Have you ever tried to bend your finger, only to feel it catch or lock in place? This common problem is called trigger finger. It happens when the tendons in your hand no longer glide smoothly. Let’s break down what’s going on, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
Why Trigger Finger Happens
Inside your hand, there’s a whole system of pulleys that hold the flexor tendons close to the bones of your fingers. These pulleys keep the tendons in the right spot, preventing them from bowstringing and making your finger movement strong and efficient.
But sometimes, the tendon gets inflamed. When that happens, the tendon catches on one of the pulleys in your palm. Doctors call this “triggering,” and that’s what causes the finger to snap, lock, or catch when you try to move it.
First Steps: Rest and Ice
At first, the best thing you can do is give your finger a break. Resting the hand and applying ice can reduce swelling and calm down irritation. Many people notice a big difference with these simple steps.
Steroid Injections: Quick Relief for Many
If rest isn’t enough, the next option is often a steroid injection. This treatment decreases inflammation and helps the tendon glide smoothly again.
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Relief is noticeable in a few days, but sometimes it can take up to 6 weeks to feel the full benefit.
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Up to two injections work about 80% of the time.
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After two injections, most doctors recommend moving on to surgery to avoid the small risk of tendon rupture.
Surgical Release: A Permanent Fix
When injections no longer help, surgery is the best option. During a surgical release:
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The surgeon makes a small 1 cm incision in the palm.
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The tight pulley is carefully cut.
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This releases the tendon, allowing smooth and pain-free motion.
The scar is small, and recovery is usually quick. Many patients enjoy lasting relief after this procedure.
Taking the Next Step
Trigger finger may sound alarming, but with the right treatment, most people get back to normal hand use. Start with rest and ice, move to injections if needed, and don’t hesitate to consider surgery if the problem keeps coming back.
