What Is Trigger Finger and Why Does It Happen?

Have you ever felt a painful click or catch in your finger when you try to straighten it? Or maybe your finger gets stuck in a bent position, only to pop straight suddenly. This common and often frustrating condition is known as trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis. While it might start as a minor annoyance, it can progress to become a significant source of pain and inconvenience, affecting your ability to perform daily tasks.

Understanding what causes trigger finger is the first step toward finding effective relief. The condition involves the tendons and pulleys in your hand that allow your fingers to bend and straighten smoothly. When this system is disrupted, it can lead to the characteristic "triggering" sensation. This article will explain the mechanics behind trigger finger, explore its common causes and risk factors, and outline the available treatment options, from simple home remedies to more advanced medical procedures.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, medically termed stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb. To understand it, it helps to visualize how your fingers move. Your fingers bend and straighten thanks to flexor tendons, which are like long cords connecting the muscles in your forearm to the bones in your fingers. These tendons glide through a series of rings, or pulleys, that form a tunnel and keep the tendons close to the bone.

In a healthy hand, the tendons slide smoothly through this pulley system. However, with trigger finger, the pulley at the base of the finger (known as the A1 pulley) becomes inflamed and thickened. This inflammation narrows the opening of the tunnel. At the same time, the tendon itself can develop a small nodule or swelling.

When you try to straighten your finger, this nodule gets caught on the edge of the thickened pulley, causing the finger to lock or catch in a bent position. Forcing the finger to straighten can cause the nodule to pop through the pulley, resulting in a painful snap—similar to the release of a trigger, which gives the condition its name. Any finger, including the thumb (known as trigger thumb), can be affected, and it's possible for multiple fingers to be involved at once.

Common Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The symptoms of trigger finger often start subtly and can become more severe over time. Recognizing them early can help you seek treatment before the condition worsens.

The most common signs include:

A popping or clicking sensation when you move the affected finger.
Stiffness in the finger, particularly in the morning.
A tender lump or bump at the base of the affected finger on the palm side.
Pain when you bend or straighten the finger.
The finger catching or locking in a bent position, which then suddenly pops straight.
In severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent or straight position and you may be unable to move it without using your other hand.

These symptoms can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating problem that interferes with daily activities like gripping a coffee mug, typing, or holding a pen.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

The exact cause of trigger finger isn't always clear, but it's fundamentally an inflammatory condition. The inflammation of the tendon sheath (the tunnel the tendon runs through) is what leads to the narrowing and the subsequent catching of the tendon.

Several factors are known to increase your risk of developing trigger finger.

Medical Conditions

Certain health issues are strongly linked to trigger finger. People with these conditions are more likely to experience the inflammation that leads to the problem. These include:

Diabetes: People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing trigger finger, often more severely and affecting multiple fingers.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disease causes inflammation in the joints and can affect the tendons and pulleys in the hand.
Gout: A form of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid, gout can lead to inflammation throughout the body, including the hands.
Thyroid problems: Conditions like hypothyroidism can also contribute to the development of trigger finger.

Repetitive Hand Use

Activities that involve repeated gripping or forceful use of the fingers can irritate the tendons and pulleys, leading to inflammation. This is common in certain professions or hobbies:

Musicians: People who play instruments like the guitar or piano.
Laborers: Jobs that require a strong, repetitive grip, such as construction or factory work.
Gardeners: Frequent use of tools like clippers can strain the hands.

Other Risk Factors

Age: Trigger finger is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.
Sex: The condition is more prevalent in women than in men.
Previous Hand Injuries: An injury to the base of your finger or palm can sometimes lead to trigger finger.

Treatment Options for Trigger Finger

Fortunately, there are several effective treatments for trigger finger, ranging from conservative approaches to surgical intervention. The best treatment for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've had the condition.

Non-Surgical Treatments

For mild cases, an orthopedic surgeon will likely recommend starting with non-invasive treatments.

Rest: The simplest treatment is to avoid activities that aggravate the condition. This gives the inflammation a chance to subside.
Splinting: Wearing a splint, especially at night, can keep the affected finger in a straight position. This prevents the finger from locking and allows the tendon to rest.
Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can help decrease stiffness and improve the range of motion in the affected finger.
Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Steroid Injections: A corticosteroid injection directly into the tendon sheath is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments. The steroid reduces inflammation, allowing the tendon to glide freely again. Many people experience long-term relief after one or two injections.

Surgical Treatment

If non-surgical treatments don't provide relief, or if your finger is severely locked, surgery may be recommended. The procedure for trigger finger is called a tenolysis or trigger finger release. It's a relatively minor surgery that can often be performed on an outpatient basis.

During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision in the palm and cuts the constricted section of the A1 pulley. This opens up the tunnel, giving the tendon more room to move smoothly. The surgery is highly effective, and most people regain normal use of their finger shortly after the procedure.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you are experiencing any symptoms of trigger finger, it's a good idea to consult with a medical professional. An early diagnosis can help you start treatment sooner and prevent the condition from becoming more severe. You should seek help if:

Your finger is locked in a bent or straight position.
Home remedies like rest and NSAIDs are not providing relief.
The pain and stiffness are interfering with your daily life.

An orthopedic surgeon specializes in conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including the hands, and can provide an accurate diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Your Next Steps to Relief

Living with trigger finger can be a daily challenge, but with the right diagnosis and treatment, you can find lasting relief. Understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms are the first steps toward getting back to your normal activities without pain or frustration.

If you are experiencing persistent finger locking, pain, or stiffness, don't wait for it to get worse. If you're looking for an orthopedic surgeon in Deland, FL, the experts at Central Florida Bone & Joint Institute are here to help. We can provide a thorough evaluation and discuss the best treatment options to restore function to your hand. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a pain-free life.