Trigger Finger Treatment in Pasadena
Trigger finger is one of the most common problems of the hand. Patients experience painful clicking and catching of the fingers and thumb. This so-called “triggering” can be quite painful and debilitating, and the pain may even radiate into the hand and forearm. The problem occurs with attempted flexion and extension of the involved digit. For some patients, trigger finger surgery is the best option to resolve the condition. Symptoms are often worse in the mornings when patients first wake up, or aggravated by activities later in the day that call for forceful gripping.
Trigger Finger Treatment Options
Treatment is straightforward and twofold. The first option is a corticosteroid injection directly into the palm, designed to soften and decrease the scar tissue around the pulley to prevent catching and clicking, while also treating the associated pain. The steroid acts only locally and does not affect other areas. Sometimes injections definitively cure the problem, but patients often require repeat injections. In some cases, the scar tissue becomes too extensive for the injection to be effective, and the patient requires direct trigger finger surgery excision, which results in a definitive cure in almost all cases.
Because of the proximity of the critical structures of the hand and fingers, we recommend that board-certified hand surgeons treat this problem. Dr. Lakshman completed an orthopedic fellowship in surgery of the hand and is board certified. He takes the time to thoroughly explain the condition and ease your concerns. Whether you decide on the injection or surgery, he will go out of his way to make you comfortable and minimize pain.
If you have trigger finger, go to the experts for your care. You may also be interested in our treatment options for hand arthritis and ganglion cysts, or return to our Hand Surgery in Pasadena page to review all of our services.
Trigger Finger FAQs
What causes trigger finger?
Trigger finger is caused by scar tissue in the palm at the base of the finger, which prevents the tendon from moving smoothly through the pulley it glides through.
What are the symptoms of trigger finger?
Symptoms include painful clicking and catching of the fingers or thumb, sometimes with pain radiating into the hand and forearm, often worse in the morning.
Can trigger finger be treated without surgery?
Yes. A corticosteroid injection into the palm is often the first treatment, and can definitively cure the problem in many cases, though repeat injections are sometimes needed.
When is trigger finger surgery necessary?
Surgery is recommended when scar tissue becomes too extensive for injections to be effective. Trigger finger surgery results in a definitive cure in almost all cases.
Who should treat trigger finger?
Because of the proximity of critical hand structures, trigger finger should be treated by a board-certified hand surgeon.
Is trigger finger surgery painful?
Dr. Lakshman takes extensive measures to keep patients comfortable and minimize pain throughout injection or surgical treatment.
How do I schedule a consultation for trigger finger?
Call (626) 683-9080 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lakshman.