Trigger Finger, stenosing tenosynovitis, finger pain
Trigger Finger Surgery
Trigger finger, Trigger Thumb, Stenosing Tenosynovitis
Trigger Finger Symptoms and Surgery

Trigger finger or Trigger Thumb (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a condition in which a finger or thumb catches, pops, or locks in a bent position due to inflammation and narrowing of the tendon sheath. It may be associated with repetitive gripping and certain underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes.

Common symptoms include pain, clicking, stiffness, and locking of the finger, particularly in the morning. Treatment may include rest, activity modification, splinting, steroid injections, or surgery, depending on the severity of the condition.

At Shreeji Orthopaedic and ENT Hospital, Dr. Hardik Shah, Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon, treats patients with trigger finger and trigger thumb.

Key Aspects of Trigger Finger

  • Causes: Repetitive gripping, strain, or long-term forceful use of the hand. Trigger finger is also associated with conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and hypothyroidism.
  • Symptoms: A popping or clicking sensation, pain or tenderness at the base of the affected finger, usually in the palm, and stiffness that is often worse in the morning. In some cases, the finger may lock in a bent position.
  • Stages:
    • Phase 1: Inflammation causes pain and tenderness at the base of the finger.
    • Phase 2: A clicking or popping sensation occurs when moving the finger.
    • Phase 3: The finger locks or becomes stuck and may require manual assistance to straighten.
  • Risk Factors: Trigger finger is more common in adults, particularly those between 40 and 60 years of age. Risk factors include diabetes, repetitive hand movements, and high-force activities involving the hands.
  • Treatments:
    • Non-Surgical: Rest, activity modification, splinting, and anti-inflammatory medicines may help relieve symptoms.
    • Injections: Corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath may help reduce inflammation and relieve triggering symptoms.
    • Surgery: Trigger finger release is a minor procedure that involves releasing the A1 pulley to allow the tendon to glide freely.

What Happens to the Finger?

The finger or thumb may develop a nodule or swelling in the flexor tendon. When the tendon becomes inflamed, it cannot glide smoothly through the pulley sheath, causing the finger to catch, click, or lock. Trigger finger commonly affects the ring finger and thumb.

Treatment and surgery for finger and thumb pain or triggering are available near Gurukul Road, Thaltej, Memnagar, and Vastrapur at Shreeji Orthopaedic and ENT Hospital, under the care of Senior Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Hardik Shah.