Dealing With Trigger Finger: Symptoms & Treatment Options

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb, making it difficult to bend or straighten them smoothly. It can cause pain, stiffness, and a catching or locking sensation, making everyday tasks challenging. Read on for more information about trigger finger and treatment options from our hand and wrist doctors at Tri-County Orthopedics.

The Anatomy & Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The flexor tendons of the hands act as cords that connect muscles to bones and enable movement. Each flexor tendon travels through a tunnel called the tendon sheath attached to the finger or thumb bones. In trigger finger, the tendon sheath becomes inflamed and narrowed. This narrowing makes it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly, causing it to catch or lock.

Symptoms of trigger finger include stiffness, oftentimes in the morning, and a popping or clicking sensation when you bend or straighten your finger. Some experience tenderness or a bump at the base of the affected finger or thumb on the palm. The finger may get stuck in a bent position and then suddenly snap straight. In severe cases, the finger remains in a bent position. Pain from trigger finger ranges from mild to severe. Causes are not well-understood, but risk factors include repetitive gripping and using vibrating tools as well as forceful hand use. People with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, more commonly experience trigger finger as well as women between the ages of 40 and 60.

Diagnosis & Treatment Options

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine your hand and fingers, checking for tenderness, nodules, and limited range of motion. The most efficient treatment option for your situation to reduce inflammation and restore movement will be recommended. Your hand specialist may prescribe:

  • Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms can help relieve discomfort.
  • Splinting: Wearing a splint keeps the affected finger straight and may be especially beneficial at night.
  • Stretching Exercises: Gentle exercises can improve finger mobility.
  • Medications: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be an option to help relieve pain.
  • Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting cortisone into the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation.
  • Trigger Finger Release Surgery: Generally reserved after attempting nonsurgical options, surgery may be recommended to release the tendon sheath. This is usually an outpatient procedure.

In caring for your trigger finger at home, you may find relief in warm soaks, using ergonomic tools and equipment, and avoiding forceful hand use and repetitive gripping.

If you experience the symptoms of trigger finger, it's important to see a hand doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent the condition from worsening. To schedule an appointment with one of our hand and wrist specialists, please request an appointment online or call (973) 775-9283.