Trigger finger can feel like a frustrating barrier to simple daily activities. Unfortunately, when left untreated, it may worsen, making daily tasks like gripping objects or typing on a keyboard more challenging.
For many patients, understanding the right time to consider trigger finger surgery is a critical step in their overall treatment plan.
This blog highlights five signs indicating that surgery might be necessary, helping you make an informed decision about your health.
What Is Trigger Finger
Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis occurs when the tendons in your fingers or thumbs become inflamed. This inflammation causes the tendon to get caught in a pulley system, making it difficult to bend or straighten your finger. At times, your finger may even get locked in a bent position.
Mild cases can often be treated with rest, splints, or corticosteroid injections. However, in severe cases, surgery may provide permanent relief from trigger finger symptoms.
5 Signs That Indicate the Need for Trigger Finger Surgery
Here are five major signs that indicate surgical intervention could be the right choice for your situation.
1. Persistent Pain Despite Non-Surgical Treatments
Are you still experiencing significant pain after trying conservative treatments like rest, splints, or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications? This could be a sign that your condition is more severe and requires further intervention.
Persistent discomfort, even after corticosteroid injections, may indicate that surgery is the next best course of action for effective relief.
Patients with long-term trigger finger pain often benefit significantly from surgical release procedures.
2. Finger Locking that Regularly Disrupts Daily Activities
If your finger frequently gets stuck in a bent position — what many patients describe as “locking” and it impacts your ability to grasp objects or perform simple tasks, it may be time to seek surgical options. Regular “locking” significantly affects your quality of life, making surgery a viable solution to restore smooth finger movement.
Hand specialists often recommend surgery in cases where locking prevents normal function or worsens over time. Contact a hand surgeon for a professional evaluation if this is something you are struggling with.
3. Loss of Finger Mobility or Range of Motion
Severe trigger finger can eventually lead to restricted movement, making it harder to fully straighten or bend your finger. This stiffness may worsen with time, and without intervention, it can lead to permanent limitations in finger functionality.
A hand surgery procedure called “trigger finger release” can alleviate this issue by releasing the thickened tissue that restricts the tendon’s movement.
If you are noticing restricted mobility, schedule a consultation with a hand specialist to explore whether surgery is the best approach for you.
4. Recurrence of Symptoms After Temporary Relief
Trigger finger symptoms may seem to disappear temporarily after treatments like corticosteroid injections, but they sometimes return unexpectedly. If you find yourself repeatedly treating the same problem without long-lasting relief, surgical intervention can offer a permanent solution.
Surgery aims to address the root cause of the condition, ensuring that you do not have to revisit ineffective non-surgical methods repeatedly.
5. Formation of a Lump or Nodule at the Base of the Finger
A noticeable lump, also known as a nodule, forming at the base of the affected finger is another indication of a severe trigger finger. This lump often causes discomfort and can make tendon movement even harder. Surgical removal of the nodule is often required to restore natural finger movement and to prevent further complications.
Hand surgeons specializing in trigger finger treatment can assess whether this development necessitates an operative approach.
What Happens During Trigger Finger Surgery
Trigger finger release surgery is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure. The hand surgeon makes a small incision near the affected finger and releases the tight tendon sheath restricting movement. The surgery typically takes 15–30 minutes, and recovery is relatively short compared to other surgeries.
Following the surgery, physical therapy, or targeted exercises can help restore strength and flexibility in the finger. Most patients regain full functionality within a few weeks.
Trigger Finger Surgery in Maryland
If you are noticing any of the five signs mentioned above, it is time to consult a hand specialist to evaluate your condition.
At The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics: Maryland Orthopedic Specialists Division, our hand surgeon, Dr. Peter Fitzgibbons, specializes in diagnosing and treating trigger finger with comprehensive care plans tailored to your unique needs. Whether you need nonsurgical treatment or advanced options like trigger finger surgery, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.
With convenient locations in Bethesda, Rockville, and Germantown, you have access to state-of-the-art care delivered by our expert team. Regain comfort, mobility, and control over your life.
Call us at (301) 515-0900 or schedule your consultation using our appointment scheduling platform to explore your trigger treatment options. We look forward to serving you!
