Our hands are constantly in motion – gripping, typing, and lifting. But when conditions like trigger finger or mallet finger develop, these everyday movements become painful and difficult. These hand and wrist conditions affect the finger joints, making it challenging to straighten or bend the affected finger without discomfort.
At Alliance Orthopedics, we specialize in treating trigger finger and mallet finger injuries using both nonsurgical treatment and advanced procedures. We ensure you get lasting relief from pain and restore the full range of motion of your hands.
What is Trigger Finger?
Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, this condition occurs when the flexor tendon becomes inflamed, causing the finger or thumb to get stuck in a bent position. When attempting to straighten, the affected digit may snap suddenly, like pulling the trigger of a gun.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Recognizing the symptoms of the trigger finger early can prevent further complications. Common signs include:
- Finger stiffness, especially in the morning.
- A painful clicking or popping sensation when moving the affected finger.
- A tender lump near the base of the finger or thumb on the palm side.
- Difficulty keeping the finger straight without it snapping back into a flexed position.
The ring finger and thumb are most commonly affected, but the trigger finger can develop in any digit.
Causes and Risk Factors of Trigger Finger
Certain factors increase the risk of developing trigger finger:
- Repetitive gripping: Activities that require frequent grasping, such as playing instruments or using tools, can strain the tendon sheath.
- Medical conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other medical conditions affecting the joints can increase inflammation in the affected tendon.
- Occupational and lifestyle factors: Jobs that require excessive hand use put individuals at higher risk of developing trigger fingers.
You should seek treatment early to ensure that the affected finger can still glide freely within its protective sheath, preventing long-term damage to your hand.
How We Treat Trigger Finger
At Alliance Orthopedics, we offer several other treatments for the trigger finger, focusing on reducing inflammation and restoring mobility.
Hand Therapy and Stretching Exercises
Our hand therapist will guide you through stretching exercises designed to loosen the tendon sheath, improve flexibility, and prevent stiffness. With simple movements tailored to your condition, you’ll start noticing improvements in no time.
Steroid Injections for Lasting Relief
For many patients, a steroid injection can significantly reduce swelling and ease pain, helping the finger straighten without that catching or locking sensation. This quick, in-office treatment often provides relief that lasts for months.
Percutaneous Trigger Finger Release
If non-surgical treatments don’t provide enough relief, we perform a minimally invasive procedure that can free the affected tendon, restoring smooth movement. Most patients are back to daily activities in just a few weeks.
What is Mallet Finger?
Mallet finger or baseball finger is a condition that happens when the extensor tendon at the end joint of the finger is injured. This makes it impossible to fully straighten the fingertip, leaving it in a drooped position.
Symptoms of Mallet Finger
- Fingertip droops and won’t stay straight.
- Swelling and tenderness around the distal phalanx (last joint of the finger).
- Pain when trying to move the affected finger.
- Blood beneath the skin, especially if the injury involves a deep cut.
If left untreated, mallet finger injuries can lead to permanent stiffness and loss of function. Seeking early treatment is key to regaining normal movement.
Causes and Risk Factors of Mallet Finger
- Sports-Related Injuries: Often caused by a direct hit to the fingertip from a ball, common in baseball, basketball, and football.
- Direct Trauma: Jamming or crushing the finger bones can damage the extensor tendon.
- Untreated Tendon Damage: Ignoring minor injuries can cause long-term deformity and acceptable function loss.
How We Treat Mallet Finger
We focus on effective, minimally invasive treatments to restore function and prevent long-term stiffness.
Whether it’s a minor tendon injury or a more serious fracture, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Splinting for Proper Healing
For most mallet finger injuries, wearing a splint for several weeks keeps the affected finger in a straightened position, allowing the extensor tendon to heal properly. Our board-certified hand specialist will ensure the splint fits correctly and guide how to wear it for the best results.
Physical Therapy for Mobility & Strength
Once the tendon sheath heals, our hand therapist will guide you through stretching exercises to rebuild strength and restore finger mobility. This helps prevent stiffness in the end joint and ensures a full recovery.
Prevention and Long-Term Management of Hand Conditions
Preventing trigger finger and mallet finger injuries starts with protecting your hands and maintaining finger strength and flexibility. These small adjustments can make a big difference.
Hand Strengthening and Stretching Exercises
Regular stretching exercises help keep the tendons flexible and reduce strain on the finger joints. Our hand therapists can guide you through exercises, and you can perform them at home.
Ergonomic Adjustments for Daily Activities
If your job or hobbies involve repetitive gripping or direct impact to the fingers, small ergonomic changes can help. Using proper hand positioning, adjusting tool grips, and taking regular breaks can lower your risk of injury.
Protective Gear for Athletes
For those involved in contact sports, wearing finger guards or taping the affected finger can help prevent broken bones and tendon injuries.
Take Control of Your Hand Health with Alliance Orthopedics
Don’t let trigger finger or mallet finger limit your movement or cause unnecessary pain. Whether you need conservative treatments, hand therapy, or expert care for a more serious injury, our team at Alliance Orthopedics is here to help.
Ready to restore movement and relieve pain? Schedule your appointment today and take the first step toward a full recovery!
