Trigger finger surgery is a common procedure designed to alleviate the catching or locking sensation that can occur in a finger or thumb. This condition, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, arises when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed, hindering the smooth gliding of the tendon. This guide outlines the expected recovery process.
Immediate Post-Operative Period
In the first 24 to 72 hours after trigger finger surgery, expect pain and soreness. Pain management involves prescribed medication or over-the-counter relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Elevate your hand above your heart for the first 24 to 48 hours to reduce swelling and discomfort. Applying ice packs for 20 minutes on and off during the first 48 hours also helps manage swelling and pain.
The surgical site will be covered with a dressing, which may be bulky. Keep this dressing clean and dry for 1 to 3 days, as instructed by your surgeon. After removal, gently wash the area with mild soap and water, patting it dry. Avoid soaking your hand in water, like in a bathtub or pool, until the incision is fully healed or stitches are removed. Some numbness or tingling near the incision, due to local anesthesia, typically resolves within a few days to several months.
Managing Your Recovery
Beyond the initial few days, the active recovery phase focuses on restoring full hand function. Begin gentle finger movements almost immediately to prevent stiffness and promote healing. Exercises like opening and closing the hand, and specific tendon gliding exercises, are encouraged multiple times a day for several weeks.
Activity restrictions are important; heavy lifting or strenuous activities are typically avoided for 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery. Office work may resume within a few days, but jobs requiring repetitive hand movements or heavy gripping might necessitate up to 6 weeks off. Driving is generally safe once you are off narcotic pain medication and can comfortably grip the steering wheel, often within five days.
Swelling and stiffness are common during recovery and can persist for weeks to months. Continue elevating your hand and applying ice to reduce swelling. Gentle massage of the scar area, once healed and stitches are removed (typically 1 to 2 weeks post-op), can soften scar tissue and improve flexibility. Hand therapy may be recommended to regain range of motion, strength, and grip.
Recognizing Potential Complications
While trigger finger surgery is generally safe, be aware of signs indicating a complication requiring medical attention. Signs of infection include increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the surgical site, red streaks leading from the incision, pus draining, or a fever. Infection rates are low, but symptoms often appear within three weeks of surgery.
Uncommon nerve damage can cause persistent numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers. While some initial numbness near the incision is normal, ongoing or severe sensory changes warrant prompt evaluation. Persistent pain or stiffness that does not improve with time and therapy, or a finger that remains locked or catches after surgery, may indicate recovery issues. Contact your surgeon if any of these symptoms arise for assessment and management.
Long-Term Outlook and Expectations
Trigger finger surgery has a high success rate. The procedure effectively addresses the underlying issue, allowing the tendon to glide freely and restoring comfortable movement to the affected digit. While some soreness and stiffness may linger for a few weeks, many individuals experience improvement in hand function within a relatively short period.
In rare instances, trigger finger symptoms can recur. Recurrence may be influenced by factors such as manual labor or a history of multiple steroid injections before surgery. It is also possible for trigger finger to develop in other digits. Overall, the long-term outlook following trigger finger surgery is positive, with most individuals regaining full use of their hand.