Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition I see fairly often in clients who do a lot of repetitive gripping, whether from hobbies, work, or daily tasks like using canes or walkers. It happens when the tendon that bends the finger becomes irritated and swollen, or when the tunnel-like pulley it glides through thickens, making it hard for the tendon to slide smoothly. The result is a finger that catches, locks, or clicks when bending or straightening, sometimes with a noticeable snap.
Certain factors seem to raise the likelihood of developing trigger finger, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and activities that involve sustained or repeated gripping. It tends to affect the ring finger and thumb most often, though any finger can be involved, and mornings are frequently the worst time of day since the finger has been still overnight.
Conservative treatment is often the first step, and many cases improve without surgery. A custom splint that holds the affected finger’s base joint in a slightly extended position can rest the irritated tendon and pulley while still allowing the rest of the finger to move. Activity modification, avoiding sustained gripping when possible, and gentle tendon gliding exercises can also help reduce irritation. Some people benefit from a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation around the tendon sheath.
If the finger becomes locked in a bent position, if conservative measures aren’t helping after several weeks, or if pain is significant, it’s time to see a hand specialist or your physician, since more persistent cases sometimes require a minor surgical release of the tightened pulley. If you’re noticing catching or locking in a finger, don’t wait too long to have it evaluated. Early treatment tends to be simpler and more effective than addressing a long-standing, more restricted case.
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