Steroid Injection to Treat Trigger Finger

Stenosing Flexor Tenosynovitis, commonly known as “Trigger Finger” is a condition which develops when synovial lining of tendons in the fingers swells and thickens.  Bending the involved digit becomes painful and often results in locking of the finger in a flexed position.

The first line of treatment for trigger finger is a steroid injection into the tendon sheathe (tunnel).  Pain diminishes after a few days and locking typically resolves after two to four weeks.  Roughly fifty percent of patients are cured with a steroid injection. The rest redevelop symptoms, requiring a second injection or a minor surgical procedure which I prefer to perform under local anesthesia.

Pain from this condition can be severe and can greatly affect one’s quality of life.  Treatment is simple and low risk.