What is trigger finger?
Also called stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger happens when one of the tendons responsible for bending your finger (flexor tendon) becomes inflamed and swollen. The inflammation can cause pain, stiffness, and a locking or catching sensation when you bend and straighten the affected finger.
This condition can occur in any finger, but it’s most common in the ring finger and thumb. When trigger finger affects your thumb, it’s called trigger thumb.
What are the symptoms of trigger finger?
Trigger finger symptoms usually start out mild and become progressively worse. Common signs and symptoms of trigger finger include:
- A tender bump at the base of your finger near the palm
- Pain when you bend or straighten your finger
- Popping or clicking when you move your finger
Your finger may stay caught in a bent position and then suddenly snap straight. In severe cases, you may be unable to straighten a finger that is locked in a bent position.
What causes trigger finger?
While it’s not clear what causes trigger finger, certain factors may increase your risk for developing this condition. Risk factors for trigger finger include:
- Medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes
- Repetitive hand activity such as using heavy gardening shears
- Prior surgery to correct carpal tunnel syndrome
Although trigger finger can affect people of both sexes, this condition is more common among women.
How is trigger finger diagnosed and treated?
As a trained sports medicine physician, Dr. Schofield, Dr. Hand, and Dr. Bright typically diagnose trigger finger by discussing your symptoms with you and examining the affected hand. During the exam, they check your fingers for signs of trigger finger, such as stiffness and locking.
Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for your condition. Depending on the severity of your trigger finger, your treatment may include:
- Resting your hand and avoiding activities that cause pain
- Splinting the affected finger at night
- Physical therapy to improve range of motion
- Oral anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen
- Anti-inflammatory steroid injections
If your trigger finger symptoms don’t improve with treatment, Dr. Schofield, Dr. Hand, and Dr. Bright may recommend surgery.
To find relief from trigger finger, call Schofield, Hand and Bright Orthopaedics or schedule an appointment online today.
