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Trigger Finger

Overview


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

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

1.Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning

2.A popping or clicking sensation as you move your finger

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

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

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

Trigger finger can affect any finger, including the thumb. More than one finger may be affected at a time, and both hands might be involved. Triggering is usually more pronounced in the morning, while firmly grasping an object or when straightening your finger.


Causes

Tendons are fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. Each tendon is surrounded by a protective sheath. 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.


Risk factors

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

1.Repeated gripping. Occupations and hobbies that involve repetitive hand use and prolonged gripping may increase your risk of trigger finger.

2.Certain health problems. People who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing trigger finger.

3.Your sex. Trigger finger is more common in women.

4.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 Diagnosis

There are no X-rays or lab tests to diagnose trigger finger. Your doctor will do a physical exam of your hand and fingers, and they’ll ask about your symptoms.


Trigger Finger Treatment

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Most of the time, you’ll start with:

1.Rest. Try not to move the finger or thumb. You may need to take time away from the activity that’s causing the problem. If you can’t quit, you might try padded gloves.

2.Splints. Your doctor can give you one designed to keep your finger still.

3.Stretching exercises. These gentle moves may ease stiffness and improve range of motion.


Surgery

If you have severe symptoms or if other treatments don’t work, your doctor may suggest surgery. There are two types:

1.Percutaneous release. The doctor numbs the palm of your hand and inserts a needle into the area around the affected tendon. They move the needle and your finger to loosen the tendon and make it work smoothly. This usually happens in the doctor’s office. They might use ultrasound to see where the tip of the needle is. This will help make sure they don’t damage your tendon or nearby nerves.

2.Tenolysis or trigger finger release surgery. The doctor makes a small cut at the base of the finger and opens the sheath around the tendon. This usually happens in an operating room.


Surgery recovery

The time it takes to get better depends on your condition. The choice of treatment also affects recovery. For example, you may need to wear a splint for 6 weeks. But most patients with trigger finger recover within a few weeks by resting the finger and using anti-inflammatory drugs.

You should be able to move your finger just after surgery. Raising your hand above your heart can ease swelling and pain. Full recovery may take a few weeks, but swelling and stiffness may linger for 6 months.



Complications of trigger finger surgery

Any surgical procedure has some risks. Surgery for trigger finger may lead to complications like:

1.Infection

2.Finger stiffness or pain

3.Scarring and tenderness

4.Nerve damage

5.Tendon in the wrong position (bowstringing)

6.Pain and swelling in your hand (complex regional pain syndrome or CRPS). This usually goes away over a few months.


Trigger finger exercises


1.Fingertip bend. To perform the fingertip bend exercise, hold the finger just below the top joint. ...

2.Tip and middle joint bend. Below are some steps for performing the tip and middle joint bend exercise. ...

3.Clenched wrist bend. ...

4.Side to side wrist bend. ...

5.Hand turn. ...

6.Hand clench. ...

7.Finger curl. ...

8.The bent finger.


What is the best home remedy for trigger finger?

Rest: the oldest recovery tool out there! It may sound simple, but resting the aggravated area can help calm down particularly bad trigger finger flares, and give your finger a chance to recoup and heal on its own. In particular, be sure to avoid any activities that require repetitive gripping.


How long does a trigger finger last?

The time it takes to get better depends on your condition. The choice of treatment also affects recovery. For example, you may need to wear a splint for 6 weeks. But most patients with trigger finger recover within a few weeks by resting the finger and using anti-inflammatory drugs.


Do trigger finger splints work?

All of the studies found decreased pain and triggering with the use of a splint. In fact, one of the studies found that 87% of the participants did not require surgery or a steroid injection one year after completing the splinting regimen.















 

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