What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Digital stenosing Tenosynovitis
• Flexor Tendinitis
• Stenosing Tenosynovitis

What is Trigger Finger? (Definition/Background Information)

• Extensor tendons are tendons in the fingers and hand that allow the fingers to function/straighten
• Trigger Finger is a common deformity that occurs when the extensor tendon in one of the fingers or thumbs, become locked in a certain fixed position
• Usually painful, this injury is caused by the reduction and contraction of the tendon sheath, which is the layer of the membrane surrounding a tendon

Who gets Trigger Finger? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Individuals who have certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and hypothyroidism, have an increased risk of developing Trigger Finger
• The disorder is more prevalent in women than men
• Industrial workers, sportspersons (participating in sports requiring repetitive finger movements), musical instrument players, etc.

What are the Risk Factors for Trigger Finger? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors associated with Trigger Finger include:

• Middle aged adults, especially women
• Repetitive gripping of objects associated with certain occupations
• Chronic inflammatory disorder (rheumatoid arthritis)
• Certain medical condition, such as diabetes
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
• Abnormal build up of amyloid proteins within the organs (termed amyloidosis)
• Infectious disease, which predominantly affect the lungs (tuberculosis)

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Trigger Finger? (Etiology)

A few causal factors of Trigger Finger include:

• Undertaking any physical activity or participation in sports, playing musical instruments, using certain equipment/instruments, which requires a set of repetitive movements of the finger
• Any significant traumatic event associated with an automobile, motorcycle, or bicycle accident

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Finger?

Signs and symptoms of Trigger Finger include:

• Stiffness of the finger; inability to straighten the finger from a bent position
• Noticeable popping or clicking sensation during finger movement
• Tenderness at the bottom of the injured finger

How is Trigger Finger Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose a Trigger finger include:

• Physical examination: During a physical examination, the physician may ask the individual to perform certain basic tasks, such as opening/closing their hands, to check if any pain exists. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• X-rays: X-rays use radiation in order to produce images of the hands/finger and are usually helpful to conclude a diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Trigger Finger?

In the majority of cases, complications of Trigger Finger are uncommon.However, some common complications some individuals may experience include:

• Severely restricted range of motion
• Permanent nerve damage within the finger
• Blood vessel damage
• Infection

How is Trigger Finger Treated?

The treatment an individual receives usually depends on the severity of the injury.Nonsurgical treatment methods include:

• Any activity that aggravates the thumb/finger condition should be avoided. The physician may advise the individual to refrain from participating in any physical activities, till the pain or symptoms get better
• Complete immobilization of the finger with a splint or cast will help restrict its movement
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as indomethacin and naproxen, may be used to treat a Trigger Finger. These medications can help reduce mild to moderate pain in the finger
• Some individuals may require physical therapy. It is important to begin some light motion exercises. The goals of these exercises are to strengthen the finger muscles, improve flexibility, and decrease stiffness

If nonsurgical treatment does not relieve the pain, surgery may be recommended. Common surgical procedures may include:

• Trigger Finger release surgery: Trigger Finger release surgery is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that releases the constricted section of the tendon sheath, using small surgical instruments. This procedure is done under a local anesthetic

How can Trigger Finger be Prevented?

A common method to help prevent Trigger Finger includes the avoidance of any physical activity that requires repetitive finger/thumb movements.

What is the Prognosis of Trigger Finger? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• A small percentage of Trigger Finger injuries heal without treatment; a majority of such cases heal without any serious complications
• When properly treated and rehabilitated, a high percentage of the individuals regain their full strength and range of motion in the injured thumb/finger

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Trigger Finger:

The term Trigger Finger is associated with a ‘popping’ sound heard from the snapping of the tendons from its deformed position, while the finger is being unlocked/straightened.