Do You Have Trigger Finger? Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position and may straighten with a snap, like a trigger being pulled and released. This condition can affect any finger, including the thumb, and can range from mild to severe. Understanding the symptoms and causes can help you determine if you may need trigger finger treatment.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger typically starts with mild discomfort and progresses to more noticeable symptoms, including:

• Finger Stiffness: Especially noticeable in the morning, stiffness can make it difficult to bend or straighten the affected finger.
• A Popping or Clicking Sensation: When moving the finger, you might feel or hear a pop or click, particularly when the finger moves from a bent to a straight position.
• Tenderness or a Bump: The base of the affected finger or thumb may become tender or develop a small lump.
• Finger Locking: In severe cases, the finger may lock in a bent position and suddenly pop straight.
• Pain: Discomfort can range from mild to severe, often localized at the base of the affected finger.

Causes of Trigger Finger

The exact cause of trigger finger is not always clear, but several factors contribute to its development:

• Repetitive Motion: Activities that involve frequent gripping or repetitive hand use can strain the tendons in the fingers.
• Underlying Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of developing trigger finger.
• Age and Gender: Trigger finger is more common in people over 40 and tends to affect women more often than men.
• Occupation: Jobs that require repetitive hand movements, such as musicians, farmers, and industrial workers, have a higher incidence of trigger finger.

Treatment for Trigger Finger

Treatment options for trigger finger vary depending on the severity of the condition:

• Rest and Splinting: Resting the affected finger can prevent further irritation of the tendon. Splinting the finger keeps it in a straight position, reducing strain and allowing healing.
• NSAIDs and Stretching: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen help alleviate pain and swelling. Additionally, performing gentle stretching exercises can enhance flexibility and prevent stiffness. Consult a physical therapist for a tailored exercise regimen.
• Steroid Injections: Steroid injections provide a potent anti-inflammatory effect, offering relief for several months. However, repeated injections may be less effective and could lead to tendon damage.
• Surgical Treatment: When conservative treatments fail, surgery is considered. The procedure, called tenolysis or trigger finger release, is usually performed on an outpatient basis. The surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the affected finger and cuts the constricted section of the tendon sheath, restoring normal movement.

Trigger finger, while uncomfortable, is a manageable condition with various treatment options. Early intervention with rest, medication, and exercises can often resolve mild cases. For more persistent or severe symptoms, medical treatments like steroid injections or surgery can provide significant relief. If you experience symptoms of trigger finger, contact our team at Caliber Pain™ in NYC to determine the most appropriate course of action.