Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition that makes it difficult to bend or move your finger. It’s most common in your little finger or ring finger and it’s also possible to have trigger thumb. Symptoms include:

Difficulty moving your finger, which might be worse first thing in the morning
A clicking sensation when you move your finger
Your finger getting stuck in a bent position when you make a fist or grip something

Trigger finger is caused by inflammation or swelling in your tendons. Tendons join together your bone and muscle so you can freely move your fingers, but this becomes difficult when a tendon or the covering of tendon is inflamed/thickened. It isn’t clear what causes the condition, but it is more common in patient’s with Diabetes.

Book an appointment

Diagnosis

If you think you might have trigger finger or have any discomfort in your hand or fingers, you can book an initial consultation with Mr Sarker at his clinics in Essex or London.

During your initial consultation, Mr Sarker will talk to you about any pain you’re experiencing and examine your finger and hand to help him make a diagnosis. Then he will talk you through the treatment options available to you.

Treatment

Treatment for trigger finger depends on your individual needs. Mr Sarker will usually start with:

Hand therapy and wearing a splint

The first treatment option is wearing a splint to keep your finger straight. Mr Sarker might also recommend hand therapy, which means doing specific exercises to help you strengthen your finger muscles and reduce pain. This usually involves working with a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist regularly.

Steroid injections

If hand therapy and wearing a splint isn’t successful, Mr Sarker might recommend a steroid injection in your finger, sometimes known as a corticosteroid injection. It contains anti-inflammatories to temporarily relieve pain or swelling. This can only be done twice.

Surgery for trigger finger

Steroid injections and hand therapy are generally very effective at treating trigger finger, so it’s rare that surgery is needed. In severe cases, Mr Sarker can perform surgery to help the tendon that’s inflamed move freely again, reducing pain and swelling. He does the surgery using local anaesthetic and you can go home the same day.

If surgery is needed, Mr Sarker will talk you through the process in detail, so you’re fully informed about the procedure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my private medical insurance?

Yes, Mr Sarker is approved by all major medical insurance providers and these treatments are well recognised. You’ll need to make sure your particular insurer provides you with authorisation at each stage of your journey.

Can I pay for my own treatment?

Yes, Mr Sarker is happy to see patients on a self-pay basis. If you’re looking for prompt treatment from an expert hand and wrist consultant, you can book an appointment with Mr Sarker by getting in touch directly. You’ll be made aware of all of the prices for anything you need well ahead of having them, so you can make the right decision for you.

How much does treatment cost?

Here’s what you might expect to pay for these treatments:

Needle aponeurotomy

Initial Consultation: £250

Treatment: fee assured for insured patients.

Follow-up consultation: £175

Fasciectomy:

Initial consultation: £250

Treatment: fee assured for insured patients.

Follow-up consultation: £175

Do I need a referral letter to see Mr Sarker?

Mr Sarker is happy to see you without a referral letter, but if you’re using your insurance, you should check with them as they may request that you get one.