26/01/2023
Trigger Finger / Thumb
What is it?
Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your finger. The condition is also known as “stenosing tenosynovitis.” The ring finger and thumb are most often affected by trigger finger, but it can occur in the other fingers, as well. When the thumb is involved, the condition is called “trigger thumb.”
While the causes of the trigger finger are not well known, several factors may increase your risk for developing the condition.
Normal finger anatomy
Why does it occur?
The tendons in the fingers that cause the fingers to bend (flex) may develop a nodule.
Finger flexor tendons travel in a slippy sheath along with the finger, and the tendon slides in and out as the finger bends and straightens. The sheath lubricates the tendon and also prevents bowstringing of the tendons as the finger bends. In cases of trigger finger, a nodule develops on the tendon. As the finger bends, the nodule passes out of the sheath into the palm. As the finger straightens, the nodule attempts to pass back into the sheath but becomes locked at its mouth. It is preventing the finger from fully straightening. The finger may be forcibly straightened with a click but should be avoided.
While the causes of trigger finger are not well known, several factors may increase your risk for developing the condition.
These include:
⦁ Medical conditions. Trigger finger is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
⦁ Forceful hand activities. The condition is known to occur after forceful use of the fingers and thumb.
A trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and a sensation of locking or catching when you bend and straighten your finger. The condition is also known as “stenosing tenosynovitis.” The ring finger and thumb are most often affected by the trigger finger, but it can occur in the other fingers, as well. When the thumb is involved, the condition is called “trigger thumb.”.”
