Trigger Finger Surgery at OpenMed Warsaw
Trigger finger is a condition that may seem harmless, but in practice significantly impairs daily functioning. The characteristic "snapping" of the finger during bending and straightening, pain at the base of the finger or a sensation of locking are symptoms that patients frequently present with to an orthopaedic specialist. At OpenMed in Warsaw we offer diagnostics and trigger finger surgery on an outpatient basis, with a clear treatment plan and post-procedure care.
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis of the flexor tendon sheath, involves narrowing of the canal through which the tendon slides. As a result of inflammation, the tendon or its sheath thickens, impeding free movement. When attempting to straighten the finger, the tendon "snaps" through the narrowed section, causing the characteristic click.
Causes and symptoms of trigger finger
The most common cause is chronic overloading of the hand, repetitive gripping movements or work requiring prolonged finger clenching. Inflammatory diseases, diabetes and rheumatic conditions increase the risk. The problem may affect one or several fingers, and symptoms usually develop gradually. Typical symptoms include:
- pain at the base of the finger, worsening with movement,
- a sensation of snapping when straightening,
- morning finger stiffness,
- in advanced cases, locking of the finger in a bent position.
In the initial stage, symptoms may resolve spontaneously, but with persistent symptoms an orthopaedic consultation is necessary.
Doctors for trigger finger diagnosis and treatment
Consult specialists who assess snapping fingers, qualify patients for surgery and guide recovery.
Diagnostics at OpenMed Warsaw
Diagnosis of trigger finger is based primarily on clinical examination. Our specialists at OpenMed assess range of motion, pain level and the characteristic tendon snapping. If in doubt, ultrasound examination is possible, allowing assessment of the condition of tendons and tendon sheaths.
Accurate diagnostics are important to exclude other causes of hand pain and to select the optimal treatment method.
Treatment and trigger finger surgery
In the initial stage, conservative treatment is used, including hand offloading, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injection around the tendon sheath. However, if symptoms persist, recur or finger locking occurs, our doctors may propose surgical treatment.
Trigger finger surgery involves a small skin incision and cutting the narrowed pulley that compresses the tendon. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia and usually takes about fifteen minutes. By decompressing the tendon, finger movement regains fluidity and pain symptoms resolve.
The procedure is minimally invasive and usually does not require prolonged hospitalisation. The patient returns home the same day, and finger movement is recommended from the first days after the procedure.
Return to function after surgery
After surgery, appropriate wound care and gradual mobilisation of the finger are of key importance. Our specialists provide detailed recommendations regarding follow-up, suture removal and return to work. In most cases, full function returns within a few weeks.
If you experience finger snapping, hand pain or difficulty straightening your fingers, book a consultation at OpenMed Warsaw. Quick diagnostics and appropriately selected treatment help prevent the problem from becoming established.
FAQ - Trigger finger surgery
The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, so the patient does not feel pain during the operation.
In most cases, return to daily activities occurs within a few weeks, depending on the nature of work and healing pace.
Recurrence is rare but possible. Regular check-ups and avoiding overloading reduce the risk of recurrent symptoms.
No, an orthopaedic consultation at OpenMed can be booked without a referral.