Trigger Thumb, Now Getting Trigger Finger Too Despite Corticosteroid Injections

by Brenda
(Alexandria, AL)



I had trigger thumb a while back and my doctor put shots in it.

Well that was painful and now I have it again in the middle finger and the opposite thumb.

I really hate to get the shots. Is that the best way or is there something I can do.



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Joshua Answers:

Hi Brenda.

I'd wager that you still had Trigger Thumb even after the doctor put shots in it.

I hate shots too. I don't mind pain in general, but something about a needle in, and then fluid injected weirds me out.

Personally, I wouldn't classify cortisone injections as a treatment for Trigger Thumb, much less a good or effective treatment.

Having said that, it sounds like the original thumb still doesn't hurt?

I'm happy to give you my best way of dealing with it.

1. Make sure to read the pages:

Process of Inflammation

How To Reduce Inflammation

Trigger Finger.


2. Then answer these questions:

A. Describe your Trigger Finger symptoms in as great a detail as possible.

B. How long has this been going on?

C. Has the original thumb that got the shot started hurting again? How long ago was the shot?

D. Where exactly are you experiencing your new Trigger Finger symptoms. Opposite hand finger and thumb? Where exactly?

E. How 'bad' is the pain and movement limitation, if any?

F. Diabetic? Any other health issues?


The more clues I get, the better I can help you.



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Joshua Tucker, B.A., C.M.T.
The Tendonitis Expert
www.TendonitisExpert.com






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Feb 09, 2017
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starstarstarstarstar 		Chronic stiff swollen index finger post thumb injury
by: Chris R

My index finger on my right hand continues to be stiff and has increased swelling after activity.

I sprained the ulnar collateral ligament in my right thumb several months ago and have been under treatment of an orthopedic surgeon and going to therapy for strengthening after casting for 6 weeks.

I recently developed stiffness and chronic swelling in my right index finger and slight pain in M.I.P joint when attempting to flex or extend the finger as it seems stuck in slight flexion.

I recently received a cortisone shot from the Doctor as he was reluctant to recommend surgery at this point. The problem has not been rectified as the finger continues to swell and remain bent after activity.

I continue to go to Therapy for modalities and R.O.M. exercise but it seems like a temporary fix. I am afraid to damage the tendon or muscle fibers with trying to force it to bend or extend further.

The doctor said it could be the start of trigger finger but has not given me a definite diagnosis.

Do you have any suggestions of what may be the underlying cause?

Is it ok to use heat or whirlpool as well as icing technique?


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Joshua Comments

For underlying causes and mechanism, see the following pages and follow the links on those pages.

1. See: The Trigger Finger page (see link above)

2. See: Finger Joint Pain



Corticosteroid injections don't rectify anything, at best they decrease pain and inflammation levels (which are only two of the multiple factors at play).


Did the doctor say what causes trigger finger (if he suspects it could be the 'beginning' of trigger finger)?

Just for fun, ask him what causes it, let's see what the response is.


"Is it ok to use heat or whirlpool as well as icing technique?"

Yes, totally. Heat brings in new bloodflow. Cold pushes fluid out and brings new bloodflow in.

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