Trigger finger Experts in san antonio

Causes of trigger finger

Tendons controlling finger movement can become irritated and thicken, causing trigger finger. There are several factors that can cause this inflammation:

• Repetitive Hand Use: Gripping, grasping, or forcefully using the fingers repetitively can strain the tendons, increasing the risk of trigger finger. A prolonged use of hands, such as when using hand tools, typing, or playing musical instruments, may aggravate the condition.

• Medical Conditions: Trigger finger is more likely to develop in patients with conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Inflammation in the body can affect the hand's tendons as a result of these conditions.

• Age and Gender: Women tend to suffer from trigger finger more than men, although the reason is not fully understood. This condition is more common in people over 40.

• Injury or Trauma: When a finger or hand is injured, inflammation or scarring can occur in the tendon, resulting in this condition.

• Genetics: A genetic predisposition may play a role in trigger finger development, especially if the condition runs in the family.

DIAGNOSIS OF trigger finger

Physical examinations are typically used to diagnose trigger finger. Your doctor may examine the finger's range of motion as it bends and straightens and ask about any pain, stiffness, or "clicking" sensations. In most cases, the doctor feels the base of the affected finger or thumb for tenderness or a nodule, which is a small bump along the tendon. Trigger finger is usually diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination alone, without imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds. Occasionally, however, these tests may be ordered to rule out other causes of hand or finger pain.

TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR trigger finger

There are several non-surgical and surgical treatment options available for trigger finger. To reduce inflammation, rest the affected hand and avoid activities that aggravate symptoms. In addition to alleviating stiffness, splinting the finger may stimulate healing. Pain and swelling can be managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. In the event that these measures fail to provide relief, your doctor may recommend steroid injections to decrease inflammation around the tendon. For more persistent cases, the tendon sheath may need to be released surgically. By doing this, the tendon will glide smoothly and the finger will be able to move freely again.