Fixing trigger finger often involves a combination of conservative and, in some cases, more interventional treatments aimed at reducing inflammation and restoring normal tendon movement. According to the NHS, treatment options include:
Conservative Treatments
These are often the first line of defense and aim to reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide more freely.
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition is crucial. This allows the inflammation to subside.
- Medication: Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain.
- Splinting: The affected finger can be strapped to a plastic splint to limit movement. This helps to rest the tendon and reduce inflammation. Splints are typically worn at night.
Interventional Treatments
If conservative treatments don't provide adequate relief, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Steroid Injection: Steroids are powerful anti-inflammatory medicines that can be injected directly into the tendon sheath. This can significantly reduce swelling and pain, allowing the tendon to move more freely. The NHS lists steroid injection as a treatment option.
Here's a table summarizing the treatment options:
| Treatment | Description | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Rest | Avoiding activities that worsen the condition. | Reduce inflammation by not aggravating the tendon. |
| NSAIDs | Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. | Reduce pain and inflammation. |
| Splinting | Immobilizing the finger with a splint. | Rest the tendon and prevent further irritation. |
| Steroid Injection | Injecting corticosteroids into the tendon sheath. | Reduce inflammation and swelling, allowing the tendon to glide smoothly. |
It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation. They can evaluate the severity of your trigger finger and recommend the best course of action. While surgery is an option for severe cases, it's usually considered after other treatments have failed.
