb) or both hands. While some mild cases improve on their own, untreated trigger finger can lead to permanent finger stiffness and significantly impact daily activities.
Symptoms
Trigger finger symptoms typically develop gradually and may include:
- Pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb, especially when gripping objects or applying pressure
- Stiffness in the finger, particularly noticeable in the morning
- A clicking or snapping sensation when bending or straightening the finger
- Tenderness or a small lump felt in the palm at the base of the affected digit
- Catching or locking of the finger in a bent position
- Difficulty fully straightening the finger after it has been bent
In advanced cases, the finger may become permanently locked in a bent position, making normal hand function extremely difficult. Symptoms are often worse after periods of heavy hand use or upon waking.
Causes
The exact cause of trigger finger isn’t always clear, but it fundamentally occurs when the tendon or its surrounding sheath becomes problematic. Common underlying causes include:
- Inflammation and swelling of the tendon sheath
- Thickening of the tendon sheath or the pulleys that guide tendon movement
- Formation of small lumps or nodules on the tendon
- Repetitive hand motions that cause microtrauma to the tendon-sheath complex
- Direct trauma or injury to the hand
- Prolonged gripping of vibrating tools or equipment
In children, trigger finger is often developmental, resulting from a size mismatch between the tendon and its sheath. Most pediatric cases resolve naturally without treatment.
Risk Factors
Several factors increase your likelihood of developing trigger finger:
- Age: Most common in people between 40-60 years old
- Gender: Women are affected more frequently than men
- Medical conditions, particularly:
- Diabetes (affects up to 10% of diabetic patients)
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Thyroid disorders
- Gout
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Occupational factors: Jobs requiring repetitive hand use, forceful gripping, or vibrating tools
- Previous carpal tunnel surgery (especially within the first six months)
- Pregnancy
People with diabetes face significantly higher risk, with both increased frequency and severity of symptoms compared to the general population.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing trigger finger is primarily based on clinical examination. Your doctor will:
- Review your medical history and symptoms
- Examine your hand and fingers for areas of pain and swelling
- Observe your finger movement, checking for catching, clicking, or locking
- Feel for tender lumps or swelling in your palm
The diagnosis is typically confirmed if your finger locks during movement, clicks painfully, or catches when straightening, especially when accompanied by a nodule at the finger’s base.
Imaging tests are rarely needed. X-rays may be used to rule out fractures, while ultrasound can provide detailed views of tendon inflammation and pulley thickening if needed.
Treatment
Trigger finger treatment aims to reduce swelling, eliminate catching and locking, and restore normal finger movement. Early diagnosis and treatment typically lead to better outcomes.
Non-Surgical Treatment
Rest and Activity Modification
- Avoid repetitive gripping and grasping activities
- Use padded gloves when handling vibrating tools
- Take frequent breaks during hand-intensive tasks
Medication
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen
- Topical creams or patches for localized relief
Splinting
- Night splints to keep the finger straight and prevent locking
- Daytime splints for severe cases
- Typically worn for several weeks
Steroid Injections
- Corticosteroids injected directly into the tendon sheath
- Often provides relief for a year or more
- May require 2-3 injections for optimal results
- Ultrasound guidance improves effectiveness
Hand Therapy
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
- Tendon gliding exercises
- Activities like clay kneading to maintain mobility
Surgical Treatment
When non-surgical methods fail or the finger is permanently locked, surgery may be recommended:
Open Release
- Gold standard surgical approach
- Small incision made at the finger’s base
- Cutting of the narrowed tendon sheath (A1 pulley)
- Performed under local anesthesia
- Nearly 100% effective
Percutaneous Release
- Minimally invasive needle technique
- Uses ultrasound guidance
- Lower success rate than open surgery
- Risk of nerve or tendon damage
Surgery is highly effective but reserved for cases where conservative treatments have failed.
Rehabilitation
Post-surgical rehabilitation focuses on restoring full finger function:
- Immediate movement: You can typically move your finger right after surgery
- Elevation: Keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling
- Hand therapy: May be recommended for stiff fingers
- Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening activities
- Activity modification: Gradual return to normal activities
Most patients return to regular activities within 2-4 weeks, though manual laborers may need longer recovery periods.
Complications
While trigger finger treatment is generally safe, potential complications include:
- Pain or tenderness at the surgical site
- Recurrence of triggering (rare)
- Finger stiffness
- Nerve damage
- Tendon damage or malposition
- Infection (requiring immediate medical attention)
- Incomplete symptom resolution
Complications occur in less than 1-4% of cases and are typically minor.
Prevention
While not always preventable, especially with underlying medical conditions, you can reduce your risk by:
- Using proper technique when handling tools or playing sports
- Taking frequent breaks during repetitive hand activities
- Starting new activities gradually
- Wearing padded gloves with vibrating equipment
- Performing regular hand and finger stretching exercises
- Managing underlying conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
Living With Trigger Finger
Trigger fingers can significantly impact daily life, making simple tasks like typing, buttoning clothes, or gripping objects difficult. However, this condition is highly treatable with excellent outcomes when properly managed.
Early intervention is key to preventing permanent finger stiffness and maintaining hand function. Most people experience significant improvement with appropriate treatment, whether non-surgical or surgical.
Working with healthcare professionals to develop an individualized treatment plan ensures the best possible outcomes and helps you maintain an active lifestyle despite this condition.
Key Takeaways
- Trigger finger occurs when inflamed tendons catch in their sheaths, causing pain, clicking, and locking
- Common risk factors include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, age over 40, and repetitive hand use
- Early diagnosis through clinical examination leads to better treatment outcomes
- Non-surgical treatments like rest, splinting, NSAIDs, and steroid injections are often effective
- Surgery is highly successful when conservative treatments fail
- Hand therapy and exercises support recovery and prevent recurrence
- Prevention focuses on proper hand mechanics and managing underlying health conditions
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand how trigger finger can disrupt your daily life and affect your ability to perform even simple tasks. Our specialized orthopedic team provides comprehensive care for hand and finger conditions, offering both non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
We utilize the latest diagnostic techniques, including ultrasound-guided steroid injections, and our experienced surgeons perform minimally invasive procedures when surgery is necessary. Our rehabilitation specialists work closely with you to ensure optimal recovery and help you regain full hand function.
From initial consultation through complete recovery, we’re committed to helping you overcome trigger finger and return to your normal activities pain-free.
Meet Our Hand & Microvascular Specialists
Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes trigger finger to develop?
Trigger finger develops when the tendon or tendon sheath becomes inflamed and swollen, often due to repetitive hand use, underlying conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, or direct trauma to the hand.
Is trigger finger painful?
Yes, trigger finger typically causes pain at the base of the affected finger, especially with movement or pressure. The clicking and snapping sensations can also be uncomfortable.
Can trigger finger affect the thumb?
Absolutely. When trigger finger affects the thumb, it’s specifically called trigger thumb and has similar symptoms and treatments.
How is trigger finger diagnosed?
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on your symptoms and physical examination. Your doctor will check for pain, clicking, locking, and tender lumps in your palm.
What happens if the trigger finger goes untreated?
Untreated trigger finger can lead to permanent finger stiffness, locking in a bent position, and significant difficulty with daily activities like typing or gripping objects.
How effective are steroid injections?
Steroid injections are highly effective, often providing relief for a year or more. Some patients may need 2-3 injections for optimal long-term results.
How long is recovery after surgery?
Most patients can move their finger immediately after surgery and return to regular activities within 2-4 weeks. Complete healing may take several months.
Is trigger finger common in children?
Trigger finger is uncommon in children but can occur, most often affecting the thumb. Many pediatric cases resolve naturally without treatment by age 3.
