My wife is freaking out because one of our twin boys has a trigger thumb. The pediatrician says she want to treat it with “careful neglect”. My wife is beside herself worrying. Is there anything else that can be done?

Most doctors agree that “careful neglect” is the standard treatment for a young child. This means parents and doctor keep an eye on the problem and consider surgery if it gets worse. In rare cases, it can go away on its own. Physical therapy treatment may help. The therapist will give you a special splint for your son to wear to bed at night. You will also be taught how to do some simple exercises with your child every day.

Children ages three and older who still have a locked and flexed thumb can have an operation. Surgery is done to release the pulley mechanism that is binding the tendon and keeping it from pulling the thumb into extension.

If your doctor didn’t explain all these things then make another appointment and ask about options. If you’ve heard all this information then follow the advice of your doctor. Do the exercises and give time a chance. If things seem to be getting worse then make an earlier follow-up appointment.