What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and locking or catching when attempting to bend and straighten a finger.
Symptoms
Trigger finger can often begin without any offending injury It may occur subsequent to episodes of extensive hand use. The finger can be locked in a bent position.
Symptoms may include:
- Catching, popping, or a locking sensation with finger movement
- Pain when bending or attempting to straighten a finger
- Increased stiffness and locking after periods of inactivity
Causes and Risks
While the causes of trigger finger are not well known, several factors may increase your risk for developing the condition. These include:
- Medical conditions. Trigger finger is more common in people with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Forceful hand activities. The condition is known to occur after forceful use of the fingers and thumb.
Treatment and Prevention
Treatments may include:
- Occupational therapy and hand exercises
- Steroid injections- steroid can be injected into the tendon sheath at the base of the trigger finger. If the injections do not help, surgery may be considered.
- Medications