Trigger Finger
What is trigger finger? Well, it’s not exactly what it sounds like. It’s a condition that causes your finger to get stuck in a bent position. It can be painful and make it hard to move your finger. Trigger finger is also called stenosing tenosynovitis. It happens when the sheath around the tendon in your finger gets thicker and narrower. The tendon is what helps you bend your finger.
The condition is more common in women and people over 40. It also seems to run in families. People with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis (a condition that causes joint pain and inflammation) are also more likely to get a trigger finger.
So what exactly happens when you have trigger finger? The tendon that runs along the inside of your finger gets swollen. This makes it hard to move the tendon. The swelling can also make the tendon pop or snap as it moves. The condition can happen suddenly or develop over time. You might notice that your finger is stiff and sore when you wake up in the morning. Or you might have pain when you try to grip something. The pain might go away after you move your finger for a while. Or it might get worse over time.
If you think you might have trigger finger, see your doctor. They can give you a physical exam. Your doctor may also order tests, such as an x-ray, to rule out other conditions.
Treatment for trigger finger depends on how severe it is. If the condition is mild, your doctor may recommend resting your finger, splinting it, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Your doctor may recommend steroid injections or surgery if the disease is more severe. Steroid injections can help reduce swelling. Surgery is a last resort and is usually only recommended if other treatments haven’t worked.