Our hands are indispensable tools that facilitate our daily activities, from the simplest task of lifting a glass of water to more complex activities like typing or engaging in sports. At EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region, we understand the critical importance of hand health and the significant impact conditions like trigger finger can have on your quality of life. To help our patients restore function and alleviate any pain, our team of orthopedic hand specialists has undergone advanced training in minimally invasive trigger finger surgery.
Defining Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the tendon sheath of the finger, causing pain, stiffness, and a locking sensation. This condition can severely limit your hand’s functionality, turning everyday tasks into challenges. Trigger finger can affect any of your fingers, but most people develop it in their ring finger or thumb.
Individuals who have a job or hobby that involves repetitive motions, grasping or gripping your fingers—such as gardening, working with tools, or tennis and racquetball players—are at a greater risk of getting trigger finger. Certain health conditions have been associated with trigger finger, as well, including osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, and thyroid disease.
Trigger Finger Surgery
When conservative treatments such as splinting or steroid injections fail to provide relief, trigger finger release surgery offers a proven solution to this debilitating condition. Performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia or light sedation, this minimally invasive surgery involves a small incision in the palm. Through this incision, our highly trained surgeons meticulously cut the constricted section of the tendon sheath, freeing the tendon and restoring its smooth, gliding motion. This minimally invasive approach offers several benefits, including reduced postoperative pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring.
Preparing for Your Trigger Finger Surgery
Preparation is a crucial step toward a successful surgery and recovery. Our team at EmergeOrtho will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you feel informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way. Before your surgery, it is essential to follow a preoperative checklist, which may include:
- Consultation and assessment with your surgeon to discuss the procedure, expected outcomes, and address any concerns.
- Preoperative testing, such as blood work or imaging, to ensure you are in optimal health for surgery.
- Making necessary arrangements for transportation to and from the surgical facility.
- Arranging for assistance at home during the initial stages of recovery, if needed.
- Following any specific instructions provided by your surgeon regarding medication management, fasting guidelines, and preoperative skin preparation.
Recovering From Surgery
Recovery from trigger finger surgery requires time, patience, and dedicated rehabilitation. At EmergeOrtho, we are committed to supporting you through every step of your recovery. Following surgery, you can expect a period of rest and immobilization to allow for proper healing. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding wound care, activity restrictions, and pain management. Physical therapy may also be recommended to help regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your hand.
Our comprehensive approach to recovery ensures that you receive the personalized care and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome. Our team will monitor your progress closely and adjust your treatment plan to ensure a smooth recovery process.
Trigger Finger Surgeons
Choosing EmergeOrtho for your trigger finger surgery means entrusting your care to a team of specialists who are not only experts in their field but also deeply committed to your health and recovery. Our hand & wrist doctors offer:
- Experience and expertise: Our surgeons are board-certified and fellowship-trained in the hand subspecialty of orthopedics, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care from experienced professionals.
- Advanced surgical techniques: We utilize the latest surgical technologies and techniques to perform minimally invasive procedures, resulting in faster recovery times and improved patient outcomes.
- Comprehensive care: From diagnosis to rehabilitation, we offer a comprehensive range of services to address all aspects of hand and wrist health, ensuring that you receive holistic support throughout your recovery.
- Personalized treatment plans: We understand that every patient is unique, which is why we take a personalized approach to care, tailoring treatment plans to meet your individual needs and goals.
At EmergeOrtho—Blue Ridge Region, our mission is to help you emerge stronger, healthier, and better, and be ready to resume your active lifestyle without limitations. If you are struggling with trigger finger or any other hand or wrist condition, our team is here to provide the expert care and support you need. Find an EmergeOrtho Hand & Wrist specialist near you, and let us guide you back to a life of motion, safely and effectively.
