Trigger finger
A finger that catches or locks when bending, due to tendon-sheath irritation.
Overview
Trigger finger occurs when a flexor tendon catches as it passes through a narrowed sheath, causing the finger to click, catch or lock. It often responds to splinting and injection, with surgery for stubborn cases.
Symptoms
- Catching or locking of a finger when bending
- A painful click at the base of the finger
- Stiffness, often worse in the morning
- A tender nodule at the base of the finger
Causes
- Repetitive gripping
- Tendon-sheath thickening
- Associations with diabetes and inflammatory conditions
Treatment
- Activity modification and splinting
- Tendon-gliding exercise
- Corticosteroid injection
- Surgical release for persistent cases