Understanding Trigger Finger

Struggling with straightening your finger without pain or having a popping or locking sensation when you move your finger or thumb? Trigger finger may be to blame.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a common condition that causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes popping of a digit. In more severe cases, trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, can cause the finger to become stuck in a bent position. The affected finger is most commonly "locked" like this in the morning.

While any finger can develop these symptoms, it is more often seen in the ring finger or thumb.

Trigger fingers can occur in anyone with normal daily use of the hand. Sometimes it occurs after an injury or repetitive use activity. Risk factors for developing trigger finger include diabetes or certain inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Women also tend to develop trigger finger more often than men.

Trigger finger is sometimes confused with Dupuytren's contracture, a hereditary condition that causes fingers to contract or bend due to abnormal thickening of the skin.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendons of the fingers become swollen and inflamed, making it difficult to move them.

"Trigger finger is essentially tendonitis of the flexors, which are the tendons that bend your fingers," said Toni E. Lin, MD, an independent orthopedic hand surgeon who chooses to practice at Franciscan Health.

In some patients, hobbies or jobs that require a repeated grabbing motion of the fingers or thumb can be linked to the onset of trigger finger, though this isn't the case for everyone.

What Are Symptoms Of Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger often begins with only pain or tender spots in the palm, noticeable at the base of the affected finger. Then, symptoms progress until the finger no longer moves smoothly through the normal range of motion. Patients sometimes refer to this as a "popping," "clicking" or "catching" sensation when they try to use their finger.

Finger stiffness may be especially pronounced in the morning or when you're attempting to grab or grip an object.

Eventually, the condition may worsen to the point that the finger becomes stuck in a bent position. "Patients may have to manually pull the finger straight, which can be very uncomfortable," Dr. Lin said.

How To Fix Trigger Finger

If you are diagnosed with this condition, you may be wondering: What is the treatment for trigger finger? Fortunately, there are several options.

Primary care physicians may recommend non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which can relieve pain and inflammation. They may also advise you to wear a finger splint - particularly at night while sleeping - to help prevent the affected finger from locking up overnight.

Are There Exercises For Trigger Finger?

Gentle stretching can help with stiffness, however if the finger joints don't have their normal range of motion, it is time to see a specialist.

If first-line treatments are no longer providing relief, your physician might recommend a steroid injection, what we commonly think of as a "cortisone shot".

"Steroid injections can settle down the swelling and inflammation - and they can even resolve this condition without surgery," Dr. Lin said.

Typically, injections work better before the fingers have fixed contractures or have chronically been catching.

What Is Trigger Finger Surgery?

If steroid injections do not resolve trigger finger symptoms, a hand specialist may recommend surgery which opens up the ligament that is causing the inflammation. Fortunately, the procedure is simple and highly effective.

"Trigger finger surgery is a very quick, five- to ten-minute procedure, which can even be performed under local anesthesia," Dr. Lin said. "After the procedure, the locking and triggering are completely gone."

If you experience symptoms of trigger finger, talk to your doctor. Your physician can help you identify steps to relieve pain and inflammation and get you on a path to return your finger's full range of motion.