Trigger finger occurs when thick nodules or lumps develop on the flexor tendon in the finger causing it to get stuck in the tendon sheath tunnel as you try to straighten your finger. At first, you may feel a pop as the tendon moves through the tight area, and the finger may suddenly shoot out straight. Over time, as the swelling increases, there will be a pain, and perhaps an inability to straighten your finger without help. There is no known cause for trigger finger although it is more common in women, those between forty and sixty years old, anyone suffering from diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, those who participate in activities that strain the hand, and people with carpal tunnel syndrome, and de Quervain’s stenosing tenosynovitis. There are non-surgical treatment options for trigger finger such as steroid injections, anti-inflammatory medications, and rest, but for anyone whose finger has become stuck in a bent position, trigger finger surgery is the best option. At the Hand Center of Northern Arizona, our highly skilled surgeons will make a small incision in the palm, and cut the tendon sheath tunnel. As the sheath heals, it will be looser so that the tendon has more room to move thus relieving your symptoms. Trigger Finger surgery is performed at Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, our privately owned, fully licensed, certified, and AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center located in the lower level of the Hand Center of Northern Arizona building in Flagstaff. Most people are able to move their fingers immediately after surgery, and full recovery may be expected within a few weeks although it may take up to six months for all the swelling and stiffness to go away. To learn more about Trigger Finger surgery at the Hand Center of Northern Arizona, contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a consultation at any of our five Northern Arizona locations.

Dupuytren’s contracture is a thickening and tightening of the fibrous tissue under the skin of the palm and finger. Though painless and quite common (President Reagan suffered from the disease), it does cause the fingers to curl up which may eventually affect your ability to grip objects or put your hands in your pockets. There is no known cause for Dupuytren’s contracture although it is more common in people of Northern European descent, and increases in frequency with age. Symptoms develop gradually and usually involve the formation of nodules or lumps that thicken with time, forming tough bands of skin under the palm. As the disease migrates to the fingers, patients find that they can no longer extend their fingers. There are a number of non-surgical options for treating Dupuytren’s contracture such as steroid injections, splints, an enzyme injections. Many patients, however, reach a point where their hand function is so limited that they seek surgery. At Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, our highly skilled hand surgeons believe that surgery is the best option for treating Dupuytren’s contracture if the patient is unable to place his/her hand flat on a smooth surface. Surgery involves dividing and removing the thick bands in order to restore finger movement. Dupuytren’s contracture surgery is performed at Northern Arizona SurgiCenter, our privately owned, fully licensed, certified, and AAAHC-accredited ambulatory surgery center located in the lower level of the Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona building in Flagstaff. Following this surgery, you can expect some swelling, and you may require physical therapy but, in general, recovery time is minimal. To learn more about Dupuytren’s contracture surgery at Plastic Surgeons of Northern Arizona, contact us today at (928) 774-2300 or (800) 962-1390 to schedule a consultation at any of our five Northern Arizona locations.