• March 30, 2023
• By TJICLondon

How to Recognise and Treat Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a painful condition, resulting in restriction of range of movement, catching and occasionally locking of one or more fingers.

It tends to affect older patients more frequently and can be related to repetitive activities, often seen with manual occupations, such as building, DIY, and in certain sports, such as climbing and cricket.

In the hand, there are tendons that both bend and straighten the fingers. The tendon that bends the finger into the palm (flexor tendon) can become thickened and catch against one of the pulleys that holds the tendon down against the bone. This most commonly occurs at the A1 pulley, at the level of the knuckle joint in the palm side of the hand.

Initially, this can cause pain and tenderness in the palm side of the hand, and eventually catching and locking of the finger, most commonly in a bent position. When the individual tries to straighten the finger, this can cause pain and tenderness in the palm side of the hand and sometimes one will have to use the other hand to forcefully straighten the finger. This tends to be worse first thing in the morning as the finger has not been moving overnight.

A hand physiotherapist can help improve movement and reduce pain, but an ultrasound-guided steroid injection can often provide significant and rapid relief.

Under ultrasound guidance, the needle is placed up against the A1 pulley and a small volume of steroid and local anaesthetic is injected.

This would be expected to provide relief for at least six months and can be repeated if required. If the problem persists, then occasionally an A1 pulley release, involving a small operation, can provide a more definitive treatment option.

If you would like to book a rapid-access appointment at either our Golders Green or Chelsea clinic locations then please call 0208 0046659, visit www.thejointinjectionclinic.com or email [email protected] for further information.