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Trigger finger is a well-known condition affecting one or more fingers at a time and may result at distinct locations and time. The term “trigger finger” describes the triggering or
snapping symptoms a person experiences who has been affected by the condition.
Medically referred to as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger occurs when a tendon found in the finger becomes irritated, inflamed, or scarred, resulting in the thickening of the tendon. This condition is normally determined when an affected person attempts to close their fist and grip an object or
while opening the fist. The fingers naturally open and close
smoothly, but with trigger finger, the movements are followed by pain and
clicking sounds. The index finger and the thumb are the most commonly affected by the condition.
The fingers consist of tendons that connect the muscles in the forearms
to the bones in the finger, allowing movement to the fingers. These tendons are
surrounded by the tenosynovium, a sheath filled with fluid. The tenosynovium functions by releasing a lubricating fluid to allow the movements of the
tendons to be smooth within the tendon sheath as the fingers move. A swollen tendon resulting from trigger finger will have difficulty moving within the tendon sheath,
causing the familiar triggering or snapping of the fingers. In more
severe cases, the fingers may get locked in a bent position.
The treatment for trigger finger symptoms included receiving plenty of rest, getting massages, and following appropriate finger
exercises according to the severity of the condition. In some occasions, the
affected individuals may have to wear a finger splint in order for the finger
joints to rest well and be able to return to its normal functioning. If other
treatment options are unable to alleviate the condition, such as in a severe case,
surgery may be an option to consider.
By Dr. Alex Jimenez
