What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap—like a trigger being pulled and released.
It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.
How is Trigger Finger Diagnosed?
Diagnosis of trigger finger doesn’t usually require elaborate testing. It is typically determined through a physical exam and medical history:
- Physical Examination: Your doctor will check for areas of tenderness, evidence of clicking or locking, and the presence of a nodule (a small lump) in the palm of your hand.
- Functional Assessment: You will be asked to open and close your hand to demonstrate the “triggering” or locking behavior.
Management and Treatment
Nonoperative Management
Conservative treatments are often the first line of defense for mild to moderate cases:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that require repetitive gripping or grasping.
- Splinting: Wearing a splint at night to keep the finger in an extended position.
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle exercises to help maintain mobility.
- Corticosteroid Injections: An injection near or into the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide freely again.
Operative Management
If non-surgical methods fail or if the finger is permanently locked, surgery may be necessary:
- Trigger Finger Release: A small procedure where the surgeon cuts the tight portion of the tendon sheath (the A1 pulley). This allows the tendon to glide smoothly without catching.
- Recovery: Most people can move their finger immediately after surgery, though some soreness in the palm is expected for a few weeks.