We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is a Trigger Finger?

Malcolm Tatum
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,060
Share

Often referred to as trigger thumb, trigger finger involves an irritation of the sheath that covers the flexor tendons within the finger. Often this causes the tendon sheath to swell, which in turn places pressure on the tendon. The pressure around the tendon interferes with the ability of the tendon to effect movement, and may even pinch the tendon so that the finger is drawn in toward the palm. It is because of the drawn nature of the finger that the condition is named trigger finger, since the pinched tendon usually pulls the finger into a position that is very similar to the way a finger is curled when operating the trigger on a firearm.

Trigger fingers should be treated as soon as the condition becomes apparent. Swelling will be the first sign of the condition, followed by an inability to straighten out the finger without experiencing pain. Dealing with the swelling is the first line of defense when it comes to the tendon irritation. A physician may choose to administer a corticosteroid shot at the base of the finger, although there are critics who believe that the corticosteroid only provides temporary relief.

Generally, the next step is to arrange for physical therapy. The main objective is to ease the swelling as soon as possible, while also ensuring that there is no residual damage to the tendon as a result of the swelling. In some instances, a splint may be employed, as well as the application of anti-inflammatory creams to help with the swelling. In very rare instances, outpatient surgery may be used to cut into the sheath around the tendon and relieve the pressure.

One of the reasons that therapy is so essential to the treatment of trigger thumbs is that the therapy can help to identify any conditions that may lead to a recurrence of the trigger finger. As the swelling eases, it is often easier to determine the origins for the situation, and effectively treat the reasons behind the first outbreak. By isolating the origin of the problem, it is possible to prevent the establishment of an ongoing cycle where the individual experiences another round of trigger finger every few months.

Trigger finger is not a condition that is limited to one sector of the population. Both men and women may experience trigger finger, with instances occurring in young people as well as persons past retirement age. Seeking treatment immediately will help to bring the condition under control in a short time, and possibly prevent any permanent damage to the tendons of the finger.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-trigger-finger.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.