Trigger Finger

Patients notice a tender swelling below the finger or thumb with a "snap" when they try to bend / straighten  it. It is often painful, and cause stiffness and locking of the affected digit. The flexor (bending) tendons rubs, catches and gets stuck at the mouth of the pulley / tunnel system where they enter the finger  from the hand.

Who does it affect? Most are seen in older patients, but can occur at any age. It is common in diabetics.

Investigations An expert clinical examination is usually sufficient.

Non-surgical Treatment Initial treatment is usually by steroid injection. Often this is all that is required.

Surgical Treatment If injection is not successful, a minor local anaesthetic procedure (trigger finger release) will be proposed . This aims to free up the tendon, by releasing the tight part of the pulley. Diabetic patients or those with long-standing / severe triggering do better with surgery straight away.