Trigger Finger Surgery

What Are The Symptoms Of Trigger Finger?

In most cases, trigger finger can be highly irritating, rather than being a serious medical condition. That being said, it still has the ability to affect your everyday life, causing you discomfort and making carrying out certain tasks extremely difficult.

The main symptoms include pain at the bottom of the finger or thumb and a clicking noise or stiffness when you move the fingers or thumb. You may also notice that your symptoms are worse when you wake up in the morning.

As the condition develops, you might experience pain in your hand, even when you’re not moving it, and you may also notice a lump in your palm. This can mean that your affected finger becomes awkwardly positioned, and it may suddenly pop back into a straight position. Over time, you may find that you are no longer able to fully bend or straighten the finger.

If trigger finger is left untreated, there is a chance that the affected fingers and thumbs will become permanently stuck in a bent position.

Why Do I Need Trigger Finger Surgery?

There are a number of treatments available to help alleviate the symptoms of trigger finger, including splinting and corticosteroid injections. Some people find that anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, can help relieve pain.

However, if your symptoms are persistent and severe, a trigger finger operation may be an option, especially if you haven’t found another treatment that works for you.

During your consultation, you will be able to discuss whether surgery is suitable. Your surgeon will assess how much pain you’re experiencing, whether your trigger finger is linked to another medical problem, including rheumatoid arthritis, and how much of an impact it’s having on your life.

What Happens During Trigger Finger Surgery?

Taking about 20 minutes, trigger finger surgery is a day patient procedure. This means there is no need to stay overnight and you’ll be allowed home on the same day.

This procedure is performed under local anaesthetic so that you don’t feel any pain in your hand.

There are two ways in which trigger finger surgery can be carried out. These options are open trigger release finger release surgery and percutaneous trigger finger release surgery.

Open Trigger Finger Release Surgery

For open trigger finger release surgery, you will be given a local anaesthetic injection in your hand. The surgeon will make a small cut at the bottom of the finger or thumb, then cut the top of the tendon sheath to widen it. The incision is then stitched closed and wrapped in a bandage.

Percutaneous Trigger Finger Release Surgery

With percutaneous trigger finger release surgery, you will be given a local anaesthetic injection into your hand. The surgeon will insert a needle into the bottom of the finger or thumb, then use it to cut through the ligament to reach the tendon.

This type of surgery does not require an incision, meaning that you won’t have an open wound. However, this procedure carries more risk and may not be as effective in solving your trigger finger.

What Happens After Trigger Finger Surgery?

After your trigger finger surgery, you should be able to move your finger with ease. If you’ve had open surgery, it’s likely that your palm will feel sore, but this discomfort should ease within a couple of weeks.

Before you go home, your nurse will provide you with aftercare advice on how to clean and care for your hand.

Recovery From Trigger Finger Surgery

You should be able to remove your dressings a few days after your surgery. This will help make movement easier, and you should find that you regain full movement of your hand within two weeks.

You will be able to start driving again as long as you feel safe to do so. This is usually about three to five days after surgery. Once your wound has healed and you can grip, you can resume any sporting activities and exercises, and you will be able to use a computer immediately.

If your job entails manual labour, you may find that you need around four weeks off. However, if your job requires light duties, for example, if you work in an office environment, you may not need any time off.

If you’ve undergone percutaneous surgery, rather than open surgery, it’s likely your recovery period will be shorter as you will not have a wound. It’s important to note that your recovery period may be longer if you’ve had surgery on multiple fingers.

Complications Of Trigger Finger Surgery

As with any type of surgery, there are risks involved. Although they are rare, complications of trigger finger release surgery include:

• pain or stiffness in the finger or thumb
• infection
• scar tenderness
• nerve damage
• complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), which causes discomfort and swelling in the hand
• tendon bowstringing (when the tendon is in the wrong position)

Why Choose Us For Trigger Finger Surgery?

When it comes to trigger finger surgery, Manchester Private Hospital is here for you. Our team of experienced and skilled nurses, doctors and surgeons will provide you with high quality care and respect at all times.

From your initial consultation, you can trust that you’re in safe hands. When you meet our surgeons for the first time, you’ll be able to discuss your needs. We provide a safe, comfortable space where you can ask any questions or highlight any concerns you may have. We can also provide you with information about how much trigger finger surgery costs, giving you a selection of finance options.

Book your free, no obligation consultation today. Simply get in touch to learn more about how Manchester Private Hospital can help you.