Trigger finger

What is a trigger finger? A trigger finger is a condition affecting tendons that flex the fingers and thumb.

Typically resulting in a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your fingers.

Symptoms:

A popping or clicking sensation as the finger moves.
Tenderness or a bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
Finger catching, popping, or locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight.
The finger is locked in a bent position.
Swelling

Causes:

While the causes of the trigger finger are not well known, several factors may increase your risk of developing the condition, including:

Age. Trigger finger is more common in older individuals and is rare in children.
Medical conditions. Trigger fingers are more common in people with certain medical problems, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
Forceful hand activities. The condition is known to occur after forceful use of the fingers and thumb.

Solution:

Treatment option depends on which of your fingers are affected and the severity of your symptoms. The most common trigger finger treatments include:

Nonsurgical Treatment:

Rest: Resting your hand and avoiding activities that worsen it may help resolve the problem.

Splinting: Wearing a splint at night to keep the affected finger or thumb in a straight position while you sleep may be helpful.

Stretching exercises: Stretching exercises might help your tendons regain their flexibility.

Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs — such as naproxen or ibuprofen — relieve pain and reduce swelling. Dr. Sauvageau might also prescribe corticosteroids as you might need cortisone shots.

Surgical Treatment:
If your trigger finger does not get better with nonsurgical treatment, you may wish to consider surgery. The decision to have surgery is typically based on how much pain or loss of function you have in your finger.

Trigger finger release

The surgical procedure for the trigger finger is called a trigger finger release.

The goal of the procedure is to release the A1 pulley, which is the pulley responsible for blocking tendon movement. After release, the flexor tendon can glide more easily through the tendon sheath, making the clicking/catching sensation go away. Typically, trigger finger release is an outpatient procedure, with an injection of local anesthesia to numb the area for surgery. It can be performed with or without sedation.

Trigger finger releases are outpatient procedures, which means you can go home the same day.

Dr. Sauvageau's expertise

Our talented Dr. Joan Sauvageau, who has already operated on hundreds of people suffering from trigger finger syndrome while working at the hospital, is now offering this surgery at her new clinic in Le Vieux-Longueuil.

Driven by a profound passion for helping her patients, she strives to put her expertise and talent to work for patients awaiting hand surgery.

Return to your daily activities pain-free and regain your normal range of motion with Dr. Sauvageau!

Why choose Clinique K to perform the procedure

The state-of-the-art facility, ultra-modern operating room, and warm, welcoming, relaxing setting.

Other surgical procedures offered by Dr. Sauvageau: