In the Wild West, trigger finger referred to a gunslinger who was quick on the draw. Today, the term means something else entirely. Trigger finger is the name for a common condition that often affects people’s fingers.
“With trigger finger, one or more digits will curl in toward the palm and become difficult to straighten,” says Dr. Eric Erickson, a Shoulder, Sports Medicine, and Arthroscopic surgeon with ThedaCare Orthopedic Care. “It typically happens in a person’s dominant hand.”
Understanding Trigger Finger
Trigger finger happens when inflammation occurs in the tendons on the palm side of the finger. Tendons are tough cords that attach muscle to bone.
Inflammation and swelling of tendons can lead to a narrowing of a tunnel of tissue in the hand, called a sheath. Trigger finger makes it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly in the sheath, Dr. Erickson says. Sometimes it will cause a nodule to grow on the tendon. This makes it even more difficult for the tendon to glide seamlessly.
Trigger finger differs from Dupuytren contracture, though a person could suffer from both at the same time. Dupuytren causes one or more fingers on the hand to contract and become stuck in a bent position. It most commonly happens with the ring and pinky finger. This can make it difficult to shake hands, open jars, and perform many other hand-related tasks.
Symptoms
“People often report that their symptoms are worse in the morning,” Dr. Erickson says. “Many find that they improve as they use their fingers and thumb more throughout the day.”
Trigger finger symptoms include:
- Finger stiffness
- A popping or clicking sensation as the finger moves
- Tenderness or a bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger
- Finger catching or locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight
Who’s at Risk
Trigger finger is more common among people whose occupations involve frequent hand movements. These can include agricultural workers, musicians, and people working in some manufacturing roles. People who participate in certain hobbies also are at higher risk. These can include fly tying, woodcarving, knitting, crocheting, and other crafts.
Women over the age of 50 and those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and low thyroid function also are more susceptible to trigger finger. The thumb, middle, ring, and pinky finger are most commonly affected.
To avoid developing trigger finger, people can:
- Use proper posture and technique for sports and work activities
- Ease into new exercises or activities to avoid injury
- Take breaks while doing a repetitive task that puts a lot of stress on the hands
Diagnosis and Treatment
People who experience trigger finger symptoms should see a health care provider. The condition won’t resolve on its own. Individuals can start with their primary care provider or a sports medicine physician. They can also visit ThedaCare Orthopedic Walk-in Care in Appleton, open seven days a week.
Treatments to relieve trigger finger vary depending on duration and severity of symptoms. The treatment plan typically begins with non-surgical measures. These may include:
- Rest
- Wearing a finger splint that allows tendons to relax
- Home exercises
- Physical therapy
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen
- Steroid injections
- Needling procedures
Surgery
For more serious cases of trigger finger — or ones that don’t respond to other treatments — a doctor may recommend surgery. The procedure is called trigger finger release.
In a trigger finger release procedure, the surgeon will a make a tiny cut in the sheath around the affected tendons. This will give the tendons more space to move through their sheath. Trigger finger release is an outpatient procedure.
“Our hands and fingers are so integral to many activities that are part of everyday life,” Dr. Erickson says. “Any injury or condition that restricts hand movement can become a significant challenge. Don’t hesitate to seek care for any symptoms that persist.”
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