From the Guidelines
Trigger finger is a condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly snaps straight, similar to a trigger being pulled and released, due to inflammation and swelling of the tendon that moves the finger. This condition occurs when the tendon develops inflammation and swelling, causing it to catch in the protective sheath it slides through, creating a painful clicking or popping sensation when you bend or straighten the affected digit. The exact cause of trigger finger is not explicitly mentioned in the provided study 1, but it is related to overuse tendinopathies, which involve chronic symptoms suggesting a degenerative condition. Some key points to note about trigger finger include:
- It is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
- Repetitive gripping activities can contribute to the development of trigger finger
- Treatment options include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, and corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath
- In persistent cases, a simple surgical procedure to release the constricted tendon sheath may be necessary, as surgery is an effective treatment that should be reserved for patients who have failed conservative therapy 1. To prevent worsening, it is essential to avoid activities that require prolonged gripping or repetitive finger movements and take breaks during hand-intensive tasks. Most cases improve with conservative treatment, but seeking medical attention is crucial if your finger becomes permanently stuck in a bent position or if you experience increasing pain and difficulty using your hand.
From the Research
Definition of Trigger Finger
- Trigger finger, also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis, is a common pathology of the fingers causing functional deficit of the hand 2.
- It is a tendinopathy representing a stenosing flexor tenosynovitis of the fingers 3.
Characteristics of Trigger Finger
- Trigger finger is one of the most common causes of hand pain and dysfunction 4.
- It can cause functional deficit of the hand, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life 2.
Treatment Options for Trigger Finger
- Non-surgical treatment options include activity modification, splinting, and/or corticosteroid injections 3.
- Surgical treatment options include percutaneous A1 pulley release and open A1 pulley release 3.
- Corticosteroid injection is a common non-operative treatment for trigger finger, with optimal dosing still being researched 5.
- Recent steroid injection may be associated with postoperative surgical infections, particularly wound infection 6.