Trigger Finger Relief: Care After Steroid Injection

Navigating Trigger Finger Relief: Your Guide to Post Steroid Injection Care

A steroid injection can bring significant relief from the pain and locking sensation of trigger finger. However, the days and weeks following the injection are crucial for ensuring the best possible outcome and minimizing potential complications. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of post steroid injection trigger finger care to help you manage your recovery effectively.

Understanding Trigger Finger & Steroid Injections

Before diving into post-injection care, it’s helpful to understand a bit more about trigger finger and how steroid injections work.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your hand that control finger movement. The tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, causing swelling that makes it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through its sheath. This can lead to a catching or locking sensation, often accompanied by pain, especially when bending or straightening your finger.

How Steroid Injections Help

Steroid injections, often containing corticosteroids like cortisone, reduce inflammation around the affected tendon. This allows the tendon to glide more freely, alleviating the symptoms of trigger finger. The effects of the injection can last for several weeks to months, providing a window of opportunity for the tendon and surrounding tissues to heal.

Immediate Post-Injection Care (First 24-48 Hours)

The initial period after your steroid injection requires careful attention to minimize discomfort and promote healing.

Rest and Immobilization

• Limit Hand Activity: Avoid strenuous activities involving the affected hand. This includes heavy lifting, repetitive gripping, and prolonged use of tools or keyboards.
• Gentle Movements: While resting, gently move your fingers and wrist through their full range of motion a few times an hour to prevent stiffness. Avoid forcing any movement that causes pain.
• Splint (if prescribed): Your doctor may recommend wearing a splint, especially at night, to keep the finger in a straightened position and reduce irritation. Follow your doctor’s specific instructions regarding splint usage.

Pain Management

• Ice Packs: Apply ice packs wrapped in a cloth to the injection site for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. This helps reduce pain and swelling.
• Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) as directed to manage pain. Always follow the recommended dosage.
• Avoid Aspirin: Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding at the injection site.

Monitoring for Complications

• Increased Pain: While some initial soreness is expected, be alert for a significant increase in pain, especially if it’s accompanied by redness, warmth, or swelling around the injection site. This could indicate an infection.
• Signs of Infection: Watch for signs of infection, such as fever, chills, pus or drainage from the injection site.
• Numbness or Tingling: Report any prolonged or worsening numbness or tingling in your fingers or hand to your doctor.

Mid-Term Post-Injection Care (Days 3-14)

As the initial soreness subsides, you can gradually increase your activity level.

Gradual Return to Activity

• Avoid Overdoing It: Listen to your body and avoid activities that cause pain or clicking.
• Modify Activities: Adapt your activities to minimize stress on your hand. For example, use ergonomic tools and take frequent breaks.
• Strengthening Exercises (if recommended): Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to strengthen the muscles in your hand and forearm. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity as tolerated.

Hand Therapy (if prescribed)

• Follow Therapist’s Instructions: Attend any prescribed hand therapy sessions and diligently follow the therapist’s recommendations. They can provide guidance on exercises, stretching, and activity modification.

Potential Side Effects & Management

Steroid injections can sometimes cause temporary side effects. These usually resolve on their own.

Side Effect	Management
Skin Discoloration	Usually fades over time; sunscreen may help.
Tendon Weakening	Avoid overuse; follow exercise guidelines.
Elevated Blood Sugar (in diabetics)	Monitor blood sugar closely.
"Steroid Flare" (temporary pain increase)	Ice, rest, and pain relievers.

Long-Term Management & Prevention

While the steroid injection provides relief, addressing underlying causes and adopting preventative measures is crucial for long-term management.

Identifying and Addressing Underlying Causes

• Repetitive Strain: If your trigger finger is related to repetitive motions, identify those activities and modify them or take frequent breaks.
• Underlying Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions, like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of trigger finger. Manage these conditions effectively.

Preventing Recurrence

• Ergonomic Assessment: Have an ergonomic assessment of your workspace to ensure proper posture and reduce strain on your hands and wrists.
• Regular Stretching & Exercises: Continue to perform regular hand and wrist stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and strength.
• Avoid Overuse: Be mindful of your hand usage and avoid activities that put excessive stress on your tendons.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can increase the risk of developing trigger finger.

When to Seek Further Medical Attention

• Symptoms Return: If your trigger finger symptoms return or worsen despite post-injection care, consult your doctor.
• Limited Range of Motion: If you experience a significant and persistent limitation in your finger’s range of motion.
• Concerns about Side Effects: If you have any concerns about potential side effects of the steroid injection.

So, that’s the lowdown on post steroid injection trigger finger care! Hopefully, you’re feeling a little more confident about taking care of your hand. Remember to listen to your body, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor if anything feels off. Wishing you a speedy recovery!