What Is Trigger Finger? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Trigger Finger (also known as stenosing tenosynovitis ortrigger thumb) is when the finger or thumb cannot straighten. This can happen either all the time, or just occasionally and leads to difficulty with grasping objects. The condition can be worsened each time you grip something hard such as a doorknob OR can also be worsened by overuse of that hand particularly in people who have jobs requiring them to use their hands often, such as piano players, carpenters, writers, woodworkers, jewelers. As well as trigger fingers involvement in both the finger and thumb there are other problems like turf toe which involve a person's big toe.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition that causes one of your fingers to catch or lock when you bend it. This condition develops suddenly, or gradually over time. If you have trigger finger, you may feel a clicking sensation when you move your finger, or your finger may get stuck in a bent position.

The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis (ST). It occurs when the sheath that surrounds the tendons in your finger gets inflamed. This inflammation makes it difficult for the tendons to glide smoothly through the sheath. As a result, the tendons can't move as easily, and the finger may get stuck in a bent position.

Trigger finger is a common condition, and it can occur at any age. However, it's more common in women and people who are over 40 years old. People who have certain medical conditions are also at higher risk of developing trigger finger. These conditions include diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout.

If you think you have trigger finger, see your consultant. They will ask about your symptoms and examine your hand and fingers. They may also order tests, such as an x-ray or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis.

Once trigger finger is diagnosed, treatment can begin. In most cases, nonsurgical treatments are all that's needed to relieve symptoms and allow you to move your fingers normally again. These treatments include splinting, steroid injections, and physical therapy

Symptoms and Signs of Trigger Finger

When the tendons in your finger or thumb are damaged, they can swell and catch on the tissues around them as they move. This can cause pain and a clicking sensation when you try to straighten your finger or thumb. In more severe cases, the affected finger or thumb may be locked into place.

Trigger finger is more common in women and people over the age of 40. It is also more common in people who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. People who use their hands for repetitive tasks are also at increased risk.

Causes of Trigger Finger

One of the most common causes of trigger finger is overuse of the affected hand or finger. Repetitive grasping, gripping, or holding can put stress on the tendons and cause them to become inflamed. 

Other causes of trigger finger include:

-Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints can lead to trigger finger.

-Diabetes: People with diabetes are more prone to developing trigger finger due to damage to the nerves and blood vessels.

-Trauma: A blow or other injury to the hand can cause the tendons to become inflamed and lead to trigger finger.

Treatment for Trigger Finger

 Once trigger finger is diagnosed, treatment can begin. In most cases, nonsurgical treatments will be tried first. These include:

1-Resting the affected hand or Finger

2-Wearing a splint at night to keep the affected finger from bending

3-Stretching exercises

4-A corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath

Physical Therapy

If you have trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, the tendon that bends your finger is trapped by a thickened tissue. This makes it hard to move your finger and you may feel a bump and pain when you try to straighten it.

Your first step is to see your doctor or therapist. They will ask about your signs and symptoms and how long you've had them. They will also examine your hand and fingers. X-rays may be taken to rule out other problems such as arthritis.

Your doctor may suggest resting your finger and avoiding activities that make the symptoms worse. You may also need to wear a splint at night or during activities to help keep the finger from bending. Physical therapist may suggest you some stretching exercises and range of motion exercises 

Some people need medication such as corticosteroids injected into the affected area to ease symptoms quickly. If this doesn't work, surgery can be done to release the tendon.

After treatment, many people can get back to their regular activities within a few weeks with no lasting effects from trigger finger.

Recovery Time from Trigger Finger

When trigger finger is caused by an underlying medical condition, such as diabetes, the condition must be treated first. Once the underlying condition has been treated, the trigger finger should improve. If trigger finger is caused by an injury or overuse, rest and splinting are typically recommended. The goal is to rest the tendon and allow it to heal. 

Recovery time from trigger finger can vary depending on the severity of the injury or overuse. In most cases, however, recovery takes a few weeks.