Trigger Fingerr

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which a finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position and may snap or pop when straightened — like a trigger being pulled and released. The condition occurs when the flexor tendon that bends the finger becomes irritated and swollen, making it difficult to glide smoothly through the tendon sheath (a tunnel-like structure that holds the tendon in place).

Trigger finger can affect any finger or the thumb and may involve more than one finger at a time. It can range from mild stiffness to a finger that becomes locked in a bent position. Early evaluation and appropriate treatment can reduce symptoms and help prevent the condition from worsening.

Contributing factors

• Repetitive gripping — occupations or hobbies that require prolonged or forceful gripping and grasping
• Medical conditions — diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout increase the risk
• Age and gender — most common in women and individuals between 40 and 60 years of age
• Previous hand surgery — particularly after carpal tunnel release surgery
• Smoking — smoking contributes to degeneration in tendon, ligament, and connective tissue

Symptoms

• A painful clicking, snapping, or popping sensation when bending or straightening the finger
• Stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning
• A tender nodule or bump at the base of the affected finger in the palm
• The finger locking or catching in a bent position
• The finger becoming stuck in a bent position and unable to straighten
• Pain when gripping or grasping objects

Treatment

• Rest / activity modification — avoid repetitive gripping, squeezing, and prolonged use of vibrating equipment. Rest from aggravating activities allows inflammation to decrease.
• Splinting — a splint may be used to keep the affected finger in an extended position, particularly at night, to rest the tendon and reduce catching.
• Medication — anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) may be recommended to reduce pain and inflammation. Please consult your primary care physician before taking these medications for any duration of time.
• Injection — corticosteroid injections near or into the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide more freely. Injections are often very effective, particularly when the condition is treated early.
• Physical / occupational therapy — therapy may include stretching exercises and techniques to maintain finger mobility and reduce stiffness.
• Surgery — if symptoms persist despite appropriate non-operative treatment, a minor surgical procedure called a trigger finger release may be recommended. The procedure opens the narrowed tendon sheath to allow the tendon to move freely again. This is typically performed as an outpatient procedure.

When to seek care

If finger stiffness, catching, or locking persists for more than a few weeks, or if the finger becomes stuck in a bent position, evaluation by a specialist is recommended. Early diagnosis and treatment can help restore normal finger movement and prevent further complications.