Care For Tendons

Trigger Finger

Medical illustration of trigger finger, highlighting the mechanical impingement of the flexor tendon as it passes through the pulley, causing a sensation of locking or catching during finger movement

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition affecting the tendons that flex the fingers or thumb. The tendons in the fingers glide through sheaths, and when these sheaths become inflamed or thickened, it can cause the tendon to catch or lock, making it difficult to bend or straighten the finger. In some cases, associated degeneration of the finger tendons may cause adhesion with the surrounding tendon sheaths, making the disease more restrictive and painful.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

While the exact cause of trigger finger is unknown, it is often associated with repetitive hand and finger movements, particularly gripping and grasping. People with certain medical conditions like:

  • Diabetes
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout

may also be at a higher risk. In some cases, prior injuries to the fingers can be responsible.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The primary symptom of trigger finger is a clicking or snapping sensation when bending or straightening the finger. You might also experience:

  • Pain and tenderness in the affected fingers, particularly in the morning.
  • Stiffness in the fingers.
  • Locking of the finger in a bent position in severe cases.

Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment

If there are symptoms of trigger finger, consult a healthcare professional, specifically an orthopedic or hand surgeon. They will likely perform a physical examination to assess the finger`s range of motion and tenderness. In many cases, imaging such as:

  • X-rays
  • MRIs

may be conducted.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Initial approaches may include:

  • Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms can allow the tendon to heal.
  • Splinting: Wearing a splint at night can help keep the fingers straight and reduce inflammation.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications can help relieve pain and inflammation. Always take medications as prescribed by your doctor.
  • Corticosteroid injections: Injections into the tendon sheath can help reduce inflammation and improve finger movement.
  • Regenerative Nutrition: Supportive nutritional management may reduce degenerative damage and improve the regenerative process in tendons, but should be recommended by your doctor.

If conservative treatments fail to provide relief, surgery may be recommended to release the constricted tendon sheath and improve finger movement.

Preventing Trigger Finger

While it`s not always possible to prevent trigger finger, you can reduce the risk by:

  • Avoiding repetitive hand and finger movements or taking frequent breaks when necessary.
  • Maintaining proper hand posture and ergonomics during activities.
  • Performing stretching and strengthening exercises for the hands and fingers.

Remember, early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing trigger finger effectively. If you experience persistent finger pain or locking, don’t hesitate to seek professional medical advice as soon as possible.

References

National Institutes of Health (NIH).Trigger Finger.
Mayo Clinic. Trigger Finger.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Hand Pain and Numbness.