Trigger Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatment Options

Trigger finger is a common issue where your finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position. It causes the tendons that bend the finger to become inflamed and thickened, keeping the digits from moving smoothly. Anyone can develop trigger finger, but it’s most common in people over 45. Certain people also have a higher risk, including those with diabetes, low thyroid function, or rheumatoid arthritis. Thankfully, numerous treatment methods can help, from splinting to physical therapy.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the causes and symptoms of trigger finger and treatment options to find relief.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition that makes it difficult to move your fingers or thumbs, often “freezing” them in a flexed position. It mostly affects the tendons in your fingers and thumbs, causing them to bend toward the palm as if pulling an invisible trigger.

Tendons are the tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Tendons and muscles work together to flex and straighten your fingers and thumbs, like ropes gliding through a tunnel. When the tunnel of tissue around these tendons becomes swollen from trigger finger, it can be hard to glide the tendon and move the fingers. Straightening the fingers can be almost impossible for anyone experiencing this condition.

Causes of Trigger Finger

The exact cause of trigger finger is unknown, though people with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, diabetes, thyroid disease, or osteoarthritis, are at a higher risk of developing it. Repeated and strong gripping can also lead to the condition. Trigger finger causes can include:

Overwork or injury.
Repetitive movements in the hands.
Consistent heavy squeezing or lifting.

Having a job or hobby that requires repetitive motions like gripping or grasping and applying force with your fingers and thumbs can make you more likely to develop trigger finger. Farming, gardening, playing an instrument, racket sports, and working with tools, for instance, are all activities that could lead to trigger finger.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Symptoms of trigger finger include:

Snapping or popping in the fingers: Trigger finger can cause a popping or locking sensation when trying to move the fingers or thumb. It might feel like the digits are getting stuck or “caught” as you move them.
Pain and stiffness: The condition can cause stiffness when moving your fingers or thumb toward your palm.
Soreness in the palm: You might experience soreness in your palm next to the base of your fingers and thumb. The feeling may worsen when grasping or gripping something. Trigger finger might also cause swelling or a tender lump in your palm.
Fingers or thumbs stuck in flexed position: Your fingers or thumb stay locked in a flexed position. You might not be able to move them into a straight position without using your other hand to gently push them.

Diagnosing Trigger Finger

If you believe you’re experiencing trigger finger, it’s important to see a medical professional to diagnose and treat the condition. Early diagnosis can help prevent long-term issues and lead to a treatment that helps you move your fingers without pain. Here’s what the diagnosis process might look like:

Physical assessment: You’ll meet with a physician, who will provide an initial medical evaluation of your hand.
Medical history review: Your physician will gather your medical history, asking about any other medical conditions you might have, and how long you’ve been experiencing symptoms.
Diagnostic test on-site: If necessary, your physician will order diagnostic tests like MRIs or X-rays to accurately diagnose trigger finger.

After diagnosing trigger finger, your physician will develop a personalized treatment plan for your exact symptoms.

How to Treat Trigger Finger

Treatments for trigger finger will depend on the severity of your symptoms and other factors, but common ones include rest, stretches, and over-the-counter medications. If conservative approaches don’t improve your symptoms, your health care provider might recommend surgery. Trigger finger treatment options include:

Rest

It’s best to take a break from work, hobbies, or tasks that might have caused your trigger finger. Rest can give your tendons time to heal.

Splinting

You might need to wear a splint to keep the affected digits in place and help them stretch back to their usual position. Splints are typically worn at night, keeping you from curling your fingers into a fist to reduce stiffness and pain.

Stretching Exercises

Your provider might recommend stretches to help your tendons regain flexibility. A hand therapist can also teach you certain techniques, like passive joint motion, to help you improve your movement and reduce pain.

Anti-Inflammatory Medication

Certain over-the-counter medications, like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help relieve pain and swelling. Your health care provider might also prescribe medications like corticosteroids or provide cortisone shots to help treat your condition.

Surgery

If conservative approaches don’t improve your trigger finger, doctors might recommend surgery. Known as trigger finger release, this surgery can be done as an outpatient, usually with simple local anesthesia, so you can return home the same day. The surgery involves making a small incision in the palm or using an ultrasound-guided needle, opening up the pulley at the base of the finger so the tendon can move freely.

These surgeries are low-risk, and most patients make a full recovery and can move their fingers right after surgery. Some might feel tenderness, swelling, or discomfort near the area of the surgery, and occasionally, hand therapy is needed to regain better use.

Preventing Trigger Finger

To prevent trigger finger, avoid overusing your hands, fingers, and thumbs in repetitive motions and tasks. Any repeated grasping motion can lead to trigger finger over time, so you’ll want to keep your fingers flexible by limiting these movements.

Additionally, if you’re concerned about work tasks or sports, you can learn better techniques or postures to prevent trigger finger. Be sure to ease into new exercises or activities to avoid injury, and take breaks if repetitive tasks are putting stress on your hands.

Get Trigger Finger Treatment at the Hand Center of Louisiana

Trigger finger can cause pain and stiffness, preventing you from doing the activities you enjoy. The Hand Center of Louisiana offers personalized treatments to help you get your fingers moving freely again. We provide comprehensive diagnosis and numerous treatment and therapy options, from conservative avenues like stretches to advanced surgical options.

Our priority is helping you achieve the best health outcomes. Our pediatric hand specialists will deliver high-quality treatments to address your pain and help you find relief. Schedule an appointment today, and we can diagnose and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you find relief from trigger finger.