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Trigger Finger

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Trigger finger is a condition that affects one or more of the hand’s tendons, making it difficult to bend the affected finger or thumb.

If the tendon becomes swollen and inflamed it can “catch” in the tunnel it runs through (the tendon sheath). This can make it difficult to move the affected finger or thumb and can result in a clicking sensation.

Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis or stenosing tenovaginosis. It usually affects the thumb, ring finger or little finger. One or more fingers can be affected, and the problem may develop in both hands.

It’s more common in the right hand, which may be because most people are right-handed.

Trigger finger, Trigger finger care and treatment, Trigger finger causes and symptoms,

Symptoms of trigger finger

Trigger finger, Trigger finger care and treatment, Trigger finger causes and symptoms,

Signs and symptoms of trigger finger may progress from mild to severe and include:

  • Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning

  • A popping or clicking sensation as you move your finger

  • Tenderness or a bump (nodule) in the palm at the base of the affected finger

  • Finger catching or locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight

  • Finger locked in a bent position, which you are unable to straighten

What causes trigger finger?

Tendons are tough cords that join bone to muscle. They move the bone when the muscle contracts. In the hand, tendons run along the front and back of the bones in the fingers and are attached to the muscles in the forearm.

Trigger finger occurs when the affected finger’s tendon sheath becomes irritated and inflamed. This interferes with the normal gliding motion of the tendon through the sheath.

Prolonged irritation of the tendon sheath can produce scarring, thickening and the formation of bumps (nodules) in the tendon that impede the tendon’s motion even more.

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Risk factors of trigger finger

Factors that put you at risk of developing trigger finger include:

  • Repeated gripping. Occupations and hobbies that involve repetitive hand use and prolonged gripping may increase your risk of trigger finger.
  • Certain health problems. People who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing trigger finger.
  • Your sex. Trigger finger is more common in women.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. Trigger finger may be a complication associated with surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, especially during the first six months after surgery.
Trigger finger, Trigger finger care and treatment, Trigger finger causes and symptoms,

Trigger finger in children

Trigger finger, Trigger finger care and treatment, Trigger finger causes and symptoms,

Trigger finger is generally less common in children than in adults, but sometimes young children aged between six months and two years develop it. It can affect the child’s ability to straighten their thumb, but it’s rarely painful and usually gets better without treatment.

In children, trigger finger and thumb are not caused by an injury or other medical issues. The condition occurs when the tendons that move the finger and thumb enlarge and don’t slide smoothly through the tendon sheath (or tunnel) when the finger is moved.

Although it’s rarely noticed at birth, trigger finger and thumb can be present in infancy. The condition is also often found in older children between the ages of 1 and 4.

When severe, a child’s finger or thumb can’t be straightened on its own and needs to be corrected with surgery.

Diagnosis of trigger finger

Diagnosis of trigger finger doesn’t require any elaborate testing. Your doctor or health care provider makes the diagnosis based on your medical history and a physical exam.

During the physical exam, your doctor will ask you to open and close your hand, checking for areas of pain, smoothness of motion and evidence of locking.

Your doctor will also feel your palm to see if there is a lump present. If the lump is associated with trigger finger, the lump will move as the finger moves because the lump is an area of swelling in part of the tendon that moves the finger.

Trigger finger, Trigger finger care and treatment, Trigger finger causes and symptoms,

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How is the trigger finger treated?

Trigger finger, Trigger finger care and treatment, Trigger finger causes and symptoms,

In some people, trigger finger may get better without treatment.

However, if it isn’t treated, there’s a chance the affected finger or thumb could become permanently bent, which will make performing everyday tasks difficult.

If treatment is necessary, several options are available, including:

  • Rest and medication – avoiding certain activities and taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help relieve pain.Your doctor may also suggest gentle exercises to help maintain mobility in your finger.

  • SplintYour doctor may have you wear a splint at night to keep the affected finger in an extended position for up to six weeks. The splint helps rest the tendon.

  • Corticosteroid injections – steroids are medicines that can reduce swelling.

Surgical procedures

If your symptoms are severe or if conservative treatments haven’t helped, your doctor might suggest:

  • Surgery. Working through a small incision near the base of your affected finger, a surgeon can cut open the constricted section of tendon sheath. This procedure is usually done in an operating room.

  • Percutaneous release. After numbing your palm, your doctor inserts a sturdy needle into the tissue around your affected tendon. Moving the needle and your finger helps break apart the constriction that’s blocking the smooth motion of the tendon.

Trigger finger, Trigger finger care and treatment, Trigger finger causes and symptoms,

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