What is Trigger Finger?
Signs & Symptoms Of Trigger Finger
- Pain: Discomfort typically felt at the base of the affected finger or thumb. Pain is often triggered by gripping and may not be present at rest.
- Swelling: Development of a lump at the A1 pulley, which can be due to nodular swelling of the tendon or a fluid-filled cyst.
- Stiffness: Reduced ability to bend or straighten the finger, particularly common in chronic cases. Attempting to bend the finger may cause pain due to increased pressure in the tendon sheath.
- Mechanical Symptoms: Abnormal sensations such as popping, catching, or locking when moving the finger. These sensations may become more pronounced as the condition progresses.
- Morning Stiffness: Fingers may feel particularly stiff upon waking, making movement difficult.
- Multiple Affected Fingers: Trigger finger can impact any finger or thumb, and more than one finger may be affected simultaneously. Both hands may show symptoms.
Causes of Trigger Finger
Diagnosis of Trigger Finger
One of our hand surgeons will assess your hand’s movement and functionality through a series of tests. He or she will observe you opening and closing your hand to identify any areas of pain or discomfort, checking for the smoothness of finger motion and noting any stiffness or difficulty in bending or straightening the finger. They will also look for signs of the finger locking in a bent position, which is a hallmark of trigger finger. In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasound or X-rays may be used to rule out other conditions, but a physical exam is usually sufficient for diagnosis.
Treatment of Trigger Finger
For a mild case of triggering, simply decreasing activity (avoiding repetitive gripping, for example) may be all that is required. Anti-inflammatory medications may also be helpful to ease the discomfort. Temporary splinting of the affected digit may help if reduction of activity for the hand overall is not possible.
Steroid (cortisone) injections are a very effective treatment, especially when given 3-6 months from the start of symptoms. One or two injections can often cure the triggering and get people back to normal. Injections are often used in diabetics as well, but statistically the cure rate is lower.
If conservative measures are not working, surgery may be recommended. The goal of surgery is to open the tight portion of the tendon sheath to allow smooth gliding of the tendon. The tight section is usually the near end of the tunnel, close to where the finger or thumb attaches to the hand. The surgery is a safe, outpatient procedure that does not require general anesthesia and is often done in an office operating room setting. The beneficial results of the surgery are usually permanent.
Trigger Finger FAQ
How can I unlock Trigger Finger?
To unlock trigger finger, gently straighten the affected finger while keeping the rest of the hand relaxed. You may also benefit from stretching exercises and applying heat to the area to help ease stiffness.
How can I prevent Trigger Finger?
To prevent trigger finger, avoid repetitive gripping motions and take regular breaks during activities that strain the fingers. Stretching and strengthening exercises, along with using ergonomic tools, can also help reduce the risk.
Will Trigger Finger resolve on its own?
Trigger finger may resolve on its own, particularly in cases where symptoms are mild and temporary. Many individuals experience improvement with rest, gentle stretching, and avoiding activities that exacerbate the condition. Persistent trigger finger may require more intervention, such as splinting, corticosteroid injections, or, in some cases, surgery to release the affected tendon. Early treatment can help prevent further complications and improve overall hand function.