Trigger Finger Surgery in Houston, TX

What Is a Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger develops when a finger’s tendon swells and becomes inflexible. This swelling can make it hard to bend or straighten the finger and may cause it to lock.
You may notice:

• Your finger clicks or pops when you move it.
• Stiffness in the affected finger, especially in the morning.
• Tenderness in the palm near the base of the finger.
• The finger might even lock in a bent shape, then suddenly snap straight.

Trigger finger often happens in the thumb, ring, or middle finger. It usually starts slowly and can get worse over time.

What Causes a Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger often starts when you use your hand too much. Repeatedly gripping tools or objects can make the tendons tired and swollen. Hobbies or jobs that require a lot of hand use can make it worse.

Some health problems, like diabetes or arthritis, can make you more likely to get trigger finger. Sometimes, a bump forms on the tendon, making it even harder for it to move.

When Does Our Trigger Finger Surgeon in Houston Recommend Surgery?

A trigger finger can improve with early treatment. Resting your hand or taking medication can help reduce swelling and improve mobility. However, if these do not work, your doctor may give you an injection.
Surgery may be necessary if any of the following apply:

• Your finger remains stuck or cannot fully straighten.
• You continue to experience pain after receiving injections or using splints.
• You have difficulty using your hand for daily activities.
• Your symptoms last for months and don’t get better.

In these cases, trigger finger release surgery can help fix the problem for good.

How Does Trigger Finger Release Surgery Restore Tendon Movement?

This surgery is done to help a finger that keeps getting stuck or locking up. The problem occurs when a tendon in your finger cannot move smoothly because the A1 pulley squeezes it too tightly.

During the procedure, our surgeon carefully opens this band so the tendon can move again. After this, you should be able to bend and straighten your finger without pain or catching.

Procedure Details and Recovery

Most people go home the same day. The goal is to give your tendon more room to move while keeping your hand safe.

Open Trigger Finger Release

The most common trigger finger surgery our Houston surgeon performs is called open release. Our surgeon makes a small cut in your palm and releases the tight band. This cut helps our surgeon see clearly and work safely.

After releasing the band, our surgeon checks your finger. The small cut is closed with stitches. Most people can move their finger soon after surgery, which helps them heal.

Percutaneous Trigger Finger Release

Another way is called percutaneous release. Our surgeon uses a needle through the skin to loosen the band. This method does not need stitches and can help you heal faster.

Not everyone can have the needle technique. Our Houston hand surgeon will look at your symptoms and health to choose the best treatment for you.

Recovery After Trigger Finger Surgery

Most people recover quickly after trigger finger treatment at our clinic in Houston, TX. Your finger usually feels better and moves with less pain soon after surgery.
Here’s what to expect during healing:

• You’ll likely move your finger a little on the same day as surgery.
• Stitches usually come out about two weeks later.
• Swelling and soreness fade as days pass.
• Daily hand use comes back, little by little, over the next few weeks.

In some cases, hand therapy may be recommended to restore flexibility and strength.