In mild cases of trigger finger/thumb, the goal is to decrease swelling in the tunnel. Care may include:
- Allowing the tendon to rest. Your child's doctor recommend a splint, or tape the trigger finger to another finger (called buddy taping).
- Applying heat and ice and stretching may also be helpful.
Your child may also be given a shot of a medicine called cortisone. The shot goes into the tunnel that the tendon goes through. This can help reduce swelling. A second shot if the first one does not work.
Surgery for Trigger Finger
In cases where the finger is locked in a bent position or does not get better with other treatment surgery may be necessary. The surgery is done under local anesthesia or a nerve block. This prevents pain. It's a minimally invasive surgery and your child may be awake during surgery.
During the surgery the orthopedic surgeon will:
- Make a small cut in the skin just below the tunnel (sheath covering the tendon) of the trigger finger.
- Then a small cut is made in the tunnel. If your child is awake during surgery, they may be asked to move the finger.
- Close the skin with stitches and put compression or tight bandage on the hand.
After surgery:
- Your child will need to keep the bandage on for 48 hours. After that, you can use a simple bandage, like a Band-Aid.
- The stitches will be removed after about 2 weeks.
- Once it has healed, your child can use the finger normally.
When to Call the Doctor
If you notice any signs of infection, call your child's surgeon right away. Signs of infection include:
- Redness in the incision or hand
- Swelling or warmth in the incision or hand
- Yellow or green drainage from the incision
- Hand pain or discomfort
- Fever
- If the trigger finger returns,