Polyclinic explains treatment for trigger finger

The National Healthcare Group Polyclinics are committed to providing appropriate and good care for all our patients.

Depending on the severity and duration of the trigger finger, some patients' symptoms resolve with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and activity modification ("Painful conditions need speedy treatment" by Mr Seah Kian Chong; last Saturday).

Based on the doctor's assessment of Mr Seah's trigger finger symptoms, the treatment plan was a course of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for symptom relief and activity modification to avoid activities that cause pain.

These would have been followed by a scheduled minor procedure appointment for steroid injection.

When Mr Seah subsequently called to request an earlier injection date as his pain did not subside, our nurse advised him to return for a medical review.

Mr Seah then shared his preference to see a general practitioner for an earlier injection.

We acknowledge that, perhaps, better communication could have assured him that upon medical review of his symptoms, an earlier steroid injection could have been scheduled for him.

We thank Mr Seah for his feedback and wish him the best of health.

Karen Ng (Dr)

Head, Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic

National Healthcare Group Polyclinics

This article was first published on Dec 4, 2014.
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