Trigger Finger Treatment
San Francisco

Have you begun to notice that one of the fingers in your hand bends and straightens in a more rigid fashion than others? Are you someone who works a job that requires gripping and holding things on a daily basis? If you answered “yes” to both questions, you may be suffering from a condition called trigger finger or are at risk of it.

Trigger Finger refers to a condition wherein one of the fingers in a person’s hand becomes stuck at a certain position. The finger bends or straightens only with a snap, similar to how a trigger of a gun is pulled and released. The scientific name for the condition is “stenosing tenosynovitis.” At the Hand and Microsurgery Medical Group, we are the premier San Francisco trigger finger surgery specialists. With decades of experience under our belt, we are confident we can achieve the results you are looking for.

Tendons are fibrous cords that are attached to the bone. Each tendon is then protected by a sheath. Now, when this protective sheath becomes inflamed or irritated, you end up with trigger finger. This is characterized by a significant reduction in the smooth motion of the tendon via the sheath.
As the sheath becomes irritated more and more, there will be thickening, scarring and the development of bumps or nodules in the tendon. These nodules or bumps inhibit the smooth motion of the tendon even further.

There are certain risk factors that have been identified for trigger finger. For instance, repeated gripping can cause trigger finger. Repeated gripping is a common feature in jobs and hobbies that involve the constant use of one’s hands to hold or grip things. Pre-existing health conditions have also been associated with trigger finger. People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes are at relatively greater risk of developing the condition.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Surgery is also known to be associated with trigger finger. The condition is said to be a complication resulting from the procedure. This is especially noticeable in the first 6 months after the surgery.

If none of the above-mentioned non-surgical treatments work, surgery is the only option. The objective of surgical treatment for trigger finger is to get rid of the locking or catching. If that can be eliminated, the full, natural movement of the affected finger can be restored. This means reducing the inflammation around the tendon sheath and the flexor tendon.

The procedure itself goes by the name of tenolysis or trigger finger release. Here, the surgeon will try to work towards releasing the A1 pulley, which inhibits the movement of the flexor tendon. Once the A1 pulley is released, the flexor tendon will regain its ability to glide through the tendon sheath with greater ease. The surgery for trigger finger is carried out in an outpatient setting. It generally requires only the use of a local anesthetic for numbing the target area. The procedure is performed in two ways. The doctor will make a small incision in the palm or use the tip of a needle. Irrespective of the method used, the goal is to release the A1 pulley, which is then divided to promote the smooth movement of the flexor tendon. Pulleys do perform important functions in the hand, which can raise concerns for the average patient. However, releasing the A1 pulley has not been found to cause any severe complications. A significant majority of patients who undergo surgery for trigger finger report excellent results and 0 complications.

Are you suffering from trigger finger? If you are, please get in touch with Dr. Joshua Gordon or Dr. Leonard Gordon at the Hand and Microsurgery Medical Group.