Trigger finger is a common condition that can make everyday tasks, like gripping a pen or opening a jar, painful. In this article, you’ll learn what trigger finger is, recognize symptoms of trigger finger and trigger thumb, understand causes and risk factors, know how it’s identified, and explore both non‑surgical and surgical treatment options.
At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine, serving Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, we specialize in diagnosing and treating upper extremity conditions. If you’re experiencing discomfort in an affected digit, reach out to us to discuss tailored care options and relief from pain.
Trigger finger (or trigger thumb when it affects the thumb) causes the affected digit to get caught in a bent position and possibly feel like it’s snapping when straightened. The ring finger and thumb are common digits to be affected by trigger finger.
The flexor tendons for each digit pass through a tendon sheath on the palm side of the hand. Thick bands of tissue called pulleys hold the tendon close to the finger bones. It is usually the A1 pulley near the wrist that gets inflamed, causing trigger finger. The flexor tendon can also get inflamed and form a nodule, which further aggravates the condition. As the nodule passes through the sheath, it can result in finger snapping or locking during motion.
At OSSM, we treat trigger finger and many other conditions affecting the hand.
Common symptoms of trigger finger include:
People may develop trigger finger due to repetitive gripping or sustained forceful use of the fingers, placing stress on the tendon and flexor sheath. Other risk factors include:
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam by a hand therapist or orthopaedic specialist, observing the movement of the affected finger or thumb. The clinician will check for the characteristic snapping or locking, palpate for a tender lump, and assess range of motion. Imaging is usually not necessary unless another condition (like finger bone injury or tendon tear) needs to be ruled out.
At our practice serving Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, we offer a thorough upper extremity evaluation to pinpoint whether your symptoms are true trigger finger or related to another condition like carpal tunnel syndrome.
For many patients, the following non-surgical approaches help treat trigger finger effectively:
These treatments aim to relieve discomfort, improve mobility, and prevent trigger finger from worsening.
If other treatments don’t improve symptoms or if the finger remains locked, you might consider surgery for trigger finger:
Both procedures have the goal of freeing the tendons, restoring normal movement, and relieving pain. Surgical outcomes are generally excellent, but postoperative therapy with a hand therapist may be needed to regain strength and flexibility.
Whether you’re dealing with an occasional click or a finger stuck in a bent position, early attention can prevent progression to an advanced trigger finger. At Orthopedic Specialists & Sports Medicine in Granville and Coshocton, Ohio, we offer complete care, from non‑surgical options like corticosteroid injections and hand therapy to surgical intervention such as percutaneous trigger finger release or open trigger finger release.
If you’re ready to stop enduring symptoms of trigger finger, don’t wait. Reach out now to schedule an evaluation and get back to pain‑free movement.
Medically reviewed by Alex Tancevski, MD
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