Trigger finger (stenosing flexor tenosynovitis) often arises in patients with metabolic disorders like diabetes or hypothyroidism, inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, or following repetitive gripping activities like rock climbing.
Patients typically present with progressive symptoms, starting with palmar finger pain (Grade 1), which may develop into creaking, resistance to straightening, or catching in flexion, and eventually progress to Grade 4, where the finger becomes stuck down in the palm.
Physiotherapists and physical therapists can provide highly effective non-operative treatment for Grade 1 and 2 trigger fingers, but knowing when to treat, combine conservative care with injections, or refer for surgical intervention is critical.
If a 45-year-old patient presented to you tomorrow with finger pain, creaking, and difficulty straightening after a month, could you confidently manage their condition?
In this presentation, Melissa Wallace (Physiotherapist, Accredited Hand Therapist AHTA, MSc Hand Therapy) will guide you through:
- How to effectively assess and treat patients with trigger finger using splinting, tendon gliding exercises, and load management.
- When to combine non-surgical treatment with cortisone injections for optimal results.
- Recognizing when to refer patients for imaging or a surgical opinion.
- How to differentiate between trigger finger, pulley injuries, ganglion cysts, and Dupuytren’s disease.
Through this video, you’ll gain the confidence and skills to successfully manage trigger finger, providing your patients with the best possible outcomes.
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