Trigger finger, also called tenosynovitis, is a discomforting and painful condition that usually affects one or more tendons of the hand. It can affect thumb or any other finger including index and ring finger. In this condition, the finger gets locked and stuck in one position. The finger gets stuck in either bent position or in a straight position in which case it becomes difficult to straighten it or to bend it. It becomes challenging to move the affected finger, and it causes pain, clicking and loss of motion of the affected finger.
In trigger finger, the inflammation in or around the flexor tendons occurs that narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds tendons. Therefore, it becomes difficult to show full movement by the finger. Tendons are the fibrous connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bone. Tendons are also responsible for attaching muscle to other structure of the body. The tendons present in the finger are responsible for the bending of index, middle and small finger. Many muscles attached with the tendons help in the movement of tendons. The trigger finger begins in these tendons and connective tissue pulley that hold tendon to the bone of the finger. Sometimes knots develop in these tendons, or the sheath responsible for covering the tendons is swells and narrows that restricts the movement of tendon hence restricting the movement of the finger. It is a painful disorder and causes pain, popping and bursting sound when you try to move the finger. The greater the inflammation, the greater will be the swelling, distress and irritation. There are many reasons associated with the development of trigger finger.