Trigger Finger Treatment in Baton Rouge

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Trigger Finger Procedure

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a medical condition in which movement and function of the ring finger or thumb becomes severely limited due to inflammation. Finger motion relies on a system which uses flexor tendons to allow the muscles of the forearm to control the digits. These tendons are held in place by a sheath and pulleys through which they glide. Trigger finger results when a specific pulley becomes inflamed and hinders the tendon’s ability to move through it easily.

An inflamed pulley may occur due to medical conditions such as arthritis or from damage due to forceful or extensive use of the finger or thumb. Anyone can develop trigger finger. However, it is most commonly observed in:

• Women between the ages of 40 and 60.
  
• Professional musicians, office workers, and others whose job functions include repeated finger and thumb movements.
  
• Patients with comorbid conditions like gout, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.
  

• Pain when bending or straightening the affected finger
  
• Sensation of the finger catching or popping with movement
  
• Limited range of motion in the finger
  
• The finger becoming stuck in a bent position
  

• Rest – Avoiding overuse of the affected hand and activities which seem to exacerbate trigger finger symptoms can help lessen inflammation and its effects.
  
  
• Night Splint – Keeping the finger straight and immobile can also help ease inflammation. An ideal way to achieve this is often with the use of a splint that patients can wear while sleeping.
  
  
• Pain Relievers – Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be used to help control pain associated with trigger finger. These drugs also have the added benefit of fighting inflammation.
  
  
• Cortisone Injections – Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid that may be injected into the site of inflammation to bring prolonged periods of relief and help promote healing.
  
  
• Surgery – Trigger finger release is a surgical procedure used for the most severe and bothersome cases. Performed either through an incision in the palm or with the use of an ultrasound-guided needle, this simple, outpatient procedure releases the inflamed pulley, allowing the finger to move freely once again.

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