Trigger finger occurs when the tendon in the affected finger becomes inflamed. Those most at risk include women, people with diabetes or arthritis, and people whose regular activities strain their hands.
Symptoms include stiffness, a popping or clicking sensation, and tenderness in the affected finger. Triggering is usually worse in the morning.
Treatment includes splinting, medications, and surgery.
Common
More than 200,000 US cases per year
Treatable by a medical professional
Usually self-diagnosable
Lab tests or imaging not required
More common in females
Medium-term: resolves within months
Urgent medical attention recommended
Common for ages 35-50
Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released.
Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis). It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.
People whose work or hobbies require repetitive gripping actions are at higher risk of developing trigger finger. The condition is also more common in women and in anyone with diabetes. Treatment of trigger finger varies depending on the severity.
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 noted 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
Trigger finger results from irritation and inflammation of the tendon sheath in the fingers, which leads to narrowing of the space within the sheath. The irritation and inflammation may be due to:
- Repetitive gripping or grasping action
- Keeping the fingers bent for a long duration
- Certain medical conditions: e. g. medication for diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- Gender: Women are more at risk of developing trigger finger
Prevention
- Avoid bending your fingers for long durations
- Learn simple exercises to relax your fingers between work
- Wear protective gloves to avoid injuring your fingers
- Consult your doctor immediately in case you notice any changes in your fingers
Locking of the affected finger in bent position and the inability to straighten the finger.
Usually self-diagnosable
Symptoms include stiffness, a popping or clicking sensation, and tenderness in the affected finger. Triggering is usually worse in the morning.
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