Health A to Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Trigger finger

A medical condition that impacts one or more of the hand’s fingers getting stuck in a bent position is a Trigger finger.

Another term for trigger fingers is stenosing tenosynovitis or stenosing tenovaginosis. It can impact the thumb and any finger, and it can involve one or more fingers, and the problem may develop in both hands. 

Trigger finger symptoms

The signs of this condition progress from mild to severe.

General symptoms include;

  • Finger stiffness
  • As you move your finger, you experience a popping or clicking sensation
  • A bump at the base of the impacted finger
  • Finger suddenly pops straight after in a bet position
  • Finger locking in a bent position but unable to straighten

A trigger finger can affect any finger, including the thumb or the number of fingers. Triggering is usually more prominent in the morning.

Reasons for trigger finger occurrence

Fibrous cords attach muscle to bone, and tendons encircle each of these tendons by a protective sheath. A trigger finger happens when the finger’s tendon sheath becomes irritated and inflamed, interrupting the normal gliding motion. 

Prolonged irritation of the tendon sheath can create scarring, thickening, and the appearance of bumps in the tendon that restrict the tendon’s motion even more.

Treatments

Trigger finger usually gets better on their own without treatments. However, if left untreated, there is a chance of a permanent bent position of the affected finger.

Trigger finger

If needed treatments, there are several options:

  • Physical rest on your hand
  • Having certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs helps to relieve pain
  • Undertaking splinting procedure 

Risk factors

Factors that put you at risk of acquiring a trigger finger include:

  • Recounted gripping. Occupations and hobbies that involve prolonged hand use and gripping may increase your risk of a trigger finger
  • Certain health issues. People with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis have a more increased risk of developing trigger fingers
  • Your sex. The trigger finger is more familiar to women
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD Microbiology
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022