What is Trigger Finger and How Do You Fix It?

One of the most common sources of hand pain for adults, trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Formally called stenosing flexor tenosynovitis, it can affect any finger but most commonly occurs in the ring finger, middle finger, and thumb.

The most common symptoms of trigger finger include a bump at the base of the affected finger or thumb and associated pain when moving it or applying pressure. In addition, patients often report stiffness or clicking when moving the affected finger or thumb, particularly first thing in the morning.  If left untreated, the finger may actually get stuck in the bent position and then snap straight (the “triggering” in trigger finger). Over time, you may not be able to fully bend or straighten the finger.

As for what’s behind this troubling condition, trigger finger is the result of an inflamed tendon in the affected finger. Inflammation creates a thickening of the tendon that interferes with normal movement. Over time, nodules can form that may make bending or straightening the joint difficult.

While the reason trigger finger happens is unknown, there are a number of factors that may put you at greater risk of developing the condition. These include: 

• Repetitive gripping: Occupations, activities, and hobbies that involve repetitive hand use and prolonged gripping may increase your risk of trigger finger.
• Certain medical conditions: People who have diabetes, hypothyroidism, or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing trigger finger.
• Gender: Trigger finger is more common in women, especially those over 40.
• Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery. Trigger finger is a recognized complication associated with carpal tunnel syndrome surgery, occurring most often during the first six months after surgery.

For some lucky individuals, trigger finger may get better without treatment. But for others, there are a number of potential treatment options. These include:

Rest: avoiding repetitive motion or gripping activities may help reduce inflammation

Medication: over-the-counter medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen can reduce inflammation

Steroid injection: a steroid injected in the soft tissue above the tendon can usually resolve trigger finger in 1-2 injections

Surgery: considered a last course of action, a simple surgical procedure lasting 5-10 minutes, can completely resolve the issue. However, it may take two to four weeks to recover and there may be some stiffness even after surgery.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare provider. A simple cortisone injection may be all you need for the symptoms to go away.  And left untreated, it can be a source of persistent pain and can make everyday tasks or hobbies difficult.

David Veltre, MD, is a board-certified hand and upper extremity specialist at SVMC Orthopedics, which has offices in Bennington, VT and Williamstown, MA.