Hand Procedures

Trigger Finger

Have you ever experienced a painful pop or snap in your finger when trying to move it? If so, you may be dealing with a ‘trigger finger.’ This common condition affects the tendons in the fingers, causing them to become inflamed and leading to a limited range of motion, pain, and stiffness. But don’t let the trigger finger hold you back – with proper understanding and treatment, you can regain control of your fingers and return to your daily activities.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that can impact the tendons in the fingers. These tendons play a crucial role in allowing movement of the fingers, and when they become inflamed, it can result in discomfort, limited flexibility, and reduced range of motion. This condition can cause pain and stiffness, making it difficult to use the affected fingers.

 

Who Gets Trigger Finger

A trigger finger can happen to almost anyone, but certain factors are known to increase your risk of developing the condition.

Some of the most common ones include:

Age

Trigger finger is more common in people over the age of 40. Tendons become less flexible with age and become more prone to injury.

 

Gender

Women are more likely to develop trigger fingers than men.

 

Medical Conditions

People with certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout, are at a higher risk of developing trigger fingers.

 

Repetitive Hand Movements

People who often perform repetitive hand movements, such as typing or playing musical instruments, have a higher risk of developing trigger fingers.

Common Causes of Trigger Finger

Several factors are known to contribute to the development of the trigger finger. The tendons in our fingers are protected by a sheath that helps them move smoothly. When these sheaths are inflamed, it can cause the tendon to become stuck, leading to a trigger finger.

Other factors may include:

 

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a common cause of trigger finger. This occurs when the tendons in the fingers are overused and become inflamed.

 

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder that can cause inflammation in the joints and tendons, including fingers.

 

Gout

Gout is an arthritis that causes pain and swelling in the joints, including those in the fingers.

 

Diabetes

Diabetes directly leads to a higher risk of developing trigger fingers due to the damaging effects of high blood sugar on tendons and sheaths.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The symptoms of trigger finger vary from person to person, but some of the most common ones are:

 

Pain or Aching

Many people with trigger finger experience pain or aching in the affected finger, especially when they try to move it.

 

Stiffness

The affected finger may feel stiff and difficult to move, especially in the morning.

 

Popping or Snapping

When the tendon becomes stuck, it can cause a popping or snapping sensation in the finger.

 

Limited Range of Motion

The limited range of motion in the finger makes it hard to perform everyday tasks, such as typing or holding objects.

 

Tenderness

The affected finger may be tender to the touch, especially near the base of the finger.

 

Numbness or Tingling

Some people with trigger finger experience numbness or tingling in the affected finger.

Diagnosis of Trigger Finger

A doctor can diagnose whether or not you suffer from a trigger finger by performing a physical examination and assessing your medical history. They may also use diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI, to get a better look at the tendons and sheaths in the finger. Please take note that it’s possible to develop a trigger finger in other parts of the body, including your thumb, wrist or elbow, so share any symptoms you think are related with your doctor.

Treatment and Prevention of Trigger Finger

Trigger fingers can be cured. The treatments you might choose will depend on the severity of your condition and symptoms. Some people find relief for a time with home remedies, such as stretching, rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication. But others may choose to seek safe and effective medical treatments, such as cortisone injections or surgery, to prevent future issues from developing.

Untreated trigger fingers can lead to chronic pain, permanent stiffness, recurrence and even nerve damage. It’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible to minimize the risk of complications. Preventing the trigger finger involves maintaining good hand health and avoiding repetitive strain injury. This can be done by modifying hand activities, wearing protective gear and taking regular breaks to stretch and rest the hands.

Recovery time for trigger finger can vary due to the type of treatment and severity of the situation. Cortisone injections or surgery typically take several weeks to months to fully recover.

Get Relief From Trigger Finger Pain

Early diagnosis and treatment for trigger fingers can help minimize the risk of chronic pain, permanent stiffness and other complications. Rest assured that we want to assist you in any way we can through your entire process.

If you’re ready to schedule your consultation and relieve your daily pain and discomfort, contact us by clicking here or calling 706-494-7700 today.

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Romans 15:13

Contact Us

Skip to content