Trigger Finger
The Signs Behind Trigger Finger
By Neurosurgery Singapore
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger becomes stuck in a bent position. The finger may snap or pop as it bends or straightens, similar to the motion of a trigger being pulled and released. In severe cases, the finger may become locked in the bent position.
Individuals who engage in repetitive gripping actions through work or hobbies are at higher risk of developing trigger finger. The condition is also more common in women and people with diabetes. Treatment options depend on the severity of the condition.
What are some symptoms of trigger finger?
Some symptoms which you may notice includes:
- A painful clicking or snapping when you bend or straighten your finger. It’s worse when your finger’s been still, and it gets better as you move it.
- Stiffness in your finger, especially in the morning
- Soreness or a bump at the base of the finger or thumb. Your doctor will call this a nodule.
- A popping or clicking as you move your finger
- A locked finger that you can’t straighten
Symptoms often start out mild and become more severe over time. It’s more likely to affect you after a period of heavy hand use than an injury. It’s often worse:
- In the morning
- When you grasp something firmly
- When you try to straighten your finger
What are some causes of trigger finger?
Repetitive hand or finger movements: Repeated, forceful movements of the fingers or thumb, particularly gripping or grasping, can irritate the tendons and their sheaths, leading to this condition. It is commonly seen in individuals whose occupations or hobbies involve repetitive hand movements, such as musicians, industrial workers, and gamers.
Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, hypothyroidism, gout, and amyloidosis, are associated with an increased risk of developing this condition.
Aging: This condition is more common in individuals over the age of 40, as tendons become less flexible with age, making them more prone to inflammation and irritation.
Gender: It is more common in women than in men, although the reason for this is not entirely clear.
Trauma or injury: A direct injury to the palm or base of the finger, such as a blow or impact, can lead to inflammation and swelling, impairing the finger’s full functionality.
Anatomical factors: Anatomical factors, such as a thickened tendon or a naturally narrow tendon sheath, can increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
The exact cause of trigger finger is often unclear, and it can occur without any obvious risk factors. If you’re experiencing symptoms such as finger stiffness, pain, or a popping or clicking sensation, it is important to consult a specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.
“Trigger finger is commonly linked to age, and existing medical conditions such as diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. It is believed that the constant or repetitive overuse of the fingers causes accumulated wear-and-tear at the interface between the flexor tendon and the A1 pulley. Over time, this could cause swelling and inflammation of the flexor tendon, and the development of trigger finger.”
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What types of diagnosis?
Our Orthopaedic specialist makes the diagnosis based on your medical history and a physical exam. During the physical exam, our doctor will ask you to open and close your hand, checking for areas of pain, smoothness of motion and evidence of locking.
Our doctor will also palpate your palm to check for the presence of a lump. If the lump is related to trigger finger, it will move with the finger, as it represents swelling in the tendon that controls finger movement.
Trigger finger is generally less common in children than in adults, but sometimes young children aged between 6 months and 3 years develop it.
We highly recommend to seek professional help instead of self diagnosis to enable faster recovery.
Possible treatment methods?
The treatment of trigger finger depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is of utmost importance that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment program. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment.
The goal is to eliminate the swelling and catching/locking, allowing full, painless movement of the finger or thumb.
Common trigger finger treatment include, but are not limited to:
- Wearing a splint
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Avoid activities that trigger the symptoms, especially repetitive gripping motions
Hand and finger exercises can help stretch and strengthen the muscles around the affected tendons, potentially reducing stiffness and pain. However, it is important to avoid overexercising and to stop any exercises that worsen the pain. Our physiotherapist can guide you through the range of motion and the process to prevent further injury.
If non-surgical treatments do not relieve symptoms, surgery may be recommended. The goal of trigger finger release surgery is to release the pulley at the base of the finger, allowing the tendon to glide more freely. The clicking or popping sensation typically resolves first.
Surgery recovery can take a few weeks to six months. Our doctor may recommend hand exercises to relieve post-surgery stiffness. You should be able to return to your normal activities within a few days. Occasionally, hand therapy is required after surgery to regain better use.
Our team has the expertise and treatment to speedy recovery.
