Trigger finger is a discrepancy in the relationship between the flexor tendon and the tunnel through which the flexor tendon glides resulting in a painful clicking or locking or a pain at the base of the finger in the palm. Trigger finger is made worse by underlying disease conditions including diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment involves proper diagnosis and steroid injection. If steroid injection is unsuccessful at resolving the trigger finger, surgical decompression is undertaken.
The procedure includes a small 1⁄4 inch incision in the palm and release of the proximal pulley in the flexor tendon system. The recovery time is approximately two weeks, at which time return to full activity is expected.
