March 27, 2020 Patty Weasler, RN

Best Trigger Finger Treatment Options

Home Remedies Nonsurgical Treatment Medical Procedures Safety

Trigger finger treatment can vary depending on the needs of the individual, involving a few simple home remedies or go as far as surgery. Finding the right option can go a long way toward alleviating the condition’s pain and stiffness as the patient moves closer to recovery. In this article, we will cover each treatment option to help you determine, with your physician, which therapy is right for you.

Home Remedies

Initial treatment for trigger finger is usually a combination of a few home remedies. These treatment options will reduce the symptoms of trigger finger and let you perform most of your everyday activities. Home remedies include:

Rest

Medications

Ice

Exercises

Learn more about home remedies for trigger finger pain here.

Nonsurgical Treatment

When you are faced with a new diagnosis conservative treatment to avoid surgery is the first line of therapy many patients choose. Here we’ll discuss the different trigger finger treatments that require additional equipment or healthcare specialties but still avoid hand surgery.

Massage

Trigger finger massage soothes soreness, releases the feel-good chemical serotonin, and reduces tension. When used for trigger finger it can help with finger mobility. You should avoid massage if your hand or finger is actively swollen and red. The pressure from a massage would likely cause more pain and discomfort.
Splinting

Wearing a splint during the day or nighttime will immobilize your finger and keep it in a straight position. It will cover the base of the finger and in some cases part of the palm. This allows the top portion of the finger to move. Splints are an excellent tool for people who need to work or perform activities that may aggravate their fingers.

Medical Procedures

If home remedies or nonsurgical treatments aren’t cutting it then it might be time to look at a medical procedure to treat your trigger finger. Some of these treatments are reserved for only severe cases, while others are available for even moderate trigger finger. Take a look to see if one of these options can benefit you.

Steroid Injection

A corticosteroid injection is generally a short term solution for the effects of trigger finger. The cortisone is injected into the tendon sheath at the base of the finger. The steroid reduces inflammation and allows your finger to move freely without pain. It may take more than one steroid injection to see full results.
Percutaneous Release

Percutaneous release surgery is one of the types of surgery done to treat trigger finger. A doctor will first numb the area with a local anesthetic. Then a surgeon will cut the A1 pulley, where the flexor tendon is caught, by inserting a needle at the bottom of the finger. Recovery will vary per person.
Surgery

Trigger finger surgery involves a small incision in the palm to allow the surgeon to release the A1 pulley. Similar to percutaneous release, this surgery will involve a local anesthetic to numb the area. Recovery from open surgery can be longer due to the larger incision.

Safe and Effective Trigger Finger Treatment

Trigger finger is a bothersome condition that can affect just about anyone. Thankfully, there are multiple treatment options from home remedies to simple procedures that can make a significant difference in your life. Surgery is another option that is only used for the most severe cases. Talk to your doctor before you start any treatment.

Sources:

https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/trigger-finger

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/327135#nonsurgical-treatment

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320488#types-of-surgery

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