Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, or stenosing tensynovitis, is a disorder that occurs when one of the tendons responsible for bending your finger or thumb develops a thickening called a nodule, as well as inflammation in the tendon sheath.

Think of your tendons as a rope that can move your finger back and forth. The tendons run through a series of pulleys, five in each finger.

When you make a fist, your tendons glide through the pulleys and become bunched up together at your A1 pulley, located at the base of your finger.

If your tendons are swollen, however, they can have trouble fitting back through the pulley, making it difficult for you to extend your finger smoothly. Instead, you’ll probably experience a catching or popping sensation.

People who have trigger finger are typically between the ages of 40 and 60. It’s often times associated with repetitive gripping and grasping, as well as certain conditions such as diabetes, gout, kidney disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, it’s most common in women and tends to occur more often in the morning.

Treatments can vary depending on the severity of your case. Milder cases come and go, and only present an annoyance. More difficult cases could require rest, stretching, or splinting. In addition, there are anti-inflammatory medications, and you could even get a steroid injection into your tendon sheath.

Should you need surgery, your doctor will discuss options with you on how to address your A1 pulley, so your tendons will no longer catch.

Due to the high success rate of trigger finger surgery, chances are you’ll have relief.