CONDITIONS

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is when your fingers get stuck in a bent position – as if squeezing a “trigger.” Trigger finger can occur in one or more fingers. The ring finger is often one of the fingers affected. The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. Those with trigger finger may have stiffness when bending the finger(s) or hear snapping and popping when moving the finger(s). Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options can range from rest to surgery.

Causes

People who have jobs, hobbies, or tasks that require strenuous repetitive motions; frequent, strong grasping or gripping, or forceful use of the fingers and/or thumb. For example, trigger finger frequently occurs in people who use their fingers or thumbs for multiple repetitive movements. These people may include:

• Farmers
• Industrial workers
• Musicians

Trigger fingers are more common with certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and diabetes. Repeated and strong gripping may lead to the condition. In most cases, the cause of the trigger finger is not known.

• People between the ages of 40 and 60.

Signs and Symptoms

Trigger finger may start with discomfort felt at the base of the finger or thumb, where the finger joins the palm. This area is often sensitive to pressure. You might feel a lump there. Other symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Popping
• Catching feeling
• Limited finger movement
• Soreness at the base of the finger or thumb in the palm, especially while gripping or grasping.
• Pain and stiffness when bending the finger(s) or thumb.
• Swelling or tender lump in the palm of the hand.
• Locking of the finger(s) or thumb in the bent position (in severe cases). The finger(s) or thumb must be gently straightened with the help of the other hand.
• Inability to fully flex the finger.