Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a common hand condition. It causes pain, stiffness, and locking of the affected finger. This happens when the tendons that bend the fingers become inflamed. It makes it hard to move the finger smoothly.

It’s important to understand the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for trigger finger. Recognizing the signs and getting the right care can help manage symptoms. It also prevents further complications.

Trigger finger can affect anyone. But some factors may increase the risk. We will look at the hand and finger anatomy, the causes and symptoms of trigger finger. We will also explore the treatment options to help alleviate pain and restore normal finger movement.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes pain and stiffness. It happens when you bend and straighten your finger. This is because the flexor tendons get irritated or inflamed.

The flexor tendons move through a narrow tunnel called the tendon sheath. This tunnel keeps them in place. When the tendon sheath gets inflamed or thick, it can stop the tendons from moving smoothly. This leads to trigger finger symptoms.

Anatomy of the Hand and Fingers

To understand trigger finger, knowing the hand and finger anatomy is key. The bones in your fingers are called phalanges. Each finger has three phalanges, except the thumb, which has two. The flexor tendons attach to these bones, allowing you to bend your fingers.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can develop from several reasons, including:

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI): Doing the same hand movements over and over can lead to trigger finger.
• Inflammation: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or gout can make the tendon sheath inflamed, causing trigger finger.
• Diabetes: People with diabetes are more likely to get trigger finger.
• Age and gender: It’s more common in people over 40 and women.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger shows several symptoms that affect how fingers work. Knowing these signs is key for early treatment. The main symptoms are painful clicking, finger popping, stiff fingers, and a limited range of motion.

Pain and Tenderness

Pain and tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb are common. This pain is often worse in the morning or after sitting for a while. As the condition gets worse, the pain can spread along the finger.

Locking or Catching Sensation

People with trigger finger may feel their fingers lock or catch when bending or straightening. This happens because the tendon sheath narrows, trapping the tendon. The finger may click or pop as it straightens out.

Stiffness and Limited Movement

Trigger finger can make fingers stiff and hard to move. This makes everyday tasks like grasping objects or making a fist hard. Some people’s fingers may even lock up completely.

If you notice these symptoms, see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. Early treatment can stop trigger finger from getting worse and help your hand work better.

Risk Factors for Developing Trigger Finger

Several factors can increase a person’s risk of developing trigger finger. Knowing these risk factors can help in early detection and prevention. While anyone can get it, some are more likely due to certain characteristics and medical conditions.

Age is a big factor. Trigger finger is more common in people between 40 and 60. As we get older, our tendons can thicken and lose flexibility, raising the risk.

Gender also plays a role. Women are more likely to get trigger finger, and this is even more true for those who have gone through menopause. Hormonal changes during menopause may contribute to this.

Certain occupations can also increase the risk. Jobs that involve repetitive hand movements or prolonged gripping are risky. This includes construction work, manufacturing, or playing musical instruments.

Several medical conditions are linked to a higher risk of trigger finger. Diabetes is one, as high blood sugar can cause inflammation and tendon thickening. People with diabetes, who don’t control their blood sugar well, are more likely to get trigger finger.

Rheumatoid arthritis is another condition that raises the risk. This autoimmune disorder causes joint inflammation, including in the fingers. This inflammation can make tendons thicken, making it hard for them to move smoothly.

Other conditions like hypothyroidism, amyloidosis, and certain infections can also increase the risk. People with a history of hand injuries or surgeries are also more susceptible.

Diagnosis of Trigger Finger

Diagnosing trigger finger requires a detailed medical history, physical exam, and sometimes imaging tests. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them worse.

Physical Examination

During the physical exam, your doctor will look closely at your hand and finger. They will check for:

Your doctor may ask you to move your finger to see if it catches or locks. They might also move your finger themselves to check for any catching or popping.

Imaging Tests

In some cases, imaging tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. Common tests include:

• X-rays: X-rays can’t show soft tissues like tendons. But, they can spot bony issues or arthritis that might be causing your symptoms.
• Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues in your hand. It can show tendon thickening, inflammation, or other problems.

After confirming trigger finger, your doctor will talk about the best treatment. This might include rest, splints, steroid injections, or surgery to release the tendon sheath.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

For those with trigger finger, there are many non-surgical ways to find relief. These methods aim to reduce swelling, give the finger a break, and help it move better. They work by easing pain and improving finger function without surgery.

Rest and Activity Modification

First, rest your hand and change how you do things to avoid making it worse. Stop doing things that make your finger hurt or get stiff. You might need to skip some hobbies or work tasks that bother your fingers.

Splinting and Immobilization

Wearing a splint can help your tendons rest and stop the finger from catching. Splints keep your finger straight, which helps the tendon sheath heal. This can make your finger feel better and help with pain and stiffness.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help with swelling and pain. They stop your body from making substances that cause pain and swelling. Always talk to your doctor about how much to take and for how long.

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are a strong treatment for trigger finger. They put medicine right into the tendon sheath to reduce swelling. This makes it easier for your tendon to move smoothly, giving you quick relief from pain and improving finger movement.

Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy

Physical and occupational therapy are key in treating trigger finger without surgery. Therapists teach you exercises to make your finger more flexible and strong. They also show you how to do things in a way that doesn’t hurt your finger as much.

Surgical Treatment for Trigger Finger

If non-surgical treatments don’t work or if the condition is severe, surgery might be needed. The most common surgery is called tendon sheath release. It helps the tendon move smoothly and stops the locking feeling.

Trigger Finger Release Surgery

Trigger finger release surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia. The surgeon makes a small cut in the palm, near the base of the finger. They then cut the tight part of the tendon sheath.

This lets the tendon move freely, getting rid of the catching or locking feeling. The surgery takes less than 30 minutes. Patients can go home the same day.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After the surgery, patients need to follow a specific postoperative care plan. The surgical area will be bandaged. Patients might feel pain, swelling, and stiffness in the finger.

Pain medication and ice packs can help with the discomfort in the first few days. As part of the recovery, patients will do hand therapy exercises. These exercises help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the finger.

A hand therapist will guide patients on the right exercises and techniques. Most patients can go back to normal activities in 2-4 weeks. But, it may take several months for full recovery.

Preventing Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can be painful and frustrating. But, there are steps to lower your risk. By using ergonomic principles, doing hand exercises and stretching, and living a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your hands and fingers working well.

Good ergonomics is key. When doing repetitive hand work, take breaks and avoid too much strain. Make sure your workspace is set up right to keep your wrists neutral and fingers relaxed. Use tools and devices that are designed to ease hand stress.

Doing hand exercises and stretching can also help. These improve flexibility and strength. Here are some simple exercises:

Living a healthy lifestyle also helps prevent trigger finger. Eat well, stay active, and manage stress. If you have conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, work with your doctor to control them. These conditions can raise your risk of trigger finger.

Living with Trigger Finger: Coping Strategies

Dealing with trigger finger can be tough, but there are ways to manage it. Making changes at work and home, and using stress management, can help a lot. These steps can lessen the pain and discomfort from trigger finger.

Ergonomic Modifications at Work and Home

Adjusting your environment can help your finger. At work, use ergonomic tools like keyboards and mice. These tools reduce strain and repetitive actions. You might also get flexible work hours or job changes to help.

At home, choose items with bigger handles. This makes it easier to use things without putting too much pressure on your finger.

Stress Management Techniques

Stress can make trigger finger worse. It’s important to find ways to relax. Try deep breathing, meditation, and gentle stretches for your hand.

Doing low-impact activities like walking or swimming can also help. If stress is hard to handle, talk to a mental health expert. They can give you strategies that fit your situation.