Trigger Finger Treatment

Melbourne Hand > Hand Conditions > Trigger Finger Treatment

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition where a finger or thumb becomes painful and difficult to straighten. In severe cases the finger may get stuck in a bent position.

The condition can develop after repeated gripping, pinching or pressing with the fingers or thumb. It can also develop after a finger injury. The problem occurs when the tendon in the affected finger becomes swollen. This swollen tendon gets caught in the narrowed space when straightening or bending the finger. With increased force, the finger unlocks suddenly with a snap – like a trigger being pulled or released.

Trigger finger occurs more commonly in women, and people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. It is also common in people whose work requires repetitive gripping actions.

Trigger Finger Symptoms

Symptoms may progress from mild to severe and usually include:

Finger stiffness – particularly in the morning
Pain and uneven movement in the finger
A ‘clicking or catching’ felt in the middle knuckle of the finger
Finger locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight
Finger locking in a bent position, which you are unable to straighten

Symptoms can affect any finger, and multiple fingers at the same time. The thumb, ring and middle fingers are most commonly affected by trigger finger.