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Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger or thumb catches, clicks, or locks when you bend it, then snaps straight. It happens when inflammation narrows the space around a finger tendon. Orthopedic treatments reduce the inflammation and swelling so the finger can move freely, and prompt care prevents the condition from becoming more severe.

What Is Trigger Finger?

The tendons that bend the fingers glide through a series of tunnels called pulleys along the palm side of each finger. In trigger finger, known medically as stenosing tenosynovitis, the tendon or its sheath becomes inflamed and thickened, often forming a small nodule at the base of the finger.
 
As the finger bends, the nodule catches on the edge of the pulley and then releases with a click or snap. In more advanced cases, the finger can lock in a bent position and need to be straightened with the other hand. Trigger finger is more common in people with diabetes or inflammatory arthritis.

Treatments For Trigger Finger

Treatment is designed to reduce inflammation and swelling in the tendon so the finger moves freely.

Non-surgical care

  • Rest and ice therapy. Resting the finger and icing reduce swelling.
  • Splinting or bracing. Immobilizes the finger to reduce pain and improve function.
  • Steroid injections. Reduce inflammation and swelling in the tendon.
  • Physical therapy. Stretches and strengthens the tendons to improve movement.

If symptoms persist

Most patients improve with conservative treatment, and a release is considered when it does not work.

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How Trigger Finger is Diagnosed

Your physician will perform a physical exam, feeling for a tender nodule at the base of the finger and watching for catching or locking as you bend and straighten it. Imaging is rarely needed but may be ordered to rule out other causes, such as arthritis.
 
Seek care early, because prompt treatment can prevent the condition from becoming more severe and causing long-term stiffness.
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What Causes Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger develops when the tendon and its sheath become inflamed. Factors that increase the risk include:

Repetitive gripping

Frequent, forceful gripping in work, hobbies, or sports.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are more likely to develop trigger finger.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Inflammatory conditions affect the tendon sheath.

Age

Most common between ages 40 and 60.

Sex

More common in women.

Prior hand surgery

Can be associated with carpal tunnel release.

How Trigger Finger Progresses

Trigger finger often progresses in stages. Earlier treatment is usually simpler.

Early

Pain and tenderness

Soreness at the base of the finger, without catching.

Catching

Clicking with motion

The finger catches but straightens on its own.

Locking

Needs help to straighten

The finger locks and must be straightened with the other hand.

Fixed

Stuck in place

The finger cannot be fully straightened or bent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a condition in which a finger or thumb catches or locks when bent, then snaps straight. It is caused by a thickened tendon or narrowed tendon sheath.

What causes trigger finger?

Inflammation narrows the space where the flexor tendon glides through a pulley at the base of the finger. Repetitive gripping, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and age over 40 increase the risk.

Which fingers are most often affected?

The ring finger and thumb are most commonly affected, but any finger can develop trigger finger, and more than one finger may be involved.

Can trigger finger go away on its own?

Mild cases sometimes improve with rest and splinting. Symptoms that persist or worsen usually need treatment to prevent the finger from becoming stuck.

How effective are steroid injections for trigger finger?

A steroid injection into the tendon sheath reduces inflammation and relieves symptoms for many patients. Some need a second injection, and some ultimately need a release procedure.

When is surgery needed for trigger finger?

A trigger finger release, which opens the tight pulley so the tendon can glide, is considered when conservative treatment has not worked or when the finger locks in place.

How is trigger finger diagnosed?

Trigger finger is usually diagnosed with a physical examination. The physician feels for a tender nodule at the base of the finger and watches for catching as you bend and straighten it.

Where can I be seen for trigger finger?

Total Spine and Orthopedics treats trigger finger in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville. Call (321) 499-4646 to schedule.

Symptoms Of Trigger Finger

Common symptoms associated with trigger finger include:

  • Pain in the palm or base of the finger when bending or straightening it.
  • Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning or after inactivity.
  • A popping or clicking sound as the tendon catches on the pulley.
  • A tender bump in the palm at the base of the finger.
  • Locking of the finger in a bent position.
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Related Conditions And Treatments

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a common condition that affects the hand and wrist, causing numbness, tingling or weakness. CTS occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand, becomes compressed at the wrist. Orthopedic treatments can help alleviate these symptoms and improve the function of the hand.

Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS), also known as ulnar neuropathy, is a condition that affects the ulnar nerve causing pain, numbness, pain, and a variety of other symptoms. The ulnar nerve runs from the neck to the hand and passes through a narrow tunnel of tissue on the inside of the elbow called the cubital tunnel. When the ulnar nerve becomes compressed or irritated in this area, it can cause a range of symptoms in the arm, wrist, and hand.

Arm Pain

Arm pain can come from overuse, injury, inflammation, or a pinched nerve in the neck or wrist, and occasionally signals a heart problem.

Joint Pain

Pain in the joints is a very common symptom often experienced in the feet, hips, spine, knees, or hands. In addition to pain, joint stiffness, as well as a burning or throbbing sensation in or near the joints, are also commonly associated with joint-related issues. It is important to note that in many cases the pain or burning sensation may not be constant but can increase or decrease depending on activity.

Nerve Pain

Nerve pain, also known as neuralgia, can occur when a nerve in the body is pinched or compressed. Nerve pain is something that nearly everyone experiences at some point in their lives. While this pain can occur anywhere, it commonly occurs in the neck or back. Because the nerves in the spinal column are so tightly packed, they can very easily become compressed by displaced or strained anatomy.

Pinched Nerves

Pinched nerves are one of the most common causes of chronic neck and back pain. A nerve becomes “pinched” when it is placed under pressure from an external source, such as an out of place bone or soft tissue from a herniated disc.

Radiculopathy

Radiculopathy is a pinched spinal nerve root causing pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates into an arm or leg. Learn the causes and minimally invasive treatments.

Neck Pain

At some point in life, most adults experience some level of neck pain. Whether you woke up in the morning with a “crick in your neck” or you have felt the constant dull pain of a spine condition, you understand the frustration neck pain can cause.

Carpal Tunnel Release

Carpal tunnel release relieves pressure on the median nerve at the wrist to ease numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand.

Cubital Tunnel Release

Cubital tunnel release relieves pressure on the ulnar nerve at the elbow to ease numbness in the ring and little fingers.

Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger release opens the tight tendon pulley so a catching or locked finger can bend and straighten smoothly again.

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