Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common condition that affects the tendons in your fingers and thumb (trigger thumb). This condition can make it difficult to move your fingers smoothly, causing them to catch or lock in a bent finger position. It gets its name from the way your finger can get stuck in a position that resembles pulling a trigger. While it most commonly affects your ring finger, it can occur in any of your fingers.

Trigger finger occurs when the tendons in your fingers or thumb become irritated. This causes inflammation and narrows the tendon sheath, a protective covering. This makes it hard for the tendon to glide through the sheath. The tendon gets stuck in a bent finger position and snaps back, causing the finger or thumb to lock or catch.

Types of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can be categorized based on the specific fingers or thumb it affects and the severity of the condition.

The main types include:

• General Trigger Finger: Affects any of the fingers (excluding the thumb) and is characterized by a catching or locking sensation.
• Trigger Thumb: Specifically affects the thumb, causing it to lock or catch in a bent finger position.
• Acute Trigger Finger: Characterized by sudden and severe locking or catching of the finger or thumb, often accompanied by pain.
• Chronic Trigger Finger: Develops gradually over time, with persistent symptoms such as stiffness, pain, and catching or locking of the finger or thumb.
• Primary Trigger Finger: Occurs without an underlying condition, usually due to repetitive use or strain.
• Secondary Trigger Finger: Linked with underlying health conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or gout, contributing to inflammation and other symptoms.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can cause a range of symptoms that affect the movement and comfort of your fingers or thumb. You might notice these symptoms developing gradually over time, often becoming more noticeable after periods of heavy hand use.

The most common signs of trigger finger include:

• Snapping or Popping Sensation: A clicking or snapping may occur when bending or straightening the affected finger or thumb. This sensation is often described as your digit “catching” or getting stuck as it moves.
• Pain and Stiffness: Discomfort and difficulty flexing the fingers or thumb towards the palm are common, typically worsening in the morning and improving with use throughout the day.
• Soreness in the Palm: Tenderness near the base of your affected finger or thumb in the palm can develop, especially when gripping or grasping objects.
• Swelling or Lump: A tender bump or swelling might develop in the palm, often referred to by doctors as a nodule.
• Locking of the Finger: In more severe cases, the finger or thumb may get stuck in a bent finger position, often needing the other hand to help straighten it.

Symptoms can vary in intensity throughout the day. They’re typically worse first thing in the morning and after periods of inactivity. As you use your hand more, you may notice some improvement in flexibility and reduced stiffness.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing trigger finger. Repetitive hand movements or gripping activities often cause problems. They are common in jobs or hobbies that use the hands a lot. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout can raise the risk. They cause tendon inflammation. Diabetes is associated with a higher likelihood of trigger finger due to its effects on tendon health. Gender and age matter as well. Women and those over 40 are more at risk. Understanding these risk factors can help in preventing and managing trigger finger effectively.

Diagnosing Trigger Finger

If you suspect trigger finger, your doctor will usually diagnose it through a physical exam. During this exam, they’ll carefully inspect your hand and fingers while asking about your symptoms. It’s helpful to tell your doctor when you first notice pain and stiffness. Also, let them know if certain activities worsen your symptoms. They might gently straighten your fingers or thumb to feel for clicking and assess your tendons’ stiffness. Be sure to let them know if any motion or position causes discomfort. The diagnosis is usually based on clinical signs. These include finger locking during flexion, painful clicking, and catching upon extension. An inflamed nodule at the base of the affected finger can further support the diagnosis.

In most cases, physicians don’t need special tests to diagnose the trigger finger. They might use imaging tests, like ultrasounds or X-rays, to rule out other conditions or assess inflammation. Based on these findings, the physician can confirm the diagnosis and suggest treatments.

Treatment Options for Bent Finger

Treatment for trigger finger depends on the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve had them. There are several approaches to managing this condition, including the following:

• Splinting: Wearing a plastic splint to keep your affected finger or thumb straight, especially overnight, may ease stiffness and pain.
• Anti-inflammatory Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
• Hand Therapy: A certified hand therapist can teach exercises and techniques to improve finger movement and function.
• Corticosteroid Injections: If conservative methods fail, a corticosteroid injection can help by reducing swelling and allowing the tendon to move freely again.
• Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, a procedure known as “trigger finger release” may be required to release the affected tendon sheath.

Prevention Strategies

Preventing trigger finger involves taking proactive steps to minimize risk factors and maintain hand health. Consider the following preventative measures to help reduce your risk:

• Proper Hand Positioning: Use proper techniques and positioning during repetitive tasks to minimize stress on tendons.
• Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Engage in regular hand and finger stretching exercises to maintain flexibility and strengthen the muscles in the hand and forearm to support tendon health.
• Awareness and Early Intervention: Be aware of early symptoms of trigger finger and seek medical advice if symptoms develop.
• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing or avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.
• Prioritize Comfort: Modify workstations and tools, such as ergonomic keyboards and adjustable chairs, to reduce strain on the hands and fingers.

Our Approach to Trigger Finger Care

Trigger finger can disrupt daily activities. But, with prompt diagnosis and treatment, relief is often possible. By understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available treatment options, individuals can take proactive steps to manage and prevent this condition.
Early treatment of trigger finger can restore hand function and quality of life. Those with symptoms must get medical help right away. Contact Florida Medical Clinic Orlando Health today to schedule an evaluation and explore effective solutions for managing trigger finger.