What are the symptoms of Stenosing Tenosynovitis, also known as Trigger Finger (TF)?

From the Guidelines

Trigger finger symptoms typically include pain, stiffness, and a catching or popping sensation when moving the affected finger, often accompanied by a tender lump at the base of the finger and difficulty straightening the finger after bending it. These symptoms can be attributed to the inflammation of the tendon sheath, which prevents smooth movement of the tendon through it, creating a nodule that catches on the sheath 1. The presentation of trigger finger can be insidious, with an onset of load-related localized pain coinciding with increased activity, similar to other tendinopathies 1. Patients may describe their pain as “sharp” or “stabbing,” which can gradually increase in intensity and duration, potentially being present at rest in later stages 1. Key characteristics of trigger finger include:

• A catching or popping sensation when moving the affected finger
• A tender lump at the base of the finger
• Difficulty straightening the finger after bending it
• The finger becoming locked in a bent position, requiring manual straightening
• Symptoms worsening in the morning, after periods of inactivity, or when gripping objects firmly. If these symptoms are experienced, especially if a finger becomes stuck in a bent position, seeking medical attention is crucial to determine the best course of treatment, which may include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections 1.

From the Research

Trigger Finger Symptoms

• Trigger finger is a common tendinopathy representing a stenosing flexor tenosynovitis of the fingers 2
• Symptoms of trigger finger include pain and triggering, which can be treated with corticosteroid injections, splinting, or surgery 2, 3
• The condition can affect any digit, but the most commonly affected digits are the thumb and long finger 4

Treatment Options

• Corticosteroid injection is a common treatment for trigger finger, with studies showing that a 20-mg dose of triamcinolone acetonide has a higher success rate than 5-mg or 10-mg doses 5, 6
• Surgical treatment options include percutaneous A1 pulley release and open A1 pulley release, which can be used if corticosteroid injection fails or if symptoms recur 2, 3
• Splinting and other non-operative modalities may also be used to treat trigger finger, but the evidence for their effectiveness is weak 3

Demographics and Risk Factors

• Women are more likely to be affected by trigger finger than men, and at a younger age 4
• Diabetes mellitus may be a risk factor for trigger finger, with 22.1% of patients in one study having diabetes 4
• There is no correlation between trigger finger and hand dominance 4