Trigger finger can make your finger snap. It can get stuck or bend suddenly. When it occurs, many people feel pain. Here, we define trigger finger using plain terms. We describe the experience. We explain the causes. We say when to worry. We also cover how to treat it.
What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger occurs when a tendon in your finger sticks. Tendons are powerful strings that aid in the movement of your fingers. One of the tendons moves in a little hole known as a pulley. The finger gets stuck if the tendon thickens or the tunnel narrows, causing it to freeze when bent.
What Causes Trigger Finger?
Many things can cause trigger finger:
- Doing the same hand movement many times.
- Hand or finger injuries.
- Health issues include diabetes. They also include arthritis.
- Getting older.
Sometimes we do not know the exact reason. It can start slowly. Then, it may get worse over time.
How Does Trigger Finger Feel?
Trigger finger can feel different for different people. Common signs are:
- A tender bump at the base of the finger or thumb.
- Pain when you move the finger.
- The finger is clicking or popping when it moves.
- The finger gets stuck bent and then suddenly straightens.
The pain can be small or strong. Some people feel pain only in the morning. Others feel it all day.
Is Trigger Finger Painful?
Yes, lots of people have experience with pain in their trigger finger. The pain is normally located close to the thumb or base of the finger. It hurts when you feel like bending or straightening the finger. When the finger locks, it is painful to straighten it.
The pain may not be the same for every person. Some feel only a little pain. Others feel more. When the pain worsens or the finger is locking frequently, it is better to seek assistance.
When Should You Be Worried?
You should see a Healthcare provider if:
- The finger locks and will not move at all.
- The pain is severe and keeps you from using your hand.
- The swelling gets bigger.
- You cannot straighten your finger even after trying gently.
If you have diabetes or another health problem, tell your doctor. People with some health problems may need care sooner.
How We Help at Garden State Hand Therapy
We have almost 20 years of experience helping people get better. Our team looks at your hand and listens to your story. We check how much you can move and what hurts. Then we make a plan just for you.
Our care can include:
- Gentle exercises to make the tendon move more smoothly.
- Massage and hands-on work to reduce tightness.
- A device to stabilize and rest the fingers.
- Advice on how to use your hand without making it worse.
- Custom orthotics to support your hand if you need them.
We work with your doctor when needed. We use methods that are based on research and proven to help. Our goal is to reduce pain and help you use your hand again. Reach out today.
Simple Home Care You Can Try
You can do simple activities at home to improve your mood:
- Rest the finger and avoid hard gripping.
- Use a small splint at night to keep the finger straight.
- Apply a warm cloth for a few minutes to help relax the area.
- Do gentle finger stretches as told by a therapist.
Do not try to force the finger straight if it is stuck. That can hurt more.
Treatment Options
There are a few ways to treat trigger finger. Your doctor or therapist will help pick the best one for you.
- Therapy and Splints
Therapy can help most people. Exercises, splints and hands-on care can make the tendon glide better. - Medicine
A doctor might give a cortisone shot near the tendon to reduce swelling. This can help the finger move again. It may work well for some people. - Surgery
If other treatments do not work, a small operation can open the pulley so the tendon can move freely. Surgery often helps people who have a very stuck finger.
We usually try therapy and simple steps first. If those do not help, we will talk about other choices.
What to Expect in Hand Therapy
When you come to our clinic, we will:
- Ask when the problem started and what makes it worse.
- Look at how your hand moves.
- Make a plan with easy steps you can do at home.
We teach simple exercises. We may fit a splint to wear at night. We will check on your progress and change the plan if needed. We keep communication open with your doctor.
Tips To Prevent Trigger Finger
You can lower the chance of getting trigger finger by:
- Taking short breaks when you do the same hand work.
- Using tools that fit your hand size.
- Avoid tight gripping for a long time.
- Doing gentle hand stretches each day.
Manage your blood sugar to lower diabetes risks.
Children and Trigger Finger
Children can also get trigger finger. If a child’s finger is stuck or painful, see a doctor or therapist. Children may need a different plan than adults.
Reassurance and When Recovery Is Likely
Simple care is effective for many people. Therapy, splints, and minor modifications to the use of your hand can assist. Other individuals require a shot or surgery, however, the vast majority of them regain their functionality and start to experience fewer pains.
In case your finger is stuck and isn’t moving, or the pain is severe, get treatment immediately.
Final Words
Trigger finger is painful but can also be cured. You do not need to suffer from the pain. We hear, we empathize, and we design something to suit you. In case you have a caught finger, a painful bump, or a locked finger, call in to be assisted.
We help you learn more or make an appointment. We’ll help you be pain-free.
FAQs
Can children get trigger finger?
Yes. If a child’s finger sticks or hurts, ask a doctor or therapist right away.
What will happen in hand therapy?
We look at your hand, teach easy exercises, and may fit a splint. We help your finger move with less pain.
