What Is Trigger Finger & How Is It Treated?

Your finger tendons allow you to bend and straighten your fingers, acting as ropes that slide through tunnels, or sheaths, which keep the tendons close to your bones. In cases of trigger finger, these tunnels get irritated and inflamed, causing them to narrow. This affects the function of the tendon, causing it to catch or lock instead of glide smoothly.

Symptoms of trigger finger include:

  • Stiffness, especially in the morning.
  • A popping or clicking sensation when you bend or straighten your finger.
  • Tenderness or a bump at the base of the affected finger where the tendon sheath is inflamed.
  • Locking or catching of the finger. In severe cases, the finger may become stuck in a bent position.

Affecting any finger, including the thumb, the swelling and irritation of trigger finger often occur in many people without an explanation. However, this condition is more common in:

  • People who practice repetitive hand motions: Certain hobbies and occupations, such as factory work, playing an instrument, or gardening, can put you at risk.
  • People with certain medical conditions: Rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and carpal tunnel syndrome can be risk factors for developing trigger finger.
  • Women: It tends to affect women more often than men.

How Do Hand Doctors Treat Trigger Finger?

An experienced hand specialist can diagnose the condition by conducting a physical examination and reviewing the patient's symptoms. During the exam, your hand doctor will typically assess the range of motion in the affected fingers, checking for signs of stiffness, pain, or a clicking sensation as the finger moves. They may also feel for any thickening or nodules in the tendons, which can indicate inflammation.

Thankfully, there are several treatment options your hand specialist may recommend to provide relief, including rest and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition, splinting, and stretching exercises. In some instances, over-the-counter pain relievers may also be recommended as well as cortisone injections to reduce inflammation and improve symptoms. If your trigger finger symptoms persist after conservative methods have been attempted, your hand surgeon may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to release the constricted tendon sheath.

If you think you are experiencing trigger finger, we encourage you to schedule an appointment online with one of our experienced hand specialists at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists or call (800) 762-1177.