What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a medical condition which one of your fingers or your thumb catches in a bent position. Your finger or thumb may straighten with a snap-like a trigger being pulled and released. More than one finger can be affected at a time, though it usually affects the thumb, middle or ring finger.

Causes:

• Diabetes

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Repeated injury to the area

• More common with women than men

• Occur most frequently in people between ages 40-60 years of age

Signs and Symptoms:

• Clicking or snapping when you flex or extend the finger, and worsens over periods of inactivity

• Soreness, a small lump, or tenderness at the base of the affected finger or thumb in your palm

• Eventually, finger may not fully straighten

Treatment:

• Rest the affected hand

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Wearing a splint

Surgical Treatment:

If your triggering is very severe and you do not have relief for the immediate treatment you should visit an orthopaedic provider to discuss an operation. Trigger finger is not a dangerous condition; the decision to proceed with surgery is based on how severe the symptoms are. This surgery is to widen the opening of the tunnel so the tendon can slide through more easily. It is typically an outpatient procedure and the surgery is performed through a small incision in the palm.

Please note: this information is for informational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnosing an injury, and the information provided should not be used to replace medical treatment.