Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when a finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly straightens, often with a clicking or popping sensation. It can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty bending or straightening the finger. The condition is usually caused by inflammation around the tendons in the finger and can often be managed with rest, splints, exercises, or medical treatments if needed.
Overview | Symptoms & Causes | Diagnosis | Treatment Options
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when one of the tendons that bend a finger or thumb becomes irritated or thickened, making it harder for the tendon to glide smoothly through its protective sheath. Each finger has flexor tendons that run from the muscles in the forearm, through a series of fibrous pulleys in the palm and fingers, down to the bones at the fingertip. These pulleys act like tunnels, keeping the tendons close to the bone and allowing smooth bending of the finger.
In trigger finger, inflammation or thickening of the tendon or the pulley can create a mismatch between tendon size and the pulley opening. This causes the finger to catch, lock, or suddenly release when you try to bend or straighten it. The thumb, middle, and ring fingers are most commonly affected. People with diabetes or other inflammatory conditions are at higher risk.
Understanding Trigger Finger
Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that bends a finger or thumb struggles to move smoothly through its pulley. This can lead to a variety of noticeable signs:
- Fingers catching or locking when bending or straightening, sometimes suddenly releasing with a snap.
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning, making it hard to bend the finger.
- Tenderness or a small, painful bump at the base of the affected finger in the palm.
- Pain or discomfort when gripping objects or making a fist.
- Occasionally, the finger may become temporarily stuck in a bent or straight position.
Symptoms can range from mild, intermittent catching to more persistent locking, affecting daily activities such as writing, gripping, or typing. Early recognition and management often help prevent worsening or permanent stiffness.
Causes and Risk Factors
Trigger finger happens when the tendon that bends a finger or thumb becomes irritated or thickened, making it difficult to slide smoothly through its surrounding sheath or pulley. This can lead to catching, locking, or pain. Several factors can increase the risk of developing trigger finger:
| Repetitive hand use | Activities that involve frequent gripping, typing, or forceful hand motions. |
| Medical conditions | Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions can affect tendon health. |
| Age & sex | More common in adults between 40 - 60 years and slightly more frequent in women. |
| Previous hand injuries or surgery | Can increase the risk of tendon irritation or scarring. |
| Pregnancy | Hormonal changes may occasionally contribute to tendon swelling. |
While ganglion cysts are generally harmless, these factors can influence both their development and likelihood of recurrence.
Diagnosing Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is usually diagnosed based on a combination of your symptoms and a physical examination of the hand.
During the assessment, your healthcare provider will look for:
- Tenderness or a nodule: A small lump may be felt at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
- Catching or locking: Observation of the finger as it bends and straightens, noting any locking or snapping.
- Limited movement: Difficulty fully straightening or bending the finger.
- Pain or discomfort: Especially when pressing on the affected area or during movement.
| Ultrasound | Ultrasound can: -Show thickening of the tendon or surrounding sheath. -Identify any nodules that may be causing the finger to catch or lock. -Assess the tendon’s movement during finger flexion and extension. -Help pinpoint the cause of symptoms and rule out other problems, such as cysts, arthritis changes, or masses in the area. |
Treatment Options
Most cases of trigger finger can be managed without surgery, though the right approach depends on the severity of symptoms and how long they’ve been present.
| Conservative Measures | - Resting and avoiding repetitive gripping activities that aggravate the finger. - Splints to keep the finger straight and reduce irritation. - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with pain and inflammation. - Stretching or hand therapy exercises guided by a physiotherapist or occupational therapist. |
| Steroid Injection | These can reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide more freely, reducing symptoms and reliveing pain. |
| Surgery | If conservative treatments fail, a minor procedure can release the tendon sheath to allow smooth movement of the tendon. |
Treatment choice is tailored to the individual, and your healthcare provider can advise on the best approach based on your symptoms.
How can Lanthorn help?
Hand & Wrist Ultrasound - £300
Helps confirm the diagnosis, shows the tendon and pulley involvement, and can identify any other issues contributing to your symptoms.
Ultrasound-guided Trigger Finger Treatment - £450
A precise injection of steroid and local anaesthetic to reduce inflammation and improve tendon movement.
Referral to a specialist
If symptoms persist or are severe, we can arrange direct referral to a hand surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.
