Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger

Do you experience a momentarily locked sensation in your fingers or difficulty straightening them? Or does your finger make a snapping sound when you try to bend or grasp an object? If so, you may be experiencing a movement-limiting condition commonly referred to as trigger finger.

What is trigger finger?

It is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, or a locking sensation that limits your finger movements, making it difficult to straighten or bend your fingers. Medically, the condition is known as "stenosing tenosynovitis". Triggering mostly affects the ring finger and the thumb and is commonly distinct in the morning.

How does the trigger finger develop?

The fingers have several small bones that are connected to muscles by tendons (connective tissue). A protective sheath surrounds these tendons. Local swelling due to inflammation or scarring of this tendon sheath will obstruct smooth and free movement of the tendons, causing the trigger finger.

What are my chances of developing trigger finger?

Though the exact cause of the trigger finger is not known, several factors can increase the risk of developing it. Such factors include:

• Forceful hand activities: Jobs that requires repetitive and forceful hand use or gripping may increase the risk of trigger finger.
• Gender: Trigger finger is common in females than males.
• Medical conditions: Some conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk of trigger finger.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery: Trigger finger can be a post-surgery complication associated with the surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

How do I know that I have trigger finger?

Trigger finger symptoms can range in severity from moderate to severe. If not treated in the early stages, the trigger finger can progress, making the condition worse. Some common symptoms you may be experiencing if you have a trigger finger are:

• Finger stiffness, mainly in morning
• As you move your finger, you feel something click
• Swelling, tenderness, or a bump (nodule) around the base of the affected finger

In severe case, the involved finger may get locked in a bent position which may suddenly pop.

How is trigger finger diagnosed?

The diagnosis of a trigger finger doesn't require any elaborate testing. A doctor will be able to diagnose a trigger finger by examining your hand. The stiffness, tenderness, and nodular irregularity of the tendon in the palm will be checked.

What options are there for treating the trigger finger?

The treatment varies depending on the severity and duration of the condition. The initial treatment of trigger finger is usually non-surgical and includes the following:

• Home remedies: One can treat trigger finger at home by the following methods.
  • Taking break from forceful hand jobs
  • Applying ice packs
  • Stretching the fingers gently to enhance motion
  • Relaxing muscles and tendons by keeping hand in warm water
• Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. helps to relieve pain and inflammation associated with trigger finger.
• Noninvasive therapy: Conventional noninvasive treatments may include:
  • Splints: Wearing a splint at night will keep the affected finger or thumb in a straight position, especially while you sleep
  • Proper rest: Avoiding activities that worsen the condition and resting your hand aids to resolve the problem.
  • Exercise: Some gentle exercises will help you reducing the stiffness in the joints and to improve the mobility of the finger.
  • Steroid injections: Corticosteroids (cortisone) are an anti-inflammatory agent that, when injected into the tendon sheath of the finger, may reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to move freely again.
• Surgical treatment: When noninvasive treatment fails to improve your condition, the only option you have is surgery. The surgical option for the trigger finger is elective, and the decision is based on the severity of the pain and loss of function of your finger.

Tenolysis, often known as "trigger finger release," is the name of the surgical treatment for trigger finger. In this treatment, the surgeon makes a tiny incision close to the base of the affected finger to access the restricted tendon sheath and cut it open. This provides more space for the tendon and thereby allows it to glide freely through the tendon sheath.

Prevention methods

One can reduce the chances of a trigger finger by avoiding activities that strain the fingers and tendons of the hands. You can also use some protective or soft grip covers, which can help reduce friction while doing various activities like holding powerful tools, steering, etc. Exercises that stretch and strengthen the wrist and fingers also help prevent trigger fingers.