HAND SURGERY

No. 1 Hand Surgery in UK Specializing in:

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly snaps straight. It is caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath, a thin tube that surrounds the tendon that bends the finger. The inflammation can cause the tendon to catch or lock in the sheath.

Trigger finger can affect any finger, but it is most common in the thumb and ring finger. It is also more common in women than in men and in people over the age of 40.

The exact cause of trigger finger is unknown, but it is thought to be related to overuse of the affected finger. Other risk factors for trigger finger include:

Symptoms Of Trigger Finger Include:

Treatment for trigger finger typically depends on the severity of the condition. For mild cases, rest and splinting the finger may be all that is needed. In more severe cases, steroid injections or surgery may be recommended.

Steroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Surgery is usually only recommended for people with very severe trigger finger that does not respond to other treatments. The goal of surgery is to release the tendon sheath and improve the range of motion of the finger.

Most people with trigger finger make a full recovery with treatment. However, the condition can recur in some people.

Here Are Some Tips For Preventing Trigger Finger:

Avoid overuse of the affected finger.

Take breaks from activities that require repetitive gripping or grasping.

Wear gloves when performing activities that could put stress on your hands.

Stretch your fingers and hands regularly.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Treat any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to trigger finger, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Dupuytren’s Disease

Dupuytren’s disease is a condition that causes the palmar fascia, a thick band of tissue in the palm of the hand, to thicken and contract. This can cause the fingers to bend towards the palm of the hand, making it difficult to straighten them. Dupuytren’s disease is more common in men than in women, and it usually develops after the age of 40.

The exact cause of Dupuytren’s disease is unknown, but it is thought to be related to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Risk factors for Dupuytren’s disease include:

Dupuytren’s disease typically progresses slowly over time. The first sign of the disease is often the appearance of a small lump or thickening in the palm of the hand. Over time, the lump may grow larger and become harder. As the palmar fascia contracts, the fingers may begin to bend inwards towards the palm of the hand. There is no cure for Dupuytren’s disease, but there are treatments that can help to slow the progression of the disease and improve hand function. Treatment options include:

Observation

If the disease is mild and not causing any problems, your doctor may recommend simply observing it over time.

Steroid injections

Steroid injections can help to reduce inflammation and pain.

Needle aponeurotomy

Needle aponeurotomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which the surgeon uses a needle to break up the thickened palmar fascia.

Surgery

Surgery is usually recommended for people with more severe Dupuytren's disease that is causing significant problems with hand function. The goal of surgery is to remove the thickened palmar fascia and improve the range of motion of the fingers.

Ganglions

A ganglion is a benign (noncancerous) fluid-filled cyst that typically forms on the back of the wrist or on the top of the hand. It can also form on other parts of the body, such as the foot, ankle, or knee. Ganglions are not painful, but they can be unsightly or cause discomfort if they press on a nerve or tendon.

The exact cause of ganglions is unknown, but they are thought to be caused by a weakening of the tissue that covers the joints and tendons. This can happen due to overuse, injury, or simply age.

Ganglions are more common in women and people under the age of 40. They are also more common in people who participate in certain activities, such as gymnastics, tennis, and golf.

Most ganglions do not require treatment and will go away on their own within a few months. However, if a ganglion is painful, unsightly, or causing discomfort, there are a few treatment options available.

Treatment Options For Ganglions Include:

Observation

If the ganglion is small and not causing any problems, your doctor may recommend simply observing it over time.

Steroid injections

A steroid injection can help to reduce inflammation and pain. Steroid injections are often used in combination with aspiration.

Aspiration

Aspiration is a procedure in which a doctor uses a needle to drain the fluid from the ganglion. Aspiration is a simple and effective procedure, but the ganglion may recur after aspiration.

Surgery

Surgery is usually recommended for people with more severe Dupuytren's disease that is causing significant problems with hand function. The goal of surgery is to remove the thickened palmar fascia and improve the range of motion of the fingers.

Tips for Preventing Ganglions

If You Have A Ganglion, It Is Important To See A Doctor To Get A Diagnosis And Discuss Treatment Options.

  • Avoid overuse of the affected area.
  • Take breaks from activities that require repetitive gripping or grasping.
  • Wear gloves when performing activities that could put stress on your hands or feet.
  • Maintain a healthy weight.
  • Treat any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to the ganglion, such as arthritis or diabetes.

Book an Appointment

Our team of dedicated access representatives is here to help you make an appointment with the specialists that you need.