How Long Does Trigger Finger Last? cover

How Long Does Trigger Finger Last?

Trigger finger is a condition that affects your ability to use your thumb or another digit freely. So, how long does trigger finger last? How long the condition lasts really depends on the individual case. Sometimes it can take weeks, other times it can take months and may even require surgery. Read on to learn more about the condition. 

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition that affects your ability to use your thumb or another finger freely. When you develop the condition, your finger tends to stick in a bent or upright position. In other words, you find it actively challenging to flex or uncurl your finger.

The condition mainly affects the tendons that control your finger’s bending movements. Trigger finger comes about when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, making it difficult for the tendon to slide through the narrowed A1 pulley ligament.

While the condition can affect anybody, it is more common among women than men. In addition, it affects various individuals whose jobs require significant manual gripping. This includes industrial workers, farmers, musicians and construction workers.

Furthermore, trigger finger is more common in older ages. For example, people between 40 and 60 are more prone to developing trigger finger.

Trigger finger disease (locking finger or stenosing tenosynovitis disorder), hand anatomy with highlight on painful area. Patient has palm pain and catching of finger problem. Medical symptom concept
trigger finger

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

This condition might last longer the more severe your symptoms are. Therefore, it’s important to look out for trigger finger symptoms to ensure that you can seek medical advice in time.

These signs and symptoms include:

  • Clicking and catching when flexing and extending the finger in question
  • Pain in the palm area around the affected finger
  • Tenderness at the affected joint at the bottom of the finger
  • Pain along the thumb or finger
  • A palpable nodule at the base of the affected finger or thumb
  • The finger becomes locked in a curled position
  • Permanent stiffness when you don’t receive treatment

How Long Does Trigger Finger Last?

In many cases, a trigger finger can get better without treatment, usually taking a few months to heal fully. 

How long trigger finger lasts depends on the severity of your symptoms. If you take long to address the discomfort in your finger, the condition can develop further, making it more difficult to heal naturally and quickly.

However, if you want to resolve the issue quickly, you can consult your doctor to provide treatment options. While trigger finger may resolve on its own, it’s important to speak with a medical professional who can recommend the best form of treatment. These range from taking anti-inflammatory medications and corticosteroid injections to finger splints and hand therapy.

In addition, you may required trigger finger release surgery if it has stopped responding to non-surgical interventions. 

Trigger Finger Surgery at The Harley Clinic

If you experience trigger finger symptoms, book a consultation at The Harley Clinic and discuss treatment options with a hand specialist.

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