Trigger Finger
Stenosing tenosynovitis, also known as trigger finger, is a condition that occurs when one of your fingers gets locked in a bent position and snaps straight. Trigger finger happens when a slippery coating in your finger called tenosynovium becomes inflamed. Tenosynovium helps the tendons smoothly glide through the ligaments with reduced friction. Women, people with diabetes or arthritis, and people whose regular activities strain their hands are most at risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms

Symptoms of trigger finger can affect any finger or thumb and are typically worse in the mornings. Symptoms of trigger finger include:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness at the base of the affected finger
  • Popping or clicking sensations
  • Finger catch with a snap release of tension
  • Finger stiffness

Causes

Most of the time, trigger finger is caused by forceful use or repeated movement of your fingers or thumbs. Causes of trigger finger may include:

  • Gripping activities such as using hand tools or holding a computer mouse
  • Repeated and forceful pinching
  • Repetitive finger movements such as those involved in playing a musical instrument
  • Health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

Treatments

When experiencing trigger finger, it is best to take a break from using your hands and fingers as much as possible. Treatment options for trigger finger include:

  • Strengthening and stretching exercises
  • Occupational therapy
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce inflammation
  • Applying ice over the affected finger
  • Steroid injections into the affected finger

For more severe cases, percutaneous trigger finger release surgery may be performed to release the tight portion of the flexor tendon sheath.

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