While trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)—a condition that causes your finger to get stuck in a bent or curled position—is often just an inconvenient nuisance, it can also be incapacitating.
If the condition has caused your finger to chronically get stuck in a bent position, and conservative treatments are unable to help, your hand doctor will likely recommend surgery to help you restore the normal function and mobility of your finger.
Here’s what you can expect during a trigger finger release surgery and what recovery from it entails.
The Procedure
Trigger finger surgery is a fairly quick procedure that is performed on an outpatient basis.
At the start of the procedure, your hand doctor will inject a local anesthetic into your hand to numb it. They will then make an incision in your palm to locate the constricted tendon sheath and cut it open (release), thereby allowing the tendon to move freely again.
Once the tendon sheath is cut, your hand surgeon may flex and extend your affected finger to ensure that the tendon can glide freely. They will then stitch up the incision.
Recovery
You will likely be able to move your affected finger soon after your surgery, most often on the same day as the procedure.
It is important to be gentle with your hand for a few weeks while it heals. Make sure to change the bandages as instructed by your doctor, and keep the incision dry and clean at all times.
You are likely to feel mild hand pain and soreness, but these should subside after a few days. You can apply an ice pack and take over-the-counter pain medications to alleviate the discomfort. However, if you notice redness, swelling, discharge, or bleeding at the incision site, or if you run a fever, let your doctor know right away, as these could be signs of an infection.
Your hand doctor may recommend that you see a physical therapist and/or perform specific exercises at home to facilitate your recovery.
Trigger Finger Surgery in Clinton Township, MI
Don’t wait for trigger finger to greatly affect your quality of life. Visit us here at Movement Orthopedics in Clinton Township for a consultation with our highly credentialed hand surgeon, Dr. Troy Williams. We will perform a comprehensive evaluation to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you. If trigger finger surgery is indeed necessary, you can trust Dr. Williams’ clinical acumen and expertise to deliver an exceptional outcome.
We also offer physical therapy services on site, as part of our commitment to providing our patients with comprehensive orthopedic care.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Williams, contact us today at (586) 436-3785 or fill out our online form now. We look forward to serving you!
