Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition characterized by a painful locking or catching sensation in the fingers or thumb. It occurs when the tendons that control finger movement become inflamed and develop nodules, restricting their ability to glide smoothly through the tendon sheath. This condition can significantly impact hand functionality and quality of life.
Causes and Risk Factors
Trigger finger often results from repetitive gripping or strenuous hand movements, common in occupations requiring manual labor. It's also more prevalent in individuals with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other conditions that predispose to inflammation. Symptoms may include stiffness, tenderness, and the classic "triggering" sensation when attempting to straighten a bent finger.
Conservative Treatment Options
Initial treatment for trigger finger focuses on non-invasive methods:
- Rest and Splinting: Immobilizing the affected finger can reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to heal. Splinting at night has shown moderate success, with up to 81% of patients benefiting within six weeks.
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle hand and finger stretches can improve mobility and decrease stiffness.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroids are highly effective in reducing tendon sheath inflammation, often providing relief for several months. However, repeated injections may increase the risk of complications.
Surgical and Interventional Procedures
When conservative treatments fail, interventional pain management or surgical procedures become viable options:
- Percutaneous Release: A minimally invasive technique that involves releasing the tendon sheath using a needle. This method boasts a success rate of approximately 95% and allows for quicker recovery compared to open surgery.
- Open Surgical Release: This involves cutting the tightened tendon sheath through a small incision, providing long-term relief in most cases.
- Wide-Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT): A cost-effective surgical approach enabling immediate post-operative assessment of the finger's functionality.
Interventional Pain Management in Trigger Finger
Interventional pain management plays a critical role in both diagnostic and therapeutic processes for trigger fingers. Techniques like ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections enhance precision, ensuring effective delivery of medication to reduce inflammation. These interventions are tailored to minimize downtime and promote a quicker return to daily activities.
Patient Outcomes and Considerations
Studies highlight that while surgical release offers the highest success rates, complications such as stiffness and infection may occur, particularly in patients with underlying conditions like diabetes. Early diagnosis and individualized treatment plans—whether conservative or interventional—are key to successful outcomes.
At Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation, interventional pain management integrates advanced techniques and patient-centric care to address conditions like trigger fingers effectively. By combining expertise with state-of-the-art methods, we help patients regain mobility and reduce discomfort, empowering them to return to their daily lives with confidence.
Precision Pain Care and Rehabilitation has two convenient locations in Richmond Hill – Queens, and New Hyde Park – Long Island. Call the Queens office at (718) 215-1888 or (516) 419-4480 for the Long Island office to arrange an appointment with our Interventional Pain Management Specialists, Dr. Jeffrey Chacko or Dr. Sonny Ahluwalia.