A physical exam and a few questions about your medical history are generally enough for a doctor to diagnose a trigger finger.
Your doctor will look for a particular clicking sound when you move. They will also be on the lookout for a crooked finger. Your doctors may also observe you while you open and close your hand. X-rays and other imaging studies are not requirements for diagnosis.
Trigger finger treatment from their Singapore clinic will commence depending on the diagnosis. Here are the most common options hand doctors suggest to patients.
#1 Drug Therapy
NSAIDs and pain relievers are the most common treatment for non severe cases. Medications may be valuable in reducing inflammation. Among the anti-inflammatory drugs are:
- Ibuprofen
- Naproxen
- Anti-inflammatory prescriptions
#2 Rest & Splint Therapy
The doctor will tell you to refrain from using your hand for four to six weeks. If you need your hand for work, you might need to wear a splint that will limit the use and motion of your affected finger.
Your doctor will provide you with a specific splint to keep the finger extended for a few weeks. They will provide you with information on where you can buy the trigger finger treatment splint in Singapore. It will allow the tendon to recover. The specialised splint will also stop you from sleeping with your fingers and thumb in a fist, which might aggravate your illness. Changes in activity to rest the joint can also help relieve discomfort.
#3 Cold & Heat Therapy
Both cold and heat therapy can relieve pain and reduce inflammation from the affected area. Soaking your hand in warm water several times a day is part of the trigger finger treatment your Singapore hand doctor might suggest. It can aid in relaxing the muscles and tendons in your hands. Ice treatment on the injured finger might help to reduce inflammation and discomfort. Use ice or a cold pack for 5 to 10 minutes every few hours.
#4 Steroid Therapy
You can also receive steroids as trigger finger treatment if your Singapore hand doctor suggests. Steroid injections can help minimise oedema. The doctor will inject liquid corticosteroids into the base of the afflicted finger.
Corticosteroids function by lowering swelling. It helps enable the tendon to move painlessly. It can occur within a few days of receiving the injection, but it generally takes many weeks. The treatment is beneficial to 50 to 70% of people with trigger fingers. They are, however, less effective in those who have certain underlying health disorders, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
#5 Surgical Therapy
A trigger finger can be an annoyance rather than a severe ailment. If left untreated, the injured finger or thumb may become permanently locked in a bent posture. It can make performing daily duties difficult. Receiving hand surgery at a Singapore clinic or hospital may be needed if alternative treatments fail or are ineffective.
There are two types of trigger finger procedures clinics can offer—open trigger finger release and percutaneous trigger finger release. Both only use local anaesthetics.
5.A Open Trigger Finger Release
The surgeon will be making a tiny incision at the base of the afflicted finger or thumb. They will delicately cut through the top of your finger or palm to make the tendon sheath broader. The incision will then be stitched up and covered with a light bandage.
5.B Percutaneous Trigger Finger
Instead of requiring an incision, a needle will be put into the injured finger’s base and used to slice through the ligament to reach the tendon. You will not have a wound or scar since percutaneous surgery does not need an incision.
However, this method is slightly riskier than open surgery and may be less effective in treating the condition. Vital nerves and arteries are close to the tendon sheath, which can be impaired. As a result, open surgery is typically the recommended option.
Recovery from Hand Surgery
People who receive hand surgery from a Singapore clinic or hospital can often go about their day after the procedure. They are only prohibited to put the operated hand into use.
If you have open surgery, your palm may be uncomfortable for a few days following the procedure, but any discomfort should subside within two weeks. You can resume driving as soon as you believe it is safe. It can be within 3 to 5 days, depending on how well your body can recover.
Some sutures are dissolvable and will fall out after around three weeks. The recovery time may be quicker if you have percutaneous trigger finger release surgery. You won’t have an incision on your palm that can take longer to heal.
#6 Physical Therapy
Your doctor will recommend receiving physiotherapy as part of your trigger finger treatment at their Singapore clinic, whether you have had surgery or not. Physiotherapy for trigger fingers will focus on restoring your range of motion and strength through an exercise regimen. Wax treatment, hydrotherapy, and massage can also assist in relieving discomfort and improving mobility.
If your finger was very stiff before surgery, you might require specialised hand treatment afterwards to release it. Discuss this with your surgeon before the procedure. You may receive the following sorts of therapy:
- Physiotherapy — Manipulation, massage, and exercises can enhance the movement and function of your hand.
- Occupational therapy — An occupational therapist can provide you with practical assistance if you have difficulties with daily duties and activities at work or home.
Untreated trigger finger may become chronically limited or rupture. It might potentially cause an infection, putting the afflicted limb at risk. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of hand disorders, visit Advanced Hand, Wrist, & Nerve Centre.
They are a specialised clinic led by Dr Jacqueline Tan SiauWoon, a famous female hand surgeon. People that need tenosynovitis, trigger finger, tennis elbow, and carpal tunnel syndrome treatment visit their Singapore clinic because of their exceptional service. Contact the Advanced Hand, Wrist & Nerve Centre if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment.
