Trigger finger causes the affected finger to catch, click, or lock when bending. In severe cases, the finger becomes stuck in a bent position and must be manually straightened. It is one of the most common hand conditions and responds well to treatment.
Reviewed byProfessor Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDCartilage and joint preservation expertise
The flexor tendons run through a series of pulleys that hold them close to the bone. In trigger finger, the A1 pulley at the base of the finger becomes thickened, and the tendon may develop a nodule that catches as it passes through.
Most patients achieve full resolution with either injection or a minor surgical procedure. The key is accurate diagnosis and timely treatment to prevent the finger from becoming permanently stiff.
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Trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendon sheath (the tunnel the tendon glides through) becomes narrowed or the tendon develops a nodule. This creates friction, causing the finger to catch, click, or lock when bending or straightening. It is more common in people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or repetitive hand use.
The ring finger and thumb are most frequently affected, though any finger can develop the condition. Multiple fingers can be involved at the same time.
Yes. Mild cases may respond to activity modification and splinting. A steroid injection into the tendon sheath is effective for many patients and can resolve the condition. Surgery is reserved for cases that do not respond to injection or recur after initial improvement.
The procedure involves a small incision over the affected tendon sheath and releasing (dividing) the A1 pulley that is constricting the tendon. It is performed under local anaesthetic as a day case, and finger movement is encouraged immediately afterwards.
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