Trigger Finger

What it is

Overview

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common hand condition where one of your fingers or your thumb gets stuck in a bent position (like pulling a trigger) and then snaps straight again. This happens because the tendons that bend your fingers become irritated and swollen, making it hard for them to slide smoothly through a narrow tunnel (sheath) in your hand. It often affects the thumb, ring finger, or index finger, and can happen in one or both hands.

The condition will often start mildly and can worsen over time.

When to see specialist

You might feel pain or tenderness at the base of the finger, especially when gripping or bending it. There’s often a popping or clicking sensation, or a small lump you can feel in the palm. In more severe cases, the finger locks in a bent position and needs to be straightened with your other hand.

Causes & risk factor

Trigger finger usually develops from repeated strain on the hand, but several factors can contribute.

COMMON RISK FACTOR

Overuse from repetitive motions, like gripping tools, playing instruments, or factory work, causes microtrauma that inflames the tendon and sheath, leading to narrowing and catching.
Trauma, such as a hand injury or forceful impact, can damage the tendon area and trigger swelling.
Genetics may play a role, as some people inherit tendencies for smaller sheaths or it runs in families, especially in congenital cases in children.
Health issues like diabetes increase risk by affecting nerve and tissue health, making tendons more prone to inflammation.
Smoking can worsen the condition by reducing blood flow and slowing healing.
Other factors include rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or thyroid problems that cause joint swelling.

Treatment Options

Treatment begins with non-surgical methods to reduce inflammation and improve movement, with surgery as a last resort. Success varies by severity and individual factors like diabetes.

non-surgical

First-line Option Treatment

Rest your hand by avoiding repetitive tasks and using padded gloves. Wear a splint at night to keep the finger straight, which helps in mild cases.

Over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen can ease swelling and discomfort.
Gentle stretching exercises can improve flexibility.

Success rate

Corticosteroid injections into the sheath often provide quick relief, with a success rate of about 60-80% for resolving symptoms after one or two shots, though it may be lower in diabetics.

surgical

If symptoms persist, trigger finger release surgery involves cutting the tight sheath to free the tendon.

This is done through a small palm incision