How to prepare for a video visit about Trigger Finger

Audience: adult

Trigger finger is a condition where one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position and may snap straight suddenly. It happens when the tendon in the finger becomes irritated and swollen, making it hard to move smoothly. A video visit with a healthcare provider can help you learn more about your symptoms and possible treatments. During the visit, you can show your finger movements and describe any pain or stiffness you feel. Preparing for the video visit by gathering information about your symptoms and any past treatments can make the appointment more helpful. Remember, telemedicine can guide you but may not replace an in-person exam if your symptoms are severe or worsening.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe pain, swelling, or redness in the finger or hand — seek urgent medical care.
• Sudden inability to move the affected finger — go to an emergency or urgent care center.
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand or fingers — contact your healthcare provider promptly.

What telemedicine can do

• Initial assessment of finger symptoms and movement.
• Providing education about trigger finger and self-care tips.
• Guiding gentle finger exercises and splint use.
• Determining if symptoms require in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Performing a physical exam that requires hands-on assessment.
• Providing injections or surgical treatments.
• Diagnosing complications like infections or nerve damage without in-person evaluation.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that bends your finger becomes inflamed and catches as it moves through a small tunnel in your finger. This can cause your finger to lock or catch when you try to straighten or bend it. It often affects one finger but can involve more than one.

How to Prepare for Your Video Visit

Before your video visit, find a quiet place with good lighting. Have your device charged and test your camera and microphone. Be ready to show your hand and fingers clearly on camera. Write down when your symptoms started, how often your finger locks, and any pain or swelling you notice. Also, note any treatments you've tried, like splints or medications.

What to Expect During the Video Visit

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and may ask you to move your fingers slowly to observe any catching or locking. They will discuss your medical history and may suggest treatments such as rest, splinting, or exercises. If needed, they might recommend an in-person visit for further evaluation.

When to Seek In-Person Care

If your finger is very painful, swollen, red, or if you have numbness or weakness in your hand, it is important to seek in-person medical care promptly. Also, if your finger suddenly cannot move at all or if symptoms worsen quickly, an in-person exam is necessary.

Managing Trigger Finger at Home

Often, resting the finger, avoiding repetitive gripping, and using a splint can help reduce symptoms. Applying warm compresses may ease stiffness. Your provider may guide you on gentle finger exercises to improve movement.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit space for your video visit.
• Charge your device and test camera and microphone.
• Have your hand and affected finger ready to show on camera.
• Write down when symptoms started and describe them clearly.
• List any treatments or medications you have tried.
• Prepare questions you want to ask your healthcare provider.

After your tele-visit

• Follow any self-care instructions given during the visit.
• Use recommended splints or supports as advised.
• Perform finger exercises if instructed.
• Monitor your symptoms and note any changes.
• Schedule an in-person visit if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
• Contact your provider if you develop red flags such as severe pain or numbness.

FAQs

What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger is caused by inflammation of the tendon that bends the finger. This inflammation makes it difficult for the tendon to slide smoothly through its sheath, leading to catching or locking.

Can trigger finger heal on its own?

Mild cases of trigger finger may improve with rest, avoiding repetitive finger movements, and using splints. However, some cases may require medical treatment.

What treatments might my provider suggest?

Treatments often include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and finger exercises. In some cases, injections or surgery may be recommended, but these require in-person visits.

Is a video visit enough to diagnose trigger finger?

A video visit can help your provider assess your symptoms and finger movement, but sometimes an in-person exam is needed for a full diagnosis and treatment plan.

When should I seek urgent care for trigger finger?

Seek urgent care if you have severe pain, swelling, redness, sudden inability to move the finger, or numbness and weakness in your hand.

Sources

1. Trigger Finger — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis) — Mayo Clinic.
3. Hand and Wrist Conditions: Trigger Finger — Merck Manuals Consumer Version.
4. Telehealth: Delivering Care Safely During COVID-19 — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have severe symptoms or concerns, please seek evaluation from a healthcare provider in person.