Trigger Finger & Carpal Tunnel Prevention, Symptoms & Treatment

We regularly give attention to stretching our backs, massaging our necks and caring for the parts of our bodies that work hardest. But often take our hands for granted until pain or weakness strikes. Our hardworking hands deserve thoughtful care, too.

Typing, scrolling, clicking and gripping – our hands make all these tasks possible. However, many overuse ailments in the hands, like carpal tunnel and trigger finger, develop from small tasks you perform each day just like these. Simple, everyday choices like how you set up your workstation add up over time to either help or hurt your hands. 

3 Hand-Care Tips from an Orthopedist

To prevent and relieve hand pain from overuse injuries, follow these 3 simple tips.

1. Stretch: The tendons that move your fingers extend all the way to your elbows. Concentrate on stretching each finger, wrist and forearm.
2. Apply Heat: Applying heat, whether with a heating pad or by soaking in a hot bath, assures good blood flow, especially in the winter when joints get stiff.
3. Evaluate Your Ergonomics: Many daily tasks cannot be eliminated from your routine. Get to the source of how you perform these tasks and make adjustments where you can.

5 Common Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Is hand pain already affecting you or someone you love? It could be due to trigger finger, an extremely common and painful condition that keeps a finger stuck in a bent position.

The 5 most common symptoms of trigger finger include:

1. Pain
2. Popping
3. Catching
4. Limited Movement
5. A Lump

Trigger Finger & Carpal Tunnel Live Surgery

Curious what’s involved in the surgical treatment of trigger finger?

We went inside the operating room with hand specialists Dr. Christopher Chadderdon and Physician Assistant Dana Cumberworth at Mallard Creek Surgery Center. In this video, originally live-streamed on Facebook, Dr. Chadderdon and Dana perform a patient’s trigger finger and carpal tunnel surgery.

Graphic Warning: This video contains surgical footage that may be sensitive for some viewers.

Trigger Finger & Carpal Tunnel Surgery Q&A

Throughout the live surgery, viewers asked Dr. Chadderdon a variety of questions about trigger finger, carpal tunnel and surgery in general. Check out the Q&A below.

Take the next step to protect your hand health or to address any other orthopedic issue you might be experiencing. Make an appointment online or by phone today.