If you have suffered as a result of Trigger finger, a painful condition affecting daily tasks and earning a living. You are covered by a workers’ compensation claim for medical treatment, lost wages, and related expenses.
What Jobs are at risk of causing trigger finger?
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that can affect anyone, but some occupations are at higher risk due to the repetitive hand and finger movements they entail.
For instance, jobs in construction and manual labour, such as those involving the use of jackhammers or the forceful pushing and pulling of heavy objects, often lead to the inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheaths in the fingers.
Similarly, individuals working in assembly line or manufacturing roles, who often maintain specific postures while performing repetitive tasks for extended periods, are also particularly susceptible.
Even office-based professions, including administrative roles that demand extensive typing and mouse clicking, can contribute to the development of trigger finger due to the continuous strain placed on the tendons in the hands and fingers.
Understanding Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where a finger or thumb gets “stuck” in a bent position or produces a “popping” sensation when straightened.
This can be quite painful and makes it difficult to fully bend or extend the affected digit. The root of the problem lies with the tendons in the hand, which become inflamed or damaged.
Often, this condition is a result of repetitive and forceful hand movements, exposure to vibration, or frequent pressure on the palm, such as when using screwdrivers or other hand tools.
While anyone can develop trigger finger, it’s more commonly observed in women and tends to affect adults between the ages of 52 and 62. It can impact any finger or the thumb, and in some cases, it may even develop in both hands.
If you believe your trigger finger was caused by your work or workplace environment, you might be eligible to make a claim against your employer.
What are the causes?
Trigger finger is caused by irritation and inflammation of the tendon sheath in the fingers, which leads to narrowing of the space within the sheath.
This can often be caused by:
- Repetitive gripping or grasping action.
- Certain medical conditions: e.g. medication for diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- Keeping the fingers bent for a long duration.
- Medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to have trigger finger.
How to recognise the symptoms
Symptoms of trigger finger are mild in the beginning and gradually progress to severe form.
Commonly affected areas include thumb, middle finger, and ring finger.
Symptoms include:
- Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
- A popping or clicking sensation when moving the fingers.
- Tenderness or bump in the palm, at the base of the affected finger
- Locking of the finger in a bent position and straightening suddenly
How can it be treated?
The approach to treating trigger finger varies greatly depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
In less severe instances, the condition may resolve on its own, with a GP potentially advising the avoidance of activities that exacerbate the pain. For more active management:
- Splinting can be effective; by immobilizing the affected finger or thumb, usually with a plastic splint, symptoms can be eased, especially morning stiffness, as it prevents movement.
- Steroid injections: Liquid corticosteroids are directly injected into the base of the affected digit to reduce swelling around the tendon, facilitating smoother movement. These injections are estimated to be effective for 50-70% of individuals, though their efficacy may be reduced in those with underlying conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and while often providing relief, the issue can sometimes recur.
- Surgery is typically considered a last resort, employed only when conservative treatments have failed. It boasts a high success rate, potentially up to 100%, but for those in manual professions, a recovery period of 2 to 4 weeks off work may be necessary to ensure full healing.
Frequently asked questions:
Your employer’s liability
If you are suffering from trigger finger and you believe you have obtained your injury due to your job or working environment, you may be entitled to claim against your employer.
Your employer has a duty to protect workers and ensure you have a safe place of work, with safe machinery and a safe system of work.
If this is not the case, your employer could be found to be negligent, and a claim could be made against them. Employers must adhere to the following laws and regulations:
Health and Safety Act 1974
- Every employer has a duty so far as is reasonably practicable, to ensure the safety and welfare of employees.
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Duty to undertake adequate risk assessment (Reg. 3)
- The requirement to undertake health surveillance (Reg. 6)
How to make a claim?
To make a claim, contact Oakwood Solicitors today to contact our experienced team of solicitors. We will assess your claim and give advice on how to proceed.
The team works with an extensive network of orthopaedic surgeons and hand surgeons.
They have dealt with a number of claims in all areas of Industrial Disease and have achieved some excellent results.
Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors?
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your Industrial Disease claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny.
If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.
You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have.
If it is preferable to you, we are able to assign a female advisor to carry out your claim. Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.
Further information:
Oakwood Solicitors: Trigger Finger.
NHS – Treatments of Trigger Finger.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 323 2406 to find out how we can help you.
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Liam Hill is a Solicitor and Deputy Head of the Industrial Disease Team, having trained and qualified at Oakwood Solicitors. Liam joined us in 2013 after successfully completing the Legal Practice C…
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