Trigger finger

Trigger finger is a painful condition in which a finger or thumb clicks or locks as it is bent towards the palm.

It is caused by thickening of the mouth of a tendon tunnel leading to roughness of the tendon surface, and the tendon then catches in the tunnel mouth.

Trigger finger and trigger thumb are not harmful, but can be a really painful nuisance.

Symptoms are usually pain around the base of the finger or thumb and a catching sensation when bending the finger or thumb.

Dealing with Trigger finger

• Most mild cases recover over a few weeks without treatment.
• If your finger or thumb are getting stuck in a bent position and you have to straighten it using your other hand, please see your GP.
• Persistent triggers usually settle with a steroid injection.
• In severe cases surgery can be offered.