Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers or thumb catches in a bent position. Your finger or thumb may straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.
Often painful, trigger finger is caused by a narrowing of the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger.This pain is commonly found at the base of the finger in the palmar surface and can be felt as a painful nodule.
People whose work or hobbies require repetitive gripping actions are more susceptible e.g. technicians, golfers. Trigger finger is also more common in women and in anyone with diabetes. This condition can affect any finger as well as the thumb.
Treatment of trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, varies depending on the severity.
Treatment includes:
- Taking a course of oral anti-inflammatory medications
- Injection of Cortisone to the A1 pulley
- Surgical release of the A1 pulley
