Trigger Finger
Pain with a click when bending the finger.
The flexor tendon that bends the finger becomes inflamed, so the finger won't straighten easily, and once forced straight, won't bend easily. There is resistance like pulling a trigger, sometimes with a snap.
Common causes
01
Jobs with heavy use of the fingers or hands
02
Gripping a steering wheel, handle or tool for long periods
Signs to watch for
- Stiff hands in the morning
- Difficulty bending or straightening the finger
- Pain when pressing the palm at the base of the affected finger
How we diagnose
X-ray
The basic first test. Further tests may be added for a definite diagnosis.
Ultrasound
Examines the joint while it moves, so problems that appear only in certain positions can be found. Inflamed areas can be treated with guided injections at the same time.
MRI
Shows soft tissue that X-ray cannot, such as muscles, ligaments, discs, cartilage, nerves and blood vessels.
How we treat it
Resting the inflamed area as much as possible is key. We use rest, medication, physical therapy and injections; if it keeps coming back, surgery widens the tunnel the tendon passes through.
Non-surgical injection therapy
Prolotherapy injects directly into weakened ligaments or tendons to reinforce the fibrous tissue, or a hyaluronic acid injection, a main component of joint fluid, is placed into weakened cartilage.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
Used across orthopedics, physical therapy and sports medicine, shockwave therapy aids recovery without surgery or painkillers and suits many conditions that cause acute or chronic pain.
Arthroscopy
Through a minimal incision under about 5 mm, an arthroscope with a tiny camera and special instruments is inserted into the joint. It shows areas that are hard to see on X-ray, allowing accurate diagnosis and treatment at the same time.
When surgery is consideredSurgery may be done if symptoms last more than 6 months despite conservative care, or if it recurs.