From the Guidelines
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is primarily caused by inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons in the fingers or thumb, as identified by the most recent study in 2024 1. The most common causes include repetitive gripping motions or forceful use of the fingers, which leads to irritation and swelling of the tendon sheath. Some key factors that contribute to the development of trigger finger include:
- Repetitive hand movements, especially those involving gripping or grasping
- Medical conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, which increase the risk due to their inflammatory nature
- Age, with individuals over 40 years old being more susceptible
- Occupation or hobbies that require repetitive hand movements, such as musicians, farmers, and industrial workers
- Direct trauma to the palm, which can trigger the condition The underlying mechanism involves the formation of nodules on the tendon that catch on the pulley system of the finger, preventing smooth movement, as supported by the 2024 study 1. Ultrasound (US) evaluation can be used to identify tenosynovitis, tendinopathy, and tendon injury, and is reasonable to evaluate tendon and soft tissue pathology of the hand and wrist, according to the 2024 study 1. The diagnosis and treatment of trigger finger should prioritize the use of US evaluation, as recommended by the American College of Radiology in 2024 1, to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, ultimately improving morbidity, mortality, and quality of life outcomes.