trigger thumb treatments ....
An_224152 posted:
About 6 months ago I was diagnosed with trigger thumb. At that time I was given the choice of a steroid injection or surgery. The doctor informed me that the injection works for most patients. So I had the injection. Now, 6 months later, I have trigger thumb again. I see the doctor tomorrow. I am just wondering if I should have another injection or go for the surgery if given the choice? Also, for any of you who have had the surgery...exactly what is the procedure like? I have read that it is done with a local anesthesia...does that mean an injection of a numbing agent or what? With the steroid injection that I had, I found the injection of the numbing agent to be extremely painful.
15 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....About 6 months ago I was diagnosed with trigger thumb. At that time I was given the choice of a steroid injection or surgery. The doctor informed me that the injection works for most patients. So I had the injection. Now, 6 months later, I have trigger thumb again. I see the doctor tomorrow. I am just wondering if I should have another injection or go for the surgery if given the choice? Also, for any of you who have had the surgery...exactly what is the procedure like? I have read that it is done with a local anesthesia...does that mean an injection of a numbing agent or what? With the steroid injection that I had, I found the injection of the numbing agent to be extremely painful.
olmule responded:
no problem,my wife had her thumb done and withinh two weeks she was back to normal.
she also had trigger finger in the other had which lead to a tendon graft to stabilize that condition. all in alll the surgery is a blessing.good luck.
she also had trigger finger in the other had which lead to a tendon graft to stabilize that condition. all in alll the surgery is a blessing.good luck.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....no problem,my wife had her thumb done and withinh two weeks she was back to normal.<br />she also had trigger finger in the other had which lead to a tendon graft to stabilize that condition. all in alll the surgery is a blessing.good luck.
imgrandma responded:
I also had trigger thumb that was partially resolved by an injection. After a while the problem returned and my doctor agreed to try a second shot but no more. At first I was unsure, but with time my thumb became normal again. That was over a year ago and it's still doing fine.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....I also had trigger thumb that was partially resolved by an injection. After a while the problem returned and my doctor agreed to try a second shot but no more. At first I was unsure, but with time my thumb became normal again. That was over a year ago and it's still doing fine.
7Penny7 responded:
A few years ago I was diagnosed with trigger thumb. I tried the injections and they didn't work. Then the doctor did surgery in the office. It also failed. Then when I was having carpel tunnel corrected on my wrist the doctor also did the surgery on the thumb but it also failed. My only relief is wearing a brace on my wrist & thumb, which you can buy in any pharmacy. I would never have the surgery again. Good luck.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....A few years ago I was diagnosed with trigger thumb. I tried the injections and they didn't work. Then the doctor did surgery in the office. It also failed. Then when I was having carpel tunnel corrected on my wrist the doctor also did the surgery on the thumb but it also failed. My only relief is wearing a brace on my wrist & thumb, which you can buy in any pharmacy. I would never have the surgery again. Good luck.<br />
An_224153 responded:
Well, I went in and had another injection. I decided that I would try one more injection and if this one doesn't work I will probably have the surgery. They can only give you so many injections, and the first one worked for 6 months. I'm hoping that this one will work and I will have no further problems.
Thank you all for your input.
Thank you all for your input.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....Well, I went in and had another injection. I decided that I would try one more injection and if this one doesn't work I will probably have the surgery. They can only give you so many injections, and the first one worked for 6 months. I'm hoping that this one will work and I will have no further problems.<br /><br />Thank you all for your input.
quito2myman responded:
I've not been diagnosed with trigger thumb but had a trigger finger (middle right hand). I'd had the injections which the first two or three worked for approximately 6 months each. The last one was done by a different doctor and boy, did it hurt! He did it different than the other doctor. I think he may have hit something he shouldn't have. That shot never did work so I went in and had the surgery-he did it in one day surgery. I'm glad I had it done. No more sticking/pain. If I had this happen with any of my other fingers, I'd go with surgery again. Good luck!
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....I've not been diagnosed with trigger thumb but had a trigger finger (middle right hand). I'd had the injections which the first two or three worked for approximately 6 months each. The last one was done by a different doctor and boy, did it hurt! He did it different than the other doctor. I think he may have hit something he shouldn't have. That shot never did work so I went in and had the surgery-he did it in one day surgery. I'm glad I had it done. No more sticking/pain. If I had this happen with any of my other fingers, I'd go with surgery again. Good luck!
bgbhat responded:
A few years back I had pain in the 2nd joint of my thumb due an injury. Later it was diagnosed as trigger thumb. I was advised to take steroid injection and even surgery, if needed. I didn't want go thro' that. After a few days, one day I tried dipping the painful joint in a mug of hot water for a minute and then in a mug of cold water for a minute. I repeated this for about 5-10 minutes in a session. I did it about 3 times a day. Every time after the session I used to feel alright and there was no pain when bending and straightening the thumb for some time. After a couple of weeks the pain totally disappeared. It seems alternate exposure to heat and cold improves blood circulation in the painful area and relieves the pain gradually. Of course before starting this, it would be necessary to rule out any abnormalities in the joint.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....A few years back I had pain in the 2nd joint of my thumb due an injury. Later it was diagnosed as trigger thumb. I was advised to take steroid injection and even surgery, if needed. I didn't want go thro' that. After a few days, one day I tried dipping the painful joint in a mug of hot water for a minute and then in a mug of cold water for a minute. I repeated this for about 5-10 minutes in a session. I did it about 3 times a day. Every time after the session I used to feel alright and there was no pain when bending and straightening the thumb for some time. After a couple of weeks the pain totally disappeared. It seems alternate exposure to heat and cold improves blood circulation in the painful area and relieves the pain gradually. Of course before starting this, it would be necessary to rule out any abnormalities in the joint.
chocolatelab01 responded:
I have had 6 hand surgeries in 2 1/2 years; two were for carpal tunnel and the other 4 were for either trigger thumb or trigger finger. My last 2 surgeries were in 2008 and the first one involved my left hand. Thumb, middle and ring finger's. The right hand was done a month after the left. That one involved my ring and middle fingers. They were successful until June of this year- for my right hand- my trigger finger's have returned on the middle, ring and index (I had the index finger surgery in late 2006 or early 2007), I have never gotten the cortisone shot- I have bad reactions to cortisone. I would always do the surgery, of course now I'm looking at something different if it's possible, because I don't want to keep having trigger surgery every 2 years. Good luck with your surgery, if you have it and keep us posted.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....I have had 6 hand surgeries in 2 1/2 years; two were for carpal tunnel and the other 4 were for either trigger thumb or trigger finger. My last 2 surgeries were in 2008 and the first one involved my left hand. Thumb, middle and ring finger's. The right hand was done a month after the left. That one involved my ring and middle fingers. They were successful until June of this year- for my right hand- my trigger finger's have returned on the middle, ring and index (I had the index finger surgery in late 2006 or early 2007), I have never gotten the cortisone shot- I have bad reactions to cortisone. I would always do the surgery, of course now I'm looking at something different if it's possible, because I don't want to keep having trigger surgery every 2 years. Good luck with your surgery, if you have it and keep us posted.
Cristine1234 responded:
I have been seeing a chiropractor for my trigger finger (middle, left hand) and it has really helped.
He gave me a sheet with hand exercises to do, if I do them a couple time a day (can even do while driving, it helps alot, at least the snap is gone!
He gave me a sheet with hand exercises to do, if I do them a couple time a day (can even do while driving, it helps alot, at least the snap is gone!
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....I have been seeing a chiropractor for my trigger finger (middle, left hand) and it has really helped.<br />He gave me a sheet with hand exercises to do, if I do them a couple time a day (can even do while driving, it helps alot, at least the snap is gone!
didthatonce responded:
Hi Anon~Go with the surgery! I did, just this past winter and now I can bend my thumb the normal way. I used to have to bend it manually...not fun. The pain that you have now, indicates that it's time to correct that. The body doesn't lie. As far as the shot goes...I had a steroid shot and it didn't do anything. The surgery releases the tendon and that's what's needed. As for the pain during surgery...I was advised by my Son-In-Law to be mildly sedated ~ What a blessing! I went in with the problem and came out with a normal thumb again. I wasn't aware of any pain, or discomfort during the surgery. Afterward, of course, it will be wrapped and you'll need to keep it dry while bathing/showering, but it's all worth it. Best of luck to You.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....<b><i>Hi Anon~Go with the surgery! I did, just this past winter and now I can bend my thumb the normal way. I used to have to bend it manually...not fun. The pain that you have now, indicates that it's time to correct that. The body doesn't lie. As far as the shot goes...I had a steroid shot and it didn't do anything. The surgery releases the tendon and that's what's needed. As for the pain during surgery...I was advised by my Son-In-Law to be mildly sedated ~ What a blessing! I went in with the problem and came out with a normal thumb again. I wasn't aware of any pain, or discomfort during the surgery. Afterward, of course, it will be wrapped and you'll need to keep it dry while bathing/showering, but it's all worth it. Best of luck to You.</i></b>
Tsdakim replied to didthatonce's response:
My first trigger finger was zapped with cortisone. It hurt too much to do it again. Then my thumb triggered and i ended up with thumb, middle and ring fingers. I found soaking in hot water great relief. The doctor suggested hot wax. After finally finding commercial wax and getting around to applying it, the ring finger stopped hurting. All three digit are probably still trigger fingers, but since they don't hurt, I never test them any more to see if they still trigger. I regard my situation as great luck. My suggestion is to wait. Do not test the fingers for about a month. Then you can consider all the advice given above. .
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....My first trigger finger was zapped with cortisone. It hurt too much to do it again. Then my thumb triggered and i ended up with thumb, middle and ring fingers. I found soaking in hot water great relief. The doctor suggested hot wax. After finally finding commercial wax and getting around to applying it, the ring finger stopped hurting. All three digit are probably still trigger fingers, but since they don't hurt, I never test them any more to see if they still trigger. I regard my situation as great luck. My suggestion is to wait. Do not test the fingers for about a month. Then you can consider all the advice given above. .
7windsong responded:
I have never had trigger thum, but presently have my third case of trigger finger. In the prior two episodes, we tried 2 shots of cortisone first, and then surgery. I am following the same course of action with this finger, with surgery scheduled for the fall. I agree that the cortisone injections themselves are quite painful, with the pain worse in the days following the injection than prior to the shots. With me, the cortisone only alleviated the discomfort for 4-6 months. I wish I had had the upcoing surgery three months ago.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....I have never had trigger thum, but presently have my third case of trigger finger. In the prior two episodes, we tried 2 shots of cortisone first, and then surgery. I am following the same course of action with this finger, with surgery scheduled for the fall. I agree that the cortisone injections themselves are quite painful, with the pain worse in the days following the injection than prior to the shots. With me, the cortisone only alleviated the discomfort for 4-6 months. I wish I had had the upcoing surgery three months ago.
had carpal tunnel surgery did very well after went to therapy had no real problems then about 3 months after i started to have pain in my thumb felt like it was dislocated had x-ray and my doctor said it was trigger thumb recieved a cortisone shot (never had a shot so painful ever) still having pain and weakness in thumb beginning to think i may have to have surgery again really not wanting to but nothing else is working i even tried to wear a thumb stabalizer but it does not seem to be working either! i will try the hot and cold water advice before i see my doctor again in 2 weeks i am suppossed to get another cortisone shot butr really dont want to! he said i could have up to 3( 6 weeks apart ) but dont know if i want to do that again thaanks to the above readers for the advice
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....<i>had carpal tunnel surgery did very well after went to therapy had no real problems then about 3 months after i started to have pain in my thumb felt like it was dislocated had x-ray and my doctor said it was trigger thumb recieved a cortisone shot (never had a shot so painful ever) still having pain and weakness in thumb beginning to think i may have to have surgery again really not wanting to but nothing else is working i even tried to wear a thumb stabalizer but it does not seem to be working either! i will try the hot and cold water advice before i see my doctor again in 2 weeks i am suppossed to get another cortisone shot butr really dont want to! he said i could have up to 3( 6 weeks apart ) but dont know if i want to do that again thaanks to the above readers for the advice</i>
7Penny7 responded:
I have had my trigger thumb injected & operated on twice. Both treatment failed. I get relief when I use a brace on my wrist & thumb that is worn only at night.
The shots are painful & lasted me only a few days.
The 1st surgery was done in the office & gave me relief only a few weeks. The 2nd surgery was coupled with my wrist carpel tunnel and seem to just last a couple months and the thumb trouble returned. After reading about using a brace at night, I finally found relief.
Good luck maybe your doctor will be more successful.
The shots are painful & lasted me only a few days.
The 1st surgery was done in the office & gave me relief only a few weeks. The 2nd surgery was coupled with my wrist carpel tunnel and seem to just last a couple months and the thumb trouble returned. After reading about using a brace at night, I finally found relief.
Good luck maybe your doctor will be more successful.
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....I have had my trigger thumb injected & operated on twice. Both treatment failed. I get relief when I use a brace on my wrist & thumb that is worn only at night.<br /> The shots are painful & lasted me only a few days. <br />The 1st surgery was done in the office & gave me relief only a few weeks. The 2nd surgery was coupled with my wrist carpel tunnel and seem to just last a couple months and the thumb trouble returned. After reading about using a brace at night, I finally found relief.<br />Good luck maybe your doctor will be more successful.
I sure hope so Penny those cortisone shots are Very Painful and didnt work for me either i only had one but dint want to go through that again so my hand specialist said i have a better percentage rate with surgery my surgery is not going to be done in the office i am actually having it done in the O.R. I saw the video of how it is done no way am i staying awake for that! home remedys take to long and i am in to much pain to wait any longer thumb stablizer didnt work either gave me blisters
Report This| Share this:trigger thumb treatments ....I sure hope so Penny those cortisone shots are Very Painful and didnt work for me either i only had one but dint want to go through that again so my hand specialist said i have a better percentage rate with surgery my surgery is not going to be done in the office i am actually having it done in the O.R. I saw the video of how it is done no way am i staying awake for that! home remedys take to long and i am in to much pain to wait any longer thumb stablizer didnt work either gave me blisters
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