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Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger services offered in San Marcos, Encinitas and San Diego, CA

Do you have a finger stuck in a bent position or experience chronic finger pain? If so, you might have trigger finger. To regain the use of your finger, visit fellowship-trained hand surgeon Anisa Yalom, MD, in northern San Diego, California. She offers effective treatment solutions to help you recover from this condition. Call or make an appointment using the online scheduler today.


Trigger Finger Q & A

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a common ailment affecting your hand's tendons and causing one or more of your fingers to get stuck in a bent position before straightening out with a snap, much like pulling and releasing a trigger. This condition primarily impacts your ring finger and thumb, making hand movement uncomfortable and sometimes painful.

What causes trigger finger?

The primary cause of trigger finger lies in the irritation and inflammation of the tendons that control the movement of your fingers. These tendons pass through a narrow tunnel-like structure called the tendon sheath, located at the base of your finger. 

When the tendons become inflamed or swollen, they struggle to glide smoothly through the sheath, resulting in a catching or popping sensation.

What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

Symptoms of trigger finger often begin with a subtle discomfort at the base of your finger or thumb. As the condition progresses, you may notice a visible lump or nodule forming in the affected area. 

The most telltale sign is the triggering itself – your finger might lock in a bent position and then suddenly release with a snap when you attempt to straighten it. This can be accompanied by pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

How is trigger finger treated?

Dr. Yalom offers a range of effective options tailored to your individual needs. Her treatment recommendations might include:

  • Rest
  • Splinting
  • Modifying your activities to alleviate symptoms and allow the inflamed tendons to heal
  • Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain

For more persistent or severe cases, surgical intervention might be considered. Dr. Yalom is an experienced hand surgeon who can skillfully perform an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure to enable your finger to move freely once again. The treatment has a low risk of complications and quick recovery time.

During your consultation, Dr. Yalom can determine the right treatment for you. You can rely on her expertise to tailor a treatment plan that best suits your specific condition and needs. The goal is to help you regain comfortable and pain-free hand movement so you can return to your daily activities.

If you have trigger finger, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Yalom. Call or book an appointment online today.