Trigger Finger
Treatment in Dubai
What is a trigger finger?
Trigger finger, medically termed as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers, causing them to experience difficulties in smooth movement, often getting stuck or “locked” in a bent position.
The name “trigger finger” comes from how your affected finger may seem stuck in a bent position and suddenly snap straight, like pulling a trigger.
What are trigger finger symptoms?
Dealing with a trigger finger can be both uncomfortable and limiting. Here’s a comprehensive overview of trigger finger symptoms and how they progress:
Common Symptoms
- Pain and Stiffness: The hallmark symptom of the trigger finger is experiencing pain and stiffness around the base of the affected finger. This discomfort can be more pronounced after rest or when you wake up.
- Swelling and Bump: You might notice swelling or the development of a bump near the affected finger’s joint. This swelling can contribute to difficulty in moving the finger.
- Limited Movement: As the condition advances, you may find it challenging to fully straighten the affected finger without assistance from your other hand. The finger may remain in a bent or flexed position.
- Popping or Clicking Sensation: You might feel a noticeable popping or clicking sensation when attempting to move the affected finger. This sensation typically occurs as the finger releases from its locked position.
- Catching or Locking: The affected finger may see or lock in a bent position, only releasing with effort or manipulation.
Progression of Symptoms
- Early Stages: In the initial stages, you might experience intermittent locking and unlocking of the finger.
- Intermediate Stages: As the trigger finger progresses, the locking and clicking sensations may become more frequent and pronounced, increasing discomfort and stiffness.
- Advanced Stages: In severe cases, the affected finger can become entirely frozen in a bent position, making moving challenging or impossible without assistance.
If you’re experiencing these trigger finger symptoms, consult with a professional hand surgeon in Dubai for an accurate diagnosis of trigger finger causes and treatment.
What causes a trigger finger?
Primary Causes
- Repetitive Gripping or Grasping: Engaging in repetitive activities that involve gripping or grasping objects can lead to a trigger finger. These motions cause continuous friction and irritation within the tendon sheaths, leading to swelling and forming nodules or thickened tissues.
- Tendon Sheath Inflammation: Inflammation within the tendon sheaths is a central cause. This inflammation narrows the space through which the tendons must glide, impeding their smooth movement.
- Locking Mechanism: The affected tendons struggle to navigate their restricted sheaths as inflammation increases. This can result in the tendons catching or locking in a bent position, causing the characteristic symptoms.
Contributing Factors
- Medical Conditions: Conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and hypothyroidism can heighten the risk of a trigger finger. These medical conditions impact tendon health and function, making them more susceptible to inflammation and irritation.
- Hand Trauma: Injury or trauma to the hand or fingers can damage tendon structures. The resulting inflammation can initiate the triggering mechanism.
- Individual Variability: People’s susceptibility to trigger fingers can vary based on their unique circumstances, such as genetic predisposition and lifestyle factors.
How is a trigger finger diagnosed?
Understanding how the trigger finger is diagnosed requires insight into the meticulous assessment healthcare professionals perform. The diagnostic process involves a multifaceted approach to identify the condition and tailor effective treatment accurately. Here’s what you need to know:
Comprehensive Evaluation
- Medical History: The process initiates with a comprehensive review of your medical history and symptoms. Sharing your experiences aids in pinpointing the specific concerns related to your finger movements.
- Symptom Inquiry: The healthcare provider will inquire about the activities or motions that trigger pain, stiffness, or discomfort in your fingers. This information helps form a holistic understanding of your condition.
Physical Examination
- Range of Motion Assessment: A physical examination is conducted to evaluate the range of motion in your affected finger. The doctor observes how far you can bend, straighten, and flex the finger without discomfort.
- Swelling and Nodules: Swelling, nodules, or bumps near the affected finger’s joint are carefully inspected. These physical signs indicate a trigger finger and contribute to the diagnostic process.
- Locking and Popping Sensations: The doctor checks for any locking or popping sensations when attempting to move the affected finger. This assessment aids in confirming the presence of a trigger finger.
- Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging tests like X-rays or ultrasounds may be recommended. These tests help rule out conditions like arthritis or tendon damage, which may have similar symptoms but require different treatment approaches.
How is the trigger finger treated in Dubai?
Non-Surgical Approaches for trigger finger treatment in Dubai
- Rest and Activity Modification: For mild cases, allowing the affected hand or finger to rest and avoiding aggravating activities can alleviate symptoms and reduce inflammation.
- Splinting: Immobilizing the affected finger through splinting can provide relief during rest or sleep, preventing unintentional movements.
- Medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation, offering oral or injected forms for targeted relief.
Surgical Solution – Trigger Finger Surgery in Dubai
If conservative methods prove insufficient, trigger finger surgery in Dubai becomes an option, particularly in cases where symptoms persist or worsen.
- Surgical Procedure: During trigger finger surgery, a small incision is made in the palm or at the base of the affected finger. The constricted tendon sheath causing the triggering sensation is released.
- Advanced Techniques: Sometimes, a portion of the thickened or damaged tendon might require removal to restore proper movement.
- Post-Surgery Management: After surgery, patients may experience swelling and discomfort. Pain management and physical therapy are utilized to regain strength and range of motion in the treated hand.
Consult Dr. Ehab for trigger finger treatment in Dubai
If you are experiencing the symptoms and seeking effective trigger finger treatment in Dubai, consult Dr. Ehab Bassim Aldlyami. With his extensive knowledge and experience in hand and wrist conditions, he is a trusted hand specialist who can provide personalized care for your trigger finger treatment in Dubai at King’s College Hospital London.
Don’t let the discomfort and limitations of trigger finger hold you back from enjoying everyday activities.
Book your appointment with Dr. Ehab Aldlyami to discuss your trigger finger symptoms, receive an accurate diagnosis, and explore the most suitable trigger finger treatment plan for your needs.