TRIGGER FINGER
Jackie Mitchell learns more about this unusual condition.
TRIGGER finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where a finger or thumb gets locked when bent and it is extremely painful to extend it.
The condition can make performing everyday tasks tricky. For example, it can make it harder to type, button a shirt or insert a key into a lock.
It can affect one or more fingers or thumbs and may occur in both hands. It’s more common in the ring finger and thumb, but any digit can be affected.
There might be tenderness or a bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
“It occurs when one of the flexor tendons in the hand becomes thickened due to wear and tear (tendinopathy),” Carlos Cobiella, consultant orthopaedic surgeon at theshoulderpractice.com, explains.
“This causes the affected digit to get caught in the pulleys that keep the tendon close to the bone. It will then snap or ‘trigger’ when bent or straightened – this is the most common symptom.”
Trigger finger usually occurs first thing in the morning, when the affected finger might be locked bent on waking up. It will then be very difficult or painful to straighten.
“Gripping can also be affected, as the nodule on the tendon can be tender,” Carlos says.
The condition is generally age-related and aggravated by manual labour or repetitive activities that involve finger flexion such as typing.
“Certain medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can also increase the risk of developing trigger finger,” Carlos adds.
In some people, trigger finger may get better without treatment, but if the symptoms are causing pain or interfering with your daily activities, you need to consult your GP.
“Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the condition from worsening. If the finger remains locked and straightening is not possible, you need to seek medical advice to avoid permanent joint stiffness,” Carlos advises.
There are steps you can take to ease the condition, such as reducing or modifying activities that make it worse.
“It’s difficult to prevent trigger finger, especially if it’s related to repetitive activities. Taking regular breaks and performing hand exercises may help reduce the risk.”
Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition. Wearing a splint to keep the affected finger in a straight position, especially at night, can help to rest the tendon.
“You may be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to help manage pain and inflammation,” Carlos says. “A doctor may inject corticosteroids into the tendon sheath to reduce the inflammation in the pulley that may be aggravating the problem. In cases where other forms of treatment are not working, surgery may be necessary to release the pulley where the affected tendon is catching.” ■