Trigger finger involves diminished finger movement. Once the individual attempts to straighten the finger, it will lock or catch before popping out straight. This condition typically affects the tendons in the fingers or thumb.
What is trigger finger?
The flexor tendon ends up irritated as it glides via the tendon sheath tunnel. Once it is further irritated, it will thicken and lead to the formation of nodules which makes its passage via the tunnel difficult.
If the individual has trigger finger, the tendon is momentarily stuck at the mouth of the tendon sheath tunnel when straightening the finger. There is a pop as the tendon slips via the tight area and the finger shoots straight out.
Possible causes
The exact cause of trigger finger is still unknown. There are contributing factors that can put an individual at risk for developing it.
- More common among women than men
- Frequently occur among those between 40-60 years old
- Common among individuals with medical issues such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
- Tends to occur after activities that strain the hand
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of trigger finger typically start without any injury but can follow a period of excessive hand use. The usual symptoms include swelling, tender bump in the palm, pain when bending or straightening the finger and catching or popping feeling in the joints of the fingers or thumb.
The stiffness and catching is usually worse after a period of inactivity especially when waking in the morning. The fingers often loosen up once they are being moved. Oftentimes, when the tendon breaks free, it feels as if the joint is dislocating. In severe cases, the finger could not be straightened.
Treatment
In cases that involve mild symptoms, rest is enough to deal with the problem. The doctor will recommend a splint to help maintain the finger in a neutral, inactive position. Over-the-counter medications for pain such as NSAIDs can be used to relieve the pain. You can learn more about pain management measures by enrolling in a course on first aid today.
In some cases, the doctor might administer a shot of a corticosteroid into the tendon sheath. This can help temporarily and another injection might be needed. In case two injections do not work, surgery might be the only option. The injections are less likely to provide lasting relief if the individual had the condition for a long time or if he/she has an associated health issue such as diabetes.
Surgical treatment
It is important to note that trigger finger is not a serious condition. The decision to undergo surgery is a personal choice based on how severe the symptoms are and whether the non-surgical treatment options failed. In addition, if the finger is in a bent position, the doctor might recommend surgery to prevent permanent stiffness.