Trigger Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Your Treatment Options

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that causes a finger or thumb to get stuck in a bent position, as if pulling a trigger, and then suddenly snap straight. This happens when the flexor tendon, responsible for bending the finger, cannot glide smoothly through its protective sheath due to inflammation or thickening, often at the base of the digit.

Trigger finger causes pain, stiffness, and sometimes a visible or palpable bump in the palm near the affected finger. This can significantly impact hand function, making everyday activities challenging.

How Trigger Finger Affects the Hand?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendons that control finger movement become inflamed or thickened, preventing smooth bending and straightening. This can lead to discomfort, limited mobility, and difficulty with daily tasks. Common effects include:

• Pain and tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb
• Locking, catching, or snapping when bending or straightening the finger
• Finger stiffness, which may be intermittent or persistent
• In severe cases, the finger may remain stuck in a bent position, requiring the other hand to straighten it
• Reduced grip strength and difficulty holding or releasing objects
• Challenges with fine motor tasks, such as writing, buttoning clothes, or handling small items

Common Symptoms of Trigger Finger

If you suspect you may have the condition, watch out for these common trigger finger symptoms:

• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger
• Tenderness or a bump at the base of the affected finger or thumb
• Finger catching or locking in a bent position
• Finger stuck in a bent posture, unable to straighten without help
• Pain when attempting to move the finger or thumb

Causes and Risk Factors of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger causes are not always clear, but the condition develops when the flexor tendon sheath at the base of the finger becomes thickened or inflamed, impeding smooth tendon movement. Several risk factors can contribute to this:

• Repetitive or forceful hand use
• Underlying medical conditions (see below)
• Age (more common after age 50)
• Female gender
• Previous hand injuries or surgery

Overuse and Repetitive Motion

Frequent, repetitive movements or forceful gripping can irritate the tendon sheath, leading to inflammation and thickening. Jobs or hobbies that require repetitive grasping, such as farming, industrial work, or prolonged use of tools, can increase the risk of developing trigger finger.

Medical Conditions

• Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can impact tendon health, increasing the risk of inflammation and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Chronic joint inflammation can lead to swelling around tendons, increasing the likelihood of tendon catching or locking.
• Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism): Reduced thyroid hormone levels can lead to accumulation of glycosaminoglycans in tissues, contributing to thickened tendon sheaths and stiffness.
• Gout: Uric acid crystals can accumulate in joints and tendons, leading to pain, inflammation, and restricted movement.
• Amyloidosis: Deposition of amyloid protein within the tendon sheath or synovium can cause thickening and restricted gliding, occasionally leading to trigger finger.

Age and Gender

Trigger finger is most common in adults between the ages of 40 and 60 and occurs more frequently in women than men, particularly after age 50.

How Trigger Finger is Diagnosed?

1. Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, hand use, and any medical conditions you may have.
2. Physical examination: Doctors will check the affected finger for tenderness, bumps, clicking, or locking, and observe its movement.
3. Imaging tests are rarely needed: Trigger finger is typically diagnosed based on clinical findings. X-rays or ultrasound may be ordered only if another condition is suspected.

Stages of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can progress through different stages, starting with finger stiffness and occasional clicking and advancing to a stage where the finger remains stuck in a bent position and cannot be straightened. According to a study by SurgiColl (Surgical Collective), trigger finger progression can be graded into four stages, known as green classification.

Treatment Options for Trigger Finger

Trigger finger treatment depends on the severity of your condition and may begin with conservative approaches before considering surgery. The main goals are to relieve pain and restore normal finger movement.

Home Remedies and Self-Care

• Rest the affected finger and avoid activities that worsen symptoms
• Use a splint to keep the finger straight, especially overnight
• Apply ice or heat to reduce pain
• Perform gentle stretches and finger exercises

Non-Surgical Medical Treatments

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used to reduce pain and inflammation
• Steroid (corticosteroid) injections into the tendon sheath to decrease swelling and inflammation
• Physical therapy or occupational therapy exercises to improve flexibility and strength
• Splinting the affected finger, typically for up to six weeks

Surgical Treatments

If other trigger finger treatments fail or your symptoms are severe, surgical treatment may be recommended. This is usually an outpatient procedure performed under local anaesthesia, where the surgeon makes a small incision in the palm to release (cut) the A1 pulley—part of the fibrous sheath that constricts the flexor tendon—allowing it to glide smoothly again.

Key points about trigger finger surgery include:

• Performed under local anaesthesia
• Immediate improvement in finger movement is typical
• Stitches are removed about two weeks post-op
• Full recovery may take several weeks
• Risks include infection, nerve injury, or finger stiffness

Recovery and Rehabilitation

After treatment, especially trigger finger surgery, focus on:

• Gentle movement and hand exercises to prevent stiffness
• Gradual return to normal activities as tolerated
• Physical or occupational therapy, if needed, to regain strength and flexibility
• Keeping the incision site clean and dry (post-surgery)
• Monitoring for signs of swelling, pain, or infection
• Most people regain normal hand function within a few weeks after treatment

Complications if Left Untreated

• Permanent finger stiffness or contracture
• Loss of normal hand function
• Persistent pain
• Difficulty with daily activities
• Possible tendon rupture (rare)

Preventing Trigger Finger

• Avoid repetitive gripping activities when possible
• Take frequent breaks during tasks requiring a strong grip
• Use ergonomic tools and grips to reduce strain on your fingers
• Stretch your fingers and hands regularly
• Manage underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

When to See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you notice persistent pain, stiffness, or locking in any finger or thumb, especially if it interferes with your daily activities or does not improve with rest. Prompt evaluation can help prevent progression and restore normal hand function.

Conclusion

Trigger finger is a common condition caused by inflammation and thickening of the tendon sheath, leading to pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected finger. Early recognition and timely treatment can help restore hand function and prevent long-term complications.

At Metropolis Healthcare, we support your journey to recovery by providing comprehensive diagnostic services that help manage underlying conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders, which can contribute to trigger finger. With a commitment to accuracy, quality, and personalised care, including NABL- & CAP-accredited labs and CAP-proficiency score exceeding 98%, Metropolis Healthcare is here to support you in prioritising your family's health and well-being.

FAQs

Can trigger finger heal on its own?

Mild cases may sometimes resolve with rest, modification of activity, and self-care measures. However, persistent or severe cases usually require medical intervention. Many people need steroid injections or, in some cases, surgery to achieve lasting relief.

What is the fastest way to cure trigger finger?

A steroid injection into the tendon sheath is often the quickest and most effective non-surgical treatment, providing relief to most patients within a few days to a few weeks. When indicated, surgery offers immediate improvement in finger movement.

Is trigger finger linked to arthritis?

Yes, people with rheumatoid arthritis and sometimes osteoarthritis are at increased risk for developing trigger finger due to chronic inflammation of the hand tissues.

How long does recovery take after surgery?

Most people regain normal hand function within a few weeks after the surgery, though full recovery—including grip strength and flexibility—may take up to six weeks.

References:

• https://surgicoll.scholasticahq.com/article/68065-trigger-finger-evaluation-management-and-outcomes
• https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7080-trigger-finger
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441854/
• https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/trigger-finger