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Contents
  • Understanding Trigger Finger
  • Who Gets Trigger Finger?
  • Diagnosing Trigger Finger

What Is Trigger Finger and How Can You Treat It?

What Is Trigger Finger and How Can You Treat It?

What's This About?

Trigger finger can cause your finger to lock up painfully. Discover what causes it and how you can treat it effectively.
Contents
  • Understanding Trigger Finger
  • Who Gets Trigger Finger?
  • Diagnosing Trigger Finger

Understanding Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs when there's a mismatch between the size of the flexor tendons and the surrounding pulley system in your finger. This mismatch causes the tendon to catch or lock, making finger movement difficult. You might notice snapping or popping sounds, and in severe cases, your finger may get stuck in a bent position.

Who Gets Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is quite common, affecting about 2% of people, especially women in their 50s or 60s. You're more likely to have it if you have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Although it's rare in kids, if it does happen, it might be due to a genetic condition.
Trigger finger is a condition where the flexor tendons and the surrounding pulley system mismatch, causing the tendon to catch or lock, making finger movement difficult.

Diagnosing Trigger Finger

Doctors diagnose trigger finger by listening to your symptoms and watching how your finger moves. They may ask you to open and close your hand to see if your finger catches. X-rays aren't usually needed, but they might check for other conditions similar to trigger finger.

FAQs

What causes trigger finger?

It's caused by a size mismatch in your finger's tendons and pulley system.

Who is more likely to get it?

Women in their 50s or 60s, and people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

How is it diagnosed?

Through symptoms and observing finger movements.

Can kids get trigger finger?

Yes, but it's rare and usually due to genetics.

The Bottom Line

Understanding the basics of trigger finger can help in seeking proper treatment.
Next steps: Talk with Doctronic about your symptoms and treatment options.
Additional References
  1. Moore JS. Flexor tendon entrapment of the digits (trigger finger and trigger thumb). J Occup Environ Med 2000; 42:526.
  2. Saldana MJ. Trigger digits: diagnosis and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2001; 9:246.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.