Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb Hand Therapy Clinic

Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb Expert

Are you seeking a qualified specialist in Belfast or Northern Ireland to diagnose and treat triggering affecting your hands? I am an experienced Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) and an Occupational Therapist (OT) by profession. As a CHT, in an Extended Scope Role, I have the expertise in diagnosing and treating trigger finger and trigger thumb. This clinical competency has been honed over the years that I have practised as an Advanced Clinical Practitioner. You can read more about my skills on my About Me page.

My Specialist Hand Therapy clinic focuses on a non-operative approach, which includes splinting and manual therapy. You can expect a comprehensive assessment to diagnose your trigger finger or trigger thumb. Fitting of a custom-made or prefabricated splint as well as treatment including provision of an exercise and activity programme will be prescribed. In instances where Hand Therapy interventions have not worked, a referral to a Hand Surgeon will be made to explore further options.


EXPERIENCED THERAPIST

Assessment and treatment delivered by an HCPC Registered Occupational Therapist and one of the few Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) practising in the UK.

NON-OPERATIVE TREATMENT

Providing evidence-based, non-invasive interventions to optimise successful outcomes.

SYMPTOM RELIEF

Trigger finger and trigger thumb can be functionally debilitating and painful. Specialist Hand Therapy can help alleviate these issues.

Triggering & The Symptoms

Trigger finger or trigger thumb is medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis. It is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers, causing them to catch or lock when you try to straighten or bend them. Triggering is most common in the ring finger or thumb and can lead to discomfort, pain, and difficulty performing everyday activities. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early identification and prompt intervention.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb:

  • Catching or Clicking / Popping Sensation: You may feel a noticeable snap when you move your affected finger or thumb.
  • Stiffness: The affected finger or thumb may become stiff, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
  • Pain or Discomfort: Pain may be experienced at the base of the affected finger or thumb, particularly when bending or straightening the digit.
  • Tenderness or Swelling: The affected area might be tender to the touch and there may be swelling around the affected tendon.

Understanding these symptoms is crucial for early identification and prompt intervention.

Treatment Options for Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb

Several treatment options are available for trigger finger and trigger thumb, The choice depends on the severity of your symptoms:
  • 1

    Splinting and manual therapy

  • 2

    Corticosteroid Injections

  • 3

    Surgery

    Severe or persistent cases. A minor surgical procedure may be recommended to release the affected tendon

Frequently Asked Questions

If a Trigger Finger is left untreated what will happen?
Can Trigger Finger heal on its own?
Is Trigger Finger and a Dupuytren’s contracture the same?
Is Physiotherapy or Hand Therapy after Trigger Finger surgery needed?

To read further on Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb please read my trigger finger article.

Get in Touch

Please feel free to get in touch with me to discuss your any Trigger Finger symptoms you may be experiancing or if you wish to book in to start your treatment.