Trigger finger is a condition where your fingers or thumb get stuck in a bent position, making it hard to move them. This happens when the tendons in your fingers become inflamed and can’t move smoothly. Anyone can get trigger finger, but it’s more common in people who do repetitive hand movements for work or hobbies. Although it can be uncomfortable and limit how well you can use your hand, the good news is that it can be treated, and there are several ways to get relief.

At Narayana Health, we help many patients who have pain and discomfort from trigger finger. In this blog, we will explain the symptoms, causes, and treatments for trigger finger, so you know what to expect and how to get the right care.

What Is a Trigger Finger?
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Treatment Options for Trigger Finger
Surgical Treatment for Severe Cases
Did You Know?
Myths and Facts About Trigger Finger
When to Seek Help
Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when a finger or thumb becomes stuck in a bent position due to tendon inflammation. It commonly affects people aged 40 to 60, causing discomfort and making it difficult to straighten the finger. Left untreated, it can impact daily activities.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The symptoms of trigger finger tend to start off mild but can worsen over time. Here are some key signs to watch for:

Popping or snapping sensation: You may feel a clicking or popping sensation when you try to bend or straighten your finger.
Finger stiffness: This is especially noticeable in the morning. Your fingers might feel stuck in a bent position until you move them for a while.
Pain or discomfort: You might experience soreness at the base of your affected finger, particularly when gripping or grasping objects.
Finger locking: In more severe cases, your finger or thumb might lock in a bent position, requiring you to manually straighten it.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

The main cause of trigger finger is tendon inflammation, which prevents the tendon from moving smoothly within its sheath. This often results in a condition called stenosing tenosynovitis. Several factors can increase your risk of developing trigger finger, including:

Repetitive hand movements: Jobs that involve constant gripping, such as farming, industrial work, or even playing a musical instrument, can put stress on the tendons and lead to flexor tendon injury.
Pulley system injury: The pulley system in your fingers helps tendons move smoothly. When this system is injured, it can lead to tendon irritation and trigger finger.
Medical conditions: People with certain conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout are more prone to developing this condition.
Age and gender: Trigger finger is more common in middle-aged adults, particularly women.

Treatment Options for Trigger Finger

The good news is that trigger finger can be treated in several ways, depending on the severity of your symptoms. Here are some common treatment options:

Rest: Avoiding activities that strain your hands can give your tendons a chance to heal. Taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks is a good first step.
Splinting: A splint can help keep your finger in a straight position, reducing strain and allowing the tendon to recover.
Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as NSAIDs, can help reduce tendon inflammation and relieve pain.
Stretching exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness, helping the tendon move more freely.

Surgical Treatment for Severe Cases

If other treatments don’t work, surgery might be the next option. The most common procedure for trigger finger is known as a trigger finger release. In this surgery, a small incision is made to open the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to move freely again.

This is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. Recovery time varies, but most people can return to their regular activities within a few weeks. While surgery is often effective, it’s usually considered only when non-surgical treatments have failed.

Did You Know?

Trigger finger is becoming more prevalent in India, especially among individuals involved in manual labor or jobs requiring repetitive hand movements.
Women in India are six times more likely to develop trigger finger than men, especially those in their 40s and 50s.
Certain health conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk of developing trigger finger.

Myths and Facts About Trigger Finger

Let’s explore some common myths and facts about trigger finger:

Myth 1: Trigger finger only affects one finger at a time.
Fact: It can occur in multiple fingers or both hands simultaneously, especially in severe cases.

Myth 2: Only people involved in heavy physical work can develop trigger fingers.
Fact: While repetitive hand use is a risk factor, trigger finger can affect anyone, including those with underlying health conditions like diabetes.

Myth 3: Surgery is the only way to treat trigger finger.
Fact: Many cases can be managed with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, splinting, or corticosteroid injections. Surgery is only considered when other treatments do not provide relief.

When to Seek Help

If you notice symptoms like finger stiffness, locking, or pain that won’t go away, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. Left untreated, the trigger finger can become more severe and may require more intensive treatment.

Narayana Health offers comprehensive care for conditions like trigger finger, helping patients regain mobility and comfort.

Commit to a better, healthier you! Call us @ 08068617735

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How do you fix a trigger finger?
A. Trigger finger can be treated with rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, or in severe cases, surgery.

Q. What is the main cause of trigger finger?
A. Trigger finger is primarily caused by tendon inflammation in the hand.

Q. How did I heal my trigger finger naturally?
A. Natural healing may involve rest, finger exercises, and avoiding repetitive hand movements.

Q. Which vitamin deficiency causes trigger finger?
A. Vitamin B6 deficiency has been linked to trigger finger in some cases.

Reference Link:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7080-trigger-finger
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100

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