Trigger finger affects your fingers or thumb's tendons, causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your affected fingers. The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of trigger finger are discussed in this article. In some cases, your fingers or thumb may get stuck in a bent position and snap back suddenly.
A trigger finger occurs when the tendons that bend your fingers or thumb become irritated and swollen. The tendons are surrounded by a protective sheath that allows them to glide smooth. However, if the sheath becomes inflamed or develops a lump (nodule), they may not be able to slide easily. Friction, inflammation, and pain can result.
The exact cause of trigger finger is not known, but some factors that may increase your risk include:
Repeated gripping or grasping activities, such as using tools, playing musical instruments, or typing.
Certain health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout.
Your age and sex. Trigger finger is more common in people over 40 years old and in women.
The symptoms of trigger finger may vary depending on the severity and duration of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
A popping or clicking sensation when you move your fingers or thumb.
Pain and stiffness in your fingers or thumb, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
A tender lump or swelling in the palm of your hand near the base of your affected digit.
Your fingers or thumb getting stuck in a bent position and snapping back suddenly. This may cause a snapping or popping sound, hence the name “trigger finger”.
In order to diagnose trigger finger, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and activities that may worsen it. Furthermore, your doctor will examine your fingers and hand for signs of inflammation, swelling, or nodules. Some tests may also be performed by your doctor, such as:
Moving your fingers or thumb to see how they bend and straighten.
Applying pressure to the palm of your hand to feel for any lumps or bumps.
Measuring the range of motion and strength of your fingers or thumb.
There are several ways to treat trigger finger, depending on the severity and frequency of your symptoms. The main goals of treatment are to reduce inflammation, pain, and stiffness as well as restore normal finger or thumb function.
Resting your hand and avoiding activities that may aggravate your condition.
Applying ice or heat to your hand to reduce swelling and pain.
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to ease inflammation and pain.
Wearing a splint or brace to keep your fingers or thumb in a straight position and prevent them from bending. This can help the tendon to heal and reduce the risk of triggering.
Doing gentle exercises and stretches to improve the flexibility and mobility of your fingers or thumb.
Getting steroid injections into the affected tendon sheath to reduce inflammation and pain. This can provide temporary relief and may help avoid surgery in some cases.
When other treatments fail or the condition is severe, surgery is usually performed to release the tight tendon sheath and allow the tendon to glide freely. During the surgery, a small incision is made in the palm of your hand to cut the tendon sheath. Depending on your individual healing process and the extent of the surgery, you may have a different recovery time.
To prevent trigger finger, you can take some steps to reduce the stress and strain on your fingers and thumb, such as:
Avoiding repetitive or prolonged gripping or grasping activities, or taking frequent breaks and changing your hand position.
Using ergonomic tools and devices that fit your hand size and shape and reduce the force required to use them.
Warming up your hand and fingers before engaging in any activity that may trigger your condition.
Keeping your hand and fingers flexible and strong by doing regular exercises and stretches.
Managing any underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, that may contribute to trigger finger.
In addition to causing pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving your affected fingers or thumb, trigger finger is a common and treatable condition. You can improve your hand function and quality of life by understanding trigger finger causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
