Contact
Phone: (973) 972-3229
Fax: (973) 972-0006
Ashley Ignatiuk
MSc, M.D., F.R.C.S. (C)
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Newark
90 Bergen Street
DOC, Suite 7200
Newark, NJ 07101
Livingston
22 Old Short Hills Road,
Suite 101
Livingston, NJ 07039
Trigger Finger
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Trigger finger occurs as a result of an enlargement or swelling in a nodule in one of the flexor tendons in the palm. The enlarged nodule can then prevent the passing of the tendon through the tunnels in the hand, resulting in a decrease in motion and catching or locking of the finger.
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Treatment is usually a single corticosteroid (cortisone) injection. This is curative in over ninety percent of cases except in diabetic patients where the long-term cure rate is only fifty percent. If the injection is not successful or is recurrent, then a quick procedure is done under local anesthesia to open the tunnel.
Frequently asked questions
Q: What causes a trigger finger?
A: The thickening or swelling associated with this issue is usually caused by repetitive pressure and/or repetitive digital motion. Also trauma to the palm may also cause sufficient swelling of the tendon.
Q: Will the problem return after the injection?
A: This can frequently be prevented with proper changes in habits or tools that originally caused the issue.
Q: Is the injection dangerous?
A: The effects that some people associate with cortisone, weight gain, etc., are not caused by the local injection. Diabetic patients may see a small elevation in levels for 24-48 hours after an injection. Overall this option is very safe.
Q: How many injections can I receive?
A: Up to three injections in the same area is generally considered to be the maximum. If the condition persists, then more injections likely will not help.