Trigger finger is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers, causing them to catch or lock when bent.
It can range from mildly uncomfortable to significantly painful, and it’s not uncommon for people to assume surgery is the only way to address it.
But many of our patients at Ortho 1 Medical Group in San Diego, La Jolla, and Coronado, California, is surgery always necessary for trigger finger? Not necessarily!
Our board-certified orthopedic specialists understand how limiting trigger finger can be. That’s why we offer a variety of treatment options.
Keep reading to explore whether surgery is your only option or if noninvasive treatments could help.
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, happens when the tendons that control the bending of your fingers become inflamed or irritated.
This inflammation can narrow the space within the sheath that surrounds your flexor tendon, making finger movements stiff, painful, or stuck in a bent position.
While the exact cause isn’t always clear, repetitive hand movements, gripping tools for long periods, and certain health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk.
Symptoms can include finger stiffness, clicking, or locking — especially in the morning. The good news is that treatment is available, and it doesn’t always mean surgery.
The good news is that surgery isn’t always the first-line treatment for trigger finger. Many patients respond well to noninvasive treatments, especially in the early stages of the condition.
One of the simplest ways to manage early trigger finger symptoms is to rest your hand and avoid activities that aggravate the condition.
If your trigger finger stems from repetitive motions or heavy use of your hands, taking a break from these activities can significantly reduce inflammation and pain.
If your job or hobbies involve heavy grip work or repeated finger use, your Ortho 1 Medical Group provider may recommend changes in how you perform these tasks.
Splinting is another effective treatment option, particularly for mild to moderate cases of trigger finger.
A splint keeps your affected finger in an extended position, allowing the tendon to rest and heal.
You’ll typically wear a splint for several weeks, especially at night, to prevent the finger from curling into a bent position during sleep.
Splinting may not be a permanent solution, but it can give your inflamed tendon time to recover, reducing the need for more aggressive treatments down the road.
Over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain associated with trigger finger.
These medications won’t cure your condition, but they can make it easier to manage symptoms while pursuing other noninvasive treatments.
Your provider at Ortho 1 Medical Group may also recommend corticosteroid injections, which target inflammation directly at the source.
These injections can provide relief for weeks or even months, and some patients find long-term relief after one or two rounds of treatment.
While nonsurgical treatments can be effective for many, surgery may still be necessary in severe or persistent cases.
If your finger is stuck in a bent position, or if other treatments haven’t provided relief, your provider may recommend a procedure to release the constriction around the tendon.
Trigger finger release surgery is a straightforward outpatient procedure that involves making a small incision at the base of the affected finger.
Your Ortho 1 Medical Group surgeon then cuts the tight portion of the tendon sheath, which allows the tendon to move freely again.
The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes, with most patients going home the same day.
Recovery time varies, but many people regain full movement within a few weeks, especially when following a rehabilitation plan that includes physical therapy.
At Ortho 1 Medical Group, we typically recommend trying noninvasive treatments first.
However, if your symptoms continue to worsen, or if you’re unable to perform everyday tasks due to pain or stiffness, surgery might be your best option.
Some signs it may be time to consider surgery include:
Whether you’re experiencing mild trigger finger symptoms or have already tried nonsurgical treatments without success, our board-certified orthopedic specialists can provide a personalized trigger finger treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Contact the San Diego area Ortho 1 Medical Group location nearest you today to schedule an appointment and learn more about your options.
