Understanding Trigger Finger

How Do Fingers Move?

FIngers bend and extend because of tendons that extend out from a muscle in the forearm.

When you contract the muscles in the forearm, you can control the flexion and extension in your fingers. Each of those tendons is enveloped by a casing full of lubricating fluid.

In order to pull your finger down into flexion in an organized manner there are layers of connective tissue that holds the tendon in place to keep the tendon from what is called “bow-stringing”.

Trigger finger is one complication of the complex mechanism of the hand. To learn more about trigger finger, please go to this page: Trigger Finger.

How Does Trigger Finger Occur?

Trigger finger happens when the tendon sheath of a tendon swells and gets caught under the first pulley (A1) of the finger.

When you make a fist the tendon goes under the pulley and when you try to extend the fingers, the tendon gets caught due to swelling and either gets stuck, and you have to pull the finger out, or it pops and releases.

When the tendon pops through or gets stuck this can be painful as a micro trauma occurs to the tendon.

When this continues to occur, the swelling can increase causing the issue to worsen and the tendon to fray. This can occur to any digit in the hand, including the thumb.

Click here to learn more about Finger Pulley Injuries.

Who Can Get Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger can happen to anyone but there are certain populations that are at more risk for developing it.

Overall, the reason why some individuals develop trigger finger and why others don’t is not fully understood.

Populations at greater risk:

Repetitive use of the hand for activities
Diabetes and rheumatologic disorders

How Can You Treat Trigger Finger?

There are many conservative treatments for trigger finger:

Anti-inflammatories
Splinting (Custom or Pre-fabricated)
Therapy (Education, modalities, splinting)
Injections of steroid
Oral steroids

If those conservative opens fail, surgery may be an option to release the pressure from the tendon.

Prevention Strategies for Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb

Preventing trigger finger and trigger thumb involves measures to maintain the health and functionality of your fingers and thumb. Here are some tips:

Avoid repetitive gripping or grasping activities. If your job or hobby requires such movements, take regular breaks.
Maintain good posture and ergonomics to minimize stress on your hands and fingers.
Use correct hand and finger positioning to avoid strain.

Exercises and self-care techniques can further reduce the risk of trigger finger and trigger thumb. These include gentle finger and hand stretching exercises, hand strengthening exercises using a stress ball or grip exerciser, and applying heat or cold therapy to your fingers and thumb.

If you experience persistent finger or thumb pain or stiffness, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and trigger finger treatment plan.

Surgery for Trigger Finger

There are two options for treatment of trigger finger surgically:

Small, open incision to release the pulley in the palm region of the hand
Percutaneous release

The open procedure is often the procedure that is most utilized. Patients often have a quick recovery within weeks returning to their everyday activities.

Occasionally patients may have stiffness that was present prior to surgery or develops after surgery.

If stiffness of the digit or sensitivity of the scar occurs, hand therapy can help for regaining motion and desensitizing the tissues for returning to daily activities.

Related Links:

The Jacksonville Orthopedic Institute has a team of experts who treat trigger finger and other hand issues. As the official sports medicine provider of the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Jacksonville Orthopedic Inst. (JOI) is the premier provider for any orthopedic or sports injury. To schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic Finger, Hand and Wrist Specialist, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online or click below. To see a JOI Rehab Certified Hand Therapist in 1 of our 12 locations, call (904)858-7045.