Trigger finger - very concerned - need help please!

[yankeerose1970]

I was diagnosed with TF about 3 years ago.  I have had about 5 corticosteroid injections in my left index finger over the course of those 3 years.  Previously the shots did wonders and I was pain free, but not with my last injection.  My finger is stuck in a bowed position, the tendon is standing out and feels very hard and it (finger and joint) gets very swollen.  Also, pain is radiating down into my palm  In the past few days, my finger is now slightly tingling but I am not sure if it's from the TF or my Raynaud's.  

I am seeing my primary again in a week but this tingling has me concerned.  Should I push to see her sooner?  I plan on asking her if I can get the tendon release surgery.  I also worry about having so many steroid injections and tendon rupture.  How would I know if it is ruptured/torn etc?  I have very limited range of motion, I can not bend at the knuckle joint at all.

I have tried splinting for a short while and it seemed to make the pain worse.  But I do wear a reverse wrist splint at night to prevent my fingers from curling while sleeping and the seems to help.  Btw, I an unable to take Nsaids due to having Ulcerative colitis.

[yankeerose1970]

Thanks Dr. Gross.  I already seen my primary and I am scheduled to see the ortho hand surgeon in a few weeks.  Hopefully I can get the surgery scheduled quickly.

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Most orthopedic hand surgeons i knw do not inject a trigger finger more than one or twice unless there is some compelling reason to avoid surgery. Certainly in your case it seems as if surgery is warranted at this point. There is an association between TF and caarpal tunnel sydrome, this should be ruled out as a cause of your burning as well.