Treatment for the pain and locking sensation of trigger finger at your doctor's office will help you get your hand function back. Your doctor, Dr. Jeffrey Chase at Virgin Island Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists, will share with you how orthopaedics in St. Thomas, and St. Croix, can help you feel better.
Solutions for Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, known also as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful progressive condition that can limit your mobility by locking your finger when bent. Orthopaedics in St. Thomas, and St. Croix, can improve your trigger finger through:
Rest
Most times, rest can do a lot for your trigger finger. Your doctor might ask you to avoid performing actions that cause you pain. Wearing a splint can help you rest your finger. The splint limits your movement so that your finger can heal.
Exercises
Stretching exercises help reduce the stiffness and pain in your finger. These stretches also help improve your mobility. Your orthopedic doctor will help you with the right finger exercises to relieve your symptoms.
Medication
Pain medication can also help you through your trigger finger healing process. Over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication are usually sufficient, but your doctor can prescribe something stronger if you're in a lot of pain.
Steroid Injections
When over-the-counter medications don't help your case, your doctor may recommend steroid injections. The injections help reduce inflammation so that your finger moves freely again. Steroid injections may cause an increase in blood glucose levels, so, they're not recommended for diabetics.
Surgery
If you're in a lot of pain or your trigger finger isn't improving, you can discuss getting surgery with your orthopedic surgeon. Trigger finger release or tenolysis, the surgical procedure for trigger finger, helps return your finger mobility.
During surgery, your doctor will inject an anesthetic to numb your finger before going in to remove whatever is blocking your tendon movement. You should be back to normal activity two weeks post-surgery. However, full recovery after your trigger finger release may take up to 4-6 months.
Speak with Dr. Chase at Virgin Island Orthopaedics and Medical Specialists to discuss your trigger finger orthopaedic treatment options in St. Thomas, and St. Croix. Schedule your appointment by calling us at (340) 714-2845, or (340) 692-5000.