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A finger that catches, locks, or snaps when you try to straighten it points to trigger finger, a condition that tends to worsen the longer it goes untreated. Gregory Foremny, MD, at IVO Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, treats trigger finger both with conservative care and microinvasive trigger finger release, a procedure that resolves the problem through a tiny entry point. Dr. Foremny uses ultrasound guidance to treat the tendon with precision. Reach out to IVO Miami by phone to request an appointment.
Schedule your appointment with Dr. Gregory Foremny today. Dr. Foremny, M.D., is board-certified, and double fellowship-trained specializing in image-guided orthopedic procedures in Miami. He completed his fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York, consistently ranked the #1 hospital in the nation for orthopedics by U.S. News & World Report. He then completed a second fellowship at the McGinley Clinic in Wyoming, to become one of the first interventional orthopedics fellows in the United States where he received specialized in training microinvasive trigger finger release at a Sonex Center for Excellence. He also serves as team radiologist for the NBA's Miami Heat. With more than 10,000 procedures performed, Dr. Foremny gives every patient concierge-level time and attention. Call our office at (305)-786-5550 to book your visit.
Trigger Finger Q & A
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger happens when the tendon that curls your finger gets stuck instead of sliding cleanly. The tendon glides through a snug ring of tissue (the A1 pulley) at the base of the finger; when that ring thickens, the tendon catches as it passes through, producing the click or lock.
When this happens, your finger sticks in a bent position and then releases with a sudden snap, much like pulling a trigger. The thumb, ring finger, and middle finger are the most commonly affected.
What causes trigger finger?
Repeated gripping and sustained strain on the hand are frequent culprits, though the condition sometimes shows up without a clear reason. Several factors raise the odds, such as:
- Work or hobbies that involve repeated, forceful gripping
- Diabetes, which significantly increases the risk
- Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions
- Being female, since it occurs more often in women
- Age, with most cases appearing after 40
It’s also common to develop trigger finger in more than one finger at a time, and people with diabetes are especially prone to multiple fingers being involved.
How is trigger finger diagnosed and treated?
To diagnose trigger finger, Dr. Foremny combines a focused hand exam with diagnostic imaging, which shows him the tendon and pulley in detail. Early or mild cases often respond to conservative measures, including:
- Rest and splinting to keep the finger from locking
- Activity changes to reduce repetitive strain
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Image-guided corticosteroid injections placed precisely into the tendon sheath
These steps resolve many cases, especially when treatment starts early.
What is microinvasive trigger finger release?
When injections and conservative care don’t bring lasting relief, Dr. Foremny offers microinvasive trigger finger release. Dr. Foremny received subspecialized training with the Sonex trigger finger release device during his fellowship at a designated Sonex Center of Excellence. Using ultrasound to guide the instrument, he releases the snug pulley covering the tendon, through a tiny opening rather than a traditional surgical incision.
The technique spares surrounding tissue, requires no stitches, and lets most patients return to normal use of the hand sooner than open surgery allows.
Get started by calling IVO Miami to schedule your consultation.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- PROCEDURE TIME: < 30 minutes
- RECOVERY: Immediate motion
- ANESTHESIA: Local only
- SETTING: In-office