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.