Ever Feel Like Your Finger Is Stuck In One Position? All About ‘Trigger Finger’

What Is Stenosing Tenosynovitis?

Stenosing tenosynovitis, commonly called “trigger finger,” occurs when the tissue in a finger can’t move smoothly due to swelling or a small lump. This causes the finger to catch, lock, or click when you try to bend or straighten it, making movement difficult and sometimes painful. Trigger finger gets its name because when you try to straighten your finger after making a fist, it "catches" partway, often accompanied by a painful sensation. This happens when the finger gets stuck in a bent position, usually due to issues in one or more of the joint capsules on the palm side of the finger. The pain and stiffness are a result of the tendon or sheath becoming irritated or swollen, making it hard for the finger to move smoothly. 

Signs you may have trigger finger

Symptoms of trigger finger may progress on a spectrum. You may have ‘trigger finger’ if–

• You feel stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning.
• You feel a popping or clicking feeling when moving the finger.
• You feel tenderness or a bump at the base of the affected finger.
• Your finger catches or locks in a bent position, and suddenly straightens out.
• Your finger stays locked in a bent position.
• You experience pain or discomfort at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
• You experience swelling and tenderness at the base of the finger.

Who Is More Prone To Developing Trigger Fingers?

Trigger finger affects individuals at different stages of their lives, the condition is interspersed between a population spectrum, affecting both– young and old. Young children, especially those under eight, may develop it as a comorbid issue alongside a primary condition, or a byproduct thereof. In adults, the prevalence peaks in the 40s and 50s. Trauma or persistent stress on the hands—be it from work, sports, or mundane daily activities can trigger the condition. This condition caters to sex differences as women are more likely to be affected than men, and while the thumb is the most common finger affected, trigger finger can strike any finger and even multiple fingers at the same time.

What's interesting is that trigger finger often shows up alongside other health conditions, and the underlying reason of the condition by itself is idiopathic (has no reason perse). It’s commonly seen in people with amyloidosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, diabetes, gout, hypothyroidism, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The connection varies depending on the underlying condition, but one aspect of it is comparatively solidified and established: diabetics tend to develop trigger finger at a higher rate than the general population. Again, doctors aren’t entirely sure why, but it highlights how interconnected our body’s systems can be when it comes to joint and tendon issues.

Also Read: Excess Scrolling Can Cause Trigger Finger: Expert Shares How Excessive Phone Use Can Damage Your Hands

How Can You Get Rid Of Trigger Finger?

Based on a research article published in the Australian Journal Of General Practice,  The prevalence of De Quervain’s tenosynovitis or ‘trigger finger’ in adults of working age (18–65 years) in the general population is approximately 1.3% among women and 0.5% among men.The path to recovery varies for every individual as it is characterised by several factors, like the intensity of the symptoms, the frequency with which they occur, other related illnesses and most importantly, age. The chosen path to recovery too plays an essential role in determining how the entire process will unfold. We advise you to get it checked at the earliest, furthermore, one can visit a hand therapist, an occupational therapist, a physiotherapist or an orthopaedic doctor.

Medications

One can opt for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). Some types of these medicines can be administered by creams or patches through the skin right where the problem is occuring.

Rest

Avoid activities that require the prolonged use of hand-held devices, especially ones that vibrate, until your symptoms improve. It may be impractical to avoid these activities completety, in that case one can opt for padded gloves or a splint which can ease the tendon. 

Stretching Exercises 

Gentle exercises like palm presses, picking up objects, towel grasps, finger and hand openers can help enhance mobility in your finger. These exercises are to be done after consulting an expert.

Steroid Injection 

A steroid injection near the tendon sheath or into it may reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide with ease again. An injection is generally effective for more than a year. Some people require more than one injection based on the severity of their condition.

Needle procedure

After numbing your palm, a sturdy needle is inserted into the tissue around the affected tendon. Moving the needle and your finger breaks apart the tissue that blocks the smooth motion of the tendon. The use of ultrasound guidance during the procedure leads to improved results.

Don’t Overwork Your Fingers

Just as every part of our body demands care, our fingers do too. The ordeal is certainly painful and induces apprehension, but being patient is the key to an effective and quick recovery. Do your research, consult experts and tread on your carefully chosen path to recovery. There are several treatment options that one could opt for, keeping in mind the essentiality of coordinating the opted option with ones’ age and intensity of the symptoms prevalent.

And lastly, give your limbs a well-needed rest whenever you sense the need to. Alter your lifestyle and make careful and realistic ergonomic changes along the way.