Trigger Fingers: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Treatment and Complications

Trigger fingers are those that become bent and become trapped. It may break with force and rapidity. Although the disease may affect any finger, the thumb and ring finger are the most commonly impacted.

When the finger's controlling tendon becomes lodged in its sheath, the trigger finger occurs. If a little lump forms on the tendon or if a portion of the tendon sheath enlarges, this could happen.

Most often, women over 50 are affected by the condition. Rheumatoid arthritis, hypothyroidism, or diabetes may increase your risk of developing a trigger finger.

Splinting, steroid injections, or surgery are available treatments for trigger fingers.

Causes Of Trigger Fingers

Trigger fingers can occur on any finger, even the thumb. There could be simultaneous effects on many fingers and both hands. Early in the day, triggers tend to be stronger.

Muscle and bone are joined by strong cords known as tendons. 

There is a protective sheath around every tendon. Trigger finger occurs when the affected finger's tendon sheath swells and becomes irritated. This makes it harder for the tendon to go through the sheath. The majority of people don't know why they are experiencing this pain and swelling at all.

Due to the constant back-and-forth irritation, a little lump of tissue may form on the tendon. This swelling is known as a nodule. The nodule may make it extra harder for the tendon to move smoothly.

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Symptoms Of Trigger Fingers

These are a few of the moderate to severe trigger finger symptoms:

• Stiff fingers, particularly in the morning.
• A sound is produced as the finger is moving, like popping or clicking.
• The base of the affected finger in the palm may be painful or have a bump.
• A finger that bends then straightens back up.
• The finger is positioned locked

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Risk Factors Of Trigger Fingers

Some causes of trigger finger include the following:

• Grabbing constantly: Jobs and hobbies requiring prolonged gripping and repetitive hand use may put one at risk of developing a trigger finger.
• Certain health problems: Diabetics and people with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to get trigger fingers.
• Sex: Trigger fingers tend to affect women more frequently.

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Diagnosis Of Trigger Fingers

A doctor may ask you to open and close your hand during the examination to look for painful spots, smooth mobility, and signs of locking.

Treatment Of Trigger Fingers

The severity and duration of treatment for trigger fingers vary.

Medications

Consider taking ibuprofen or naproxen sodium as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Some drugs come in cream or patch form that can be applied topically via the skin to the precise site of the problem.

Conservative Treatment

Conservative, non-invasive treatment options include:

• Relax: Until your symptoms go away, stay away from jobs that need you to grasp things a lot or spend a lot of time using vibrating hand-held devices. Padded gloves could provide some protection if you are unable to completely avoid these activities.
• A splint: For stretches, a splint might help the tendon rest. Mild workouts will help you maintain the range of motion in your fingers.

Surgery

Your doctor might suggest the following if conservative methods don't work or if your symptoms are severe:

• Steroid injection: The natural gliding capacity of the tendon may be restored and inflammation reduced by steroid injections into or near the tendon sheath. An injection typically lasts for a duration exceeding a year. Some people need to have shots more than once.
• The process using the needle: A member of your medical team will numb your palm before puncturing the tissue around your torn tendon with a sharp needle. Using the needle and your finger, you can split apart the tissue obstructing the tendon's normal motion. Ultrasonic guidance can be used during the procedure to improve results.
• Surgery: A small incision around the base of your injured finger can be made by a skilled surgeon to release the compressed tendon sheath area.

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Complications Of Trigger Fingers

Using a trigger finger can make tasks like typing, buttoning clothes, and inserting a key into locks more challenging. It might also make it harder for you to use tools with dexterity and hand-eye coordination.

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