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Is a corticosteroid trigger finger injection
an effective treatment ?
A trigger finger injection of a steroid medication, such as cortisone, near or into the tendon sheath also can be used to reduce inflammation of the sheath.
It is important to note that this treatment can be most effective if given soon after trigger finger signs and symptoms begin.
Trigger finger injections can be repeated if necessary, though repeated injections may not be as effective as the initial injection. Steroid trigger finger injections may not be as effective in people with other medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.
Most patients will respond to the cortisone trigger finger injection.
When a trigger finger persists after two injections and, is not responsive to the above treatments, surgical procedures to ultimately remove the inflamed or scarred tissue are considered.
The patient normally returns for a follow-up visit within 1-4 weeks.
At this time, further treatment, such as splinting, repeat corticosteroid injection (but not within a few weeks of a previous injection), or surgical referral for severe, unresponsive cases will be considered. In addition, any complications from previous injections should be assessed.
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About 50% of all trigger fingers will be completely resolved with injections, although it may take more than one.
It is not a good idea, in general, to receive more than three injections in any one location in the body, as it can cause some collagen degeneration.
Following a trigger finger injection
You can have three in each involved finger, but not more than three in any one finger. If a finger has been locked, the injection will often resolve the locking, but it probably will not be completely effective in resolving the problem, and you are more likely to proceed to the next step which is trigger finger surgery.
Following the trigger finger injection or surgery, a home exercise (stretching) program may be one component of treatment for patients.
Of course, alternatives to trigger finger injection include splinting and modification of activity and you should try these first.
Conclusion
Corticosteroids are medicines that can be used to reduce swelling. In cases of trigger finger, liquid corticosteroids are injected into the tendon sheath (the membrane that the tendon slides through), at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
They’re thought to work by reducing swelling of the tendon, allowing the tendon to move freely again. This can sometimes happen within a few days of having the injection, but it usually takes a few weeks.
It’s estimated that corticosteroid injections are an effective treatment for 50 to 70% of people with trigger finger. However, they’re generally less effective in people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis..
A trigger finger injection can permanently improve trigger finger but, in some cases, the problem can return after treatment. You can have a second injection if the effect wears off, but it’s often less effective than the first injection.
The risks of corticosteroid injections for trigger finger are small. Very occasionally, it causes some thinning or colour change in the skin at the site of injection. There’s also a very small risk of infection.
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