Can You Still Work With Trigger Finger?
- You may be able to continue working if your trigger finger symptoms are mild.
- Jobs involving frequent gripping, lifting or repetitive hand movements may be more difficult.
- Taking breaks and adjusting your work tasks may help reduce discomfort.
- Trigger finger treatment options include splinting, injections and surgery.
These difficulties can arise from trigger finger, medically called stenosing tenosynovitis. If you have this condition, read on to find out whether you can continue working safely.
Does Trigger Finger Affect Your Ability to Work?
Trigger finger can cause pain, stiffness and difficulty moving the affected digit.
It happens when the tendon that bends your finger has difficulty gliding smoothly through the surrounding tissue. The condition can also affect more than one finger.
You may experience:
- Pain when holding objects
- Stiffness, especially in the morning
- Clicking or catching when bending or straightening your finger
- A finger that becomes stuck in a bent position
Which Jobs Are More Difficult With Trigger Finger?
Certain jobs may become more difficult when your symptoms affect how comfortably you can use your hands.
| Type of work | Tasks that may become difficult |
| Office work | Typing, writing or using a mouse |
| Manual labour | Holding tools or lifting materials |
| Healthcare | Handling instruments or equipment |
| Food preparation | Chopping or gripping utensils |
Should You Keep Working If You Have Trigger Finger?
You may be able to continue working if your symptoms are manageable and you can carry out your duties safely.
However, unexpected locking or difficulty maintaining your grip can pose risks when operating machinery, carrying heavy objects or handling sharp tools.
If necessary, discuss temporary changes to your duties with your employer. Seek medical advice if your symptoms worsen or you have difficulty straightening your finger, as these may be signs that need attention.
How Can You Work More Comfortably With Trigger Finger?
A few changes to your daily routine may help ease discomfort.
- Take regular breaks: Rest your hands between tasks that involve repeated movements.
- Choose wider grips: Use pens or tools that are easier to hold.
- Switch between tasks: Avoid using the same finger movements for long periods.
- Adjust your workstation: Position your keyboard and mouse comfortably to reduce unnecessary strain.
What Treatment Options Can Keep You At Work?
The right treatment for trigger finger depends on how much discomfort you experience and whether your symptoms affect everyday activities.
Non-Surgical Treatment
For milder cases, your doctor may recommend reducing activities that aggravate your finger or wearing a splint.
A corticosteroid injection may also help relieve symptoms and improve finger movement. However, symptoms can return.
Trigger Finger Release Surgery
If other treatments have not helped or your finger remains locked, trigger finger release surgery may be considered.
The procedure is usually performed under local anaesthesia, which numbs the hand while you remain awake. The surgeon makes a small incision in the tight tissue surrounding the tendon, allowing it to glide more freely.
When Can You Return to Work After Trigger Finger Operation?
How soon you can return to work depends on how your hand heals and what your job involves.
Returning to Desk-Based Work
If your job involves light tasks, you may be able to return within a few days, depending on your comfort and your surgeon’s advice.
Returning to Physical Work
If your job involves heavy lifting, gripping tools or repetitive hand movements, you may need several weeks before resuming your usual duties.
Some tenderness, swelling and stiffness are common during the recovery period. Your surgeon will advise you on wound care and any restrictions following trigger finger surgery.
Don’t Let Trigger Finger Affect Your Work
If catching or locking makes typing, handling equipment or other essential duties difficult, it may be time to consider trigger finger treatment in Singapore.
At Spire Orthopaedic Centre, our specialists can discuss how your trigger finger affects your work and whether non-surgical treatment or surgery may be appropriate for your condition.
Book an appointment to discuss your concerns.
