Trigger finger

Snapping finger,
Tenosynovitis stenosans,
My finger catches and does not move smoothly

The titles above are all names for the same condition. 

A trigger finger is a condition in which the tendon no longer runs smoothly in the tendon sheath. This is caused by a local irritation (sterile inflammation or tendinitis) of the tendon in the tendon sheath. The complaints are usually located in the palm of the hand just below the base of the fingers or the thumb. 

Please note: this is generally insured care!

zorgkaart-logo

Rated with a 9,8 out of 10

Hand with a trigger finger, the finger that keeps catching
zorgkaart-logo

Rated with a 9,8 out of 10

Brow lift

Who is trigger finger treatment for?

The complaints usually start with local irritation after a lot of repetitive movement or using a great deal of force with the hands. At this stage the complaints can still go away with rest. In the next stage the pain gets worse and a local nagging pain in the finger develops. This may be accompanied by swelling of the finger at the location mentioned above. Then the finger starts to catch. The finger no longer moves smoothly and can get stuck when bending and straightening. At this stage it is irritating and causes pain. The complaints can increase, so that, for example, the finger is locked in a bent position in the morning, until the finger eventually stays bent. The last stage is serious, and a lot can be done about the trigger finger before then, so do not let it get that far. An essential part of the treatment is recognising the cause of the complaints and adapting to it.

A trigger finger is a condition in which the tendon no longer runs smoothly in the tendon sheath. This is caused by a local irritation (sterile inflammation or tendinitis) of the tendon in the tendon sheath. The complaints are usually located in the palm of the hand just below the base of the fingers or the thumb. 

What is a trigger finger?

The complaints usually start with local irritation after a lot of repetitive movement or using a great deal of force with the hands. At this stage the complaints can still go away with rest. In the next stage the pain gets worse and a local nagging pain in the finger develops. This may be accompanied by swelling of the finger at the location mentioned above. Then the finger starts to catch. The finger no longer moves smoothly and can get stuck when bending and straightening. At this stage it is irritating and causes pain. The complaints can increase, so that, for example, the finger is locked in a bent position in the morning, until the finger eventually stays bent. The last stage is serious, and a lot can be done about the trigger finger before then, so do not let it get that far. An essential part of the treatment is recognising the cause of the complaints and adapting to it.

The symptoms and stages of a trigger finger

What causes a trigger finger?

A trigger finger is caused by local irritation of the flexor tendon in the tendon sheath. This can happen, for example, by frequently making the same movement with the hands. It can also occur when using a lot of force, and finally it can occur with certain systemic diseases such as diabetes. 

 

What does trigger finger treatment achieve?

The result of the treatment should be that the finger can be used again without hindrance and without catching.

Be well prepared and

Download the Brochure

Brow lift brochure Kliniek het Bolwerk

Trigger finger treatment process

  • The most important thing after the procedure is moving the fingers. You can already start doing this with the hand in the bandage. Movement is important because otherwise the fingers can become stiff. Getting the fingers going again is then a bigger  job.
  • The pain afterwards is generally mild and, if necessary, easy to control with a simple painkiller such as paracetamol in a dose of 6x 500 mg (or 3x 1000 mg per day). Keeping the hand raised works as the best painkiller. This reduces the swelling in the hand, which also reduces the pain.
  • Leave the bandage on for 2 days; after that you may remove it yourself and you should keep the wound area clean. This means that no dirty work may be done. Washing your hands or showering is now allowed again. Protect the wound area and the stitches  with a plaster.
  • So you may shower once the bandage has been removed.

If you think that something is not going well (for example, fever, feeling sick, redness of the wound area or sudden swelling) or you are worried about something, please contact Kliniek het Bolwerk immediately.

This can be done by mail or telephone, as indicated in the postoperative instructions you receive by mail.

Why choose Kliniek het Bolwerk?

Each treatment is tailored to your situation and needs through a personal consultation.

David Jairath has 15+ years of experience with hand and finger problems and hand procedures.

We meet the highest standards of sterilization, hygiene through a safety.

Our team will carefully guide you through the recovery process and answer all your questions, even after the procedure.

When not to do it?

Because the procedure is done under local anaesthetic, there are almost no reasons why it could not be done. Tell us during the first consultation if you use blood thinners; we can then stop them temporarily in consultation. How long blood thinners need to be stopped depends on the type.

Risks

As with any operation, after trigger finger treatment there is also a chance of after-bleeding and bruising. Infections can also occur. The wound area of the hand should therefore be kept clean after the procedure.

The chance of these complications occurring is very small. Should one of these problems nevertheless occur, it will of course be treated appropriately.

Drs. D Jairath

eyelid surgery

I am Drs. David Jairath, plastic surgeon. After studying medicine and specializing as a plastic surgeon, I further specialized in the aesthetic-cosmetic field.

During my career, I have worked in both academic and private clinics. My background includes reconstructive and cosmetic procedures.

In recent years, I have focused on non-invasive and minimal body image and wellness procedures. I now put my broad knowledge to use at Kliniek het Bolwerk.

As a plastic surgeon with more than 15 years of experience , I perform all procedures carefully, taking into account individual situations and wishes. I focus on optimal results and aftercare.

My mission is to support clients in their well-being through my medical expertise. Together with the client, I look at what options are appropriate. The client is the focal point.

eyelid surgery

What our clients say

All reviews were collected via Zorgkaart Nederland, Trustpilot, Google and email.

What our clients say

All reviews were collected via Zorgkaart Nederland, Trustpilot, Google and email.

zorgkaart-logo

Rated with a 9,8 out of 10

zorgkaart-logo

Rated with a 9,8 out of 10

Brow lift Haarlem

Are there alternatives to an operation for a trigger finger?

Yes. For a trigger finger, an operation is the last step, not the first. In the first stage, with a nagging pain in the hand after exertion, there is still something to be gained from rest and adjusting the strain on the hand. If the complaints persist, an anti-inflammatory is the next step.

If the finger really catches or stays stuck, an anti-inflammatory tablet usually no longer works, but a local anti-inflammatory given by injection does. Only if that injection does not work or does not work sufficiently, or if you do not like the idea of the injection, does the small procedure on the tendon sheath come into view. It is done under local anaesthetic.

Reimbursement

Trigger finger treatment falls under basic insured care. A referral from your GP is required, though.

Brow lift at Kliniek het Bolwerk

Rates

  • First consultation €45

    Only a first consultation that does not lead to a treatment.

Frequently asked questions

We aim to carry out the first consultation and the treatment within 2 weeks. Of course, the treatment can also be carried out at a time of your choosing. The injection can usually be given during the consultation. A procedure has to be scheduled and can usually take place within 2 weeks. 

This is always a tricky one. Officially you cannot take part in traffic with a bandage on your hand, so driving home after the treatment is not allowed. Once the bandage is off and the whole hand is functioning well again, you can drive again. If you are in doubt, postpone driving for a few more days.

 

If you are treated with an injection straight away, you can drive home.

You may remove the bandage yourself on the second day after the operation. Keep the wound clean with a plaster that must be replaced daily. Leave the stitches in until they are removed at the outpatient clinic.

A sling is good for showing the outside world that something has happened to the hand and for keeping the hand raised. But a sling also immobilises the hand, elbow and shoulder, and that is not in line with moving enough after the procedure.

After any treatment or injury of the hand, it becomes swollen. This is because an imbalance develops between the supply and drainage of fluid in the hand. This improves with time, and keeping the hand raised and moving it also gives quick improvement. The swelling can sometimes last up to 6 weeks.

If an injection has been given, or when taking an anti-inflammatory painkiller, the catching can come back if activities are not adjusted. Usually a 2nd injection can be given. If this injection does not work either, surgical treatment is the best solution. The chance that the complaints stay away permanently is then greatest. Unfortunately, the condition can occur in several fingers and in both hands, including the thumbs.

Yes, it can indeed. It does happen that we, as plastic surgeons, are asked after childbirth to see newborns whose little thumbs do not function properly or are locked. There is speculation about the cause of trigger fingers in babies, but it probably develops in the womb during development, when the little thumbs are bent for a long time.  The treatment is, unfortunately, an operation on the newborn baby. The operation can only be performed under general anaesthetic and therefore in centres that can put newborns under anaesthetic; not all hospitals can do this.

Is your question not listed? Then ask here your question

Make an appointment

You can book an appointment via our online booking system or by calling 023-5837405.

You can book an appointment via WhatsApp on number 06-49899167

Kliniek het Bolwerk

Ask your question here

So that you are well prepared

Be well prepared and

Download the Brochure

Not received? Also check your junk mailbox*