How Cortisone Injections Relieve Trigger Finger Symptoms

How Cortisone Injections Relieve Trigger Finger Symptoms

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, can be more than just an inconvenience. The pain, stiffness, and locking sensation can severely disrupt daily life, especially when left untreated. Thankfully, cortisone injections offer an effective, minimally invasive treatment option. But how do these injections work, and why are they so effective? This blog will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatments for trigger finger while highlighting why cortisone injections might be your ideal solution.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when one of your fingers or thumbs gets stuck in a bent position and straightens with a painful snap, mimicking the action of pulling a trigger. This condition happens when the tendons controlling the finger's movement become inflamed or irritated, preventing them from gliding smoothly through their sheath.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Understanding the symptoms is the first step toward diagnosing and treating the problem. Common symptoms include:

• Finger stiffness: Especially noticeable in the mornings.
• Painful clicking or popping: Typically felt when moving the affected finger.
• Tenderness or swelling in the palm: Often at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
• Locking in a bent position: Severe cases may cause permanent locking.

These symptoms can make routine tasks such as typing, holding objects, or gripping a steering wheel difficult and painful.

Causes and Risk Factors

Trigger finger can arise from repetitive use, injury, or underlying health conditions. Contributing factors include:

• Repetitive movements: Occupations or hobbies requiring repeated gripping or grasping can strain the tendons.
• Underlying conditions: Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are often associated with trigger finger.
• Age and gender: People aged 40–60, particularly women, are more prone to developing the condition.
• Hand trauma: Previous injuries can increase the risk.

Understanding these risk factors can help you determine when to seek professional advice.

How Is Trigger Finger Diagnosed?

Diagnosing trigger finger is relatively straightforward through a physical examination. Doctors typically look for characteristic locking or stiffness and assess the pain. For more complex cases, ultrasound imaging may confirm the diagnosis by identifying inflammation in the tendon sheath.

Cortisone Injections as a Treatment Option

For many, cortisone injections are a game-changer in managing trigger finger symptoms. These injections contain corticosteroid medication, which reduces inflammation, allowing the tendons to glide smoothly again. At RAD Clinics, we specialise in ultrasound-guided cortisone injections that target the inflamed area with unmatched precision.

Benefits of Cortisone Injections for Trigger Finger

Here’s why cortisone injections are often considered the gold standard of trigger finger treatment:

• Precise relief: Ultrasound guidance ensures the medication is delivered directly to the inflamed area.
• Minimally invasive: A quick and simple procedure with no downtime.
• Effective treatment: Many patients experience significant symptom relief within days.
• Non-surgical solution: Often eliminates the need for more invasive treatments like surgery.

What to Expect During the Procedure

At RAD Clinics, cortisone injections are carried out by highly skilled specialists to ensure maximum comfort and efficacy. Here's how the process works:

1. Consultation: A detailed assessment determines whether cortisone injection is the best treatment for your condition.
2. Ultrasound guidance: Advanced imaging ensures accurate placement of the injection.
3. Local anaesthetic: To minimise discomfort, a local anaesthetic is applied before administering the injection.
4. Post-procedure care: Temporary swelling or numbness may occur, but you can typically resume normal activities right away.

Our clinic prioritises patient comfort, ensuring the entire procedure is seamless and stress-free.

Benefits of Opting for Ultrasound Guidance

At RAD Clinics, all cortisone injections are ultrasound-guided. This technology offers several advantages over traditional methods:

• Enhanced accuracy: Precise placement of the injection ensures maximum efficacy.
• Reduced risk: Minimises the risk of side effects or complications.
• Painless administration: Ultrasound guidance reduces discomfort by eliminating unnecessary needle adjustments.
• Streamlined diagnostics: Provides a clearer understanding of the cause of your symptoms.

When Should You Seek Treatment for Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger symptoms can worsen over time if left untreated. Early intervention is key to avoiding complications like permanent stiffness. Seek treatment if:

• Your finger is frequently getting stuck in a bent position.
• Pain interferes with daily activities.
• Rest or over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief.

Waiting too long can lead to worsening symptoms, which may require surgical intervention. Cortisone injections, however, can address the problem effectively in its early stages.

Regain Comfort and Hand Function Today

Trigger finger can significantly impact your quality of life, making even small tasks challenging. With the right treatment, however, you can regain full functionality and enjoy pain-free movement.

If you’re struggling with trigger finger symptoms, don’t wait for them to worsen. At RAD Clinics, our ultrasound-guided cortisone injections offer a proven, minimally invasive solution to help you get back to your best.

Book your appointment today and experience relief from trigger finger symptoms. Your hands deserve expert care.