Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common condition that causes fingers to lock or catch when bending or straightening. Mr. Vasanthakumar Ramsingh, a leading Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Lincolnshire, specialises in advanced hand surgery techniques to relieve pain, restore smooth finger movement, and improve hand function.
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Trigger finger occurs when the tendon in the finger becomes inflamed or thickened, restricting smooth movement and causing locking or catching during finger motion. This condition can affect one or multiple fingers, making daily tasks like gripping, writing, or typing difficult and painful.

Mr. Vasanthakumar Ramsingh, an experienced orthopaedic consultant in Lincolnshire, provides personalised care using both non-surgical and surgical options to treat trigger finger. This guide explains the causes, treatment options, recovery process, potential risks, and why patients trust Mr. Ramsingh for hand surgery.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendon in a finger cannot glide smoothly through its sheath. This leads to:

  • Pain or tenderness at the base of the finger
  • Clicking, popping, or locking when bending or straightening the finger
  • Stiffness and difficulty moving the finger, especially in the morning

Common causes include:

  • Repetitive gripping or hand-intensive activities
  • Diabetes or other metabolic conditions
  • Inflammation due to injury or arthritis

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, restore smooth finger movement, and prevent long-term stiffness or deformity.

Who Can Benefit from Trigger Finger Treatment?

Ideal candidates are individuals who:

  • Experience finger locking, catching, or pain during hand use
  • Have reduced hand function affecting daily activities or work
  • Do not respond to conservative measures such as splints, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections
  • Require surgical release for persistent or severe cases

Mr. Ramsingh conducts a thorough evaluation, including clinical examination and imaging if required, to determine the most appropriate treatment.

Trigger Finger Treatment in Lincolnshire: The Procedure

Non-Surgical Management

Initial treatment may include:

  • Rest and activity modification
  • Splinting to immobilise the affected finger
  • Anti-inflammatory medication or corticosteroid injections

These measures can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms in mild to moderate cases.

Surgical Release

If non-surgical treatments fail, trigger finger release surgery may be recommended. This is usually performed under local anaesthesia and involves:

  • Making a small incision at the base of the affected finger
  • Releasing the tight tendon sheath to allow smooth movement
  • Closing the incision with fine sutures for optimal healing

Mr. Ramsingh performs trigger finger surgery at leading facilities in Lincolnshire, including:

  • Lincoln Hospital
  • Ramsay Boston West Hospital

These hospitals provide modern operating theatres and dedicated hand therapy support.

Duration and Post-Operative Care

After surgery:

  • Patients are usually discharged on the same day
  • The finger is bandaged, and gentle exercises are started early to prevent stiffness
  • Pain is managed with medication, and hand therapy guidance is provided
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and finger function

Recovery and Aftercare

Recovery timelines vary, but typical milestones include:

  • Weeks 1–2: Light finger movement, wound care, and pain management
  • Weeks 3–4: Gradual increase in finger mobility and hand use
  • 6 Weeks: Removal of sutures and progression to normal daily activities
  • 3 Months: Full recovery with restored finger function and minimal pain

Mr. Ramsingh provides tailored post-operative care and hand therapy advice to ensure optimal results.

Risks and Complications

Trigger finger release is generally safe, but potential risks include:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding or bruising
  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • Persistent pain or recurrence of symptoms
  • Rare complications from anaesthesia

Mr. Ramsingh uses precise surgical techniques and careful post-operative protocols to minimise these risks.

Why Choose Mr. Vasanthakumar Ramsingh in Lincolnshire?

Mr. Ramsingh is a highly experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hand and upper limb surgery. Patients benefit from:

  • Access to state-of-the-art facilities at Lincoln Hospital and Ramsay Boston West Hospital
  • Personalised, evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs
  • Expertise in minimally invasive and open surgical techniques for hand conditions
  • Comprehensive post-operative care and hand therapy support to ensure long-term function

FAQs

Is trigger finger release painful?
Some discomfort is expected after surgery, but pain is well controlled with prescribed medication and guided rehabilitation.

How long does recovery take?
Most patients regain light finger function within 2–4 weeks, with full recovery by 6–12 weeks depending on hand use and therapy compliance.

Will I need hand therapy?
Yes. Hand therapy is essential to restore smooth movement, strength, and dexterity. Mr. Ramsingh provides a tailored rehabilitation plan.

Can the finger move normally after surgery?
Yes. The procedure allows the tendon to glide smoothly, restoring normal movement and reducing pain.

Book Your Consultation

If you are experiencing finger locking, pain, or reduced hand function, speak to Mr. Vasanthakumar Ramsingh to find out if trigger finger release is right for you.

Contact us today to schedule your consultation at one of Mr. Ramsingh’s Lincolnshire clinics.

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Price guide for self-pay patients

What sets us apart

Our clinic is committed to providing exceptional care, prioritising patient well-being while offering cutting-edge treatment solutions.

Affiliated with Renowned Medical Institutions

Mr. Ramsingh practices at Boston West Hospital and Lincoln Hospital, both part of the Circle Health Group, and serves at Pilgrim Hospital under United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust, ensuring comprehensive patient care across multiple settings.

Dedicated to Medical Education and Mentorship

Mr. Ramsingh actively mentors undergraduate and postgraduate trainees, contributing to the development of future orthopaedic specialists.

Expert in Comprehensive Upper Limb Surgery

Mr. Ramsingh offers advanced surgical care for shoulder, elbow, hand, and wrist conditions, including arthroscopic and open procedures, with a focus on restoring function and quality of life.

Extensive Fellowship Training from Leading UK Institutions

Trained through specialist fellowships at leading UK centres, including Sheffield, Wirral, Wigan, and Birmingham, enhancing advanced shoulder, elbow, and hand surgery skills.

Practice billing

We provide flexible billing options tailored to meet your needs and circumstances

Contact

For more information or to discuss your questions or enquiries, get in touch with our team today.

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Boston West Hospital

The Lincoln Hospital

Boston West Hospital

Boston West Business Park, Sleaford Road, Boston, Lincolnshire, PE21 8EG

Working hours
Monday: 8.30 AM – 1 PM

The Lincoln Hospital

Nettleham Road, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, LN2 1QU

Working hours
Wednesday: 3.30 PM – 7.30 PM