You use your fingers all the time. Whether it be to hold something, type out a text message, or make something delicious, these little digits are mighty beings that help you through everything in life. Well, what if there were problems with your very fingers and thumbs? Here is everything you need to know about trigger finger, its symptoms, causes, treatments, and if you need to see an orthopedic surgeon for it.

What Is Trigger Finger?

You flex your fingers all the time. Whether it be after writing a long paper or handling something heavy. While it looks really easy on the outside when you flex them, inside the tendons and bones are working like a well-oiled machine to do the flexing effortlessly.

The tendons are basically a protective layer on top of the finger and it glides over smoothly when you flex and relax your finger.

Well, that is what happens normally. When the tendons become swollen or they are strained for whatever reason, flexing said fingers can become an uphill task and there comes a point when your fingers can get jammed mid-flex. So, you’ll be left with a couple of half-curled fingers, while the rest of them will be relaxed.

This condition is known as trigger finger and it mainly affects the thumb or the ring finger, but it can occur in any finger, depending on the tendon and how it is affected.

So, trigger finger sounds like a serious issue, because if you can’t move your fingers freely, then how are you supposed to get your work done?

The reason why this condition is called trigger finger is because of the way your hand is frozen after the thumb and ring finger are curled. If you look at it closely, it is similar to holding a firearm and placing your finger on a trigger.

Trigger finger can sometimes go away on its own and if you flex your fingers for long enough then the tendons can move freely and everything goes back into place. However, if there is a major issue with the tendon then you might want to check in with a doctor.

Causes Of Trigger Finger

The main cause of trigger finger is the swelling or the hardening of the tendons that cover your fingers. The tendons are bands of muscles that keep the muscles and bones together. However, these thin elastic bands of tissue can be highly sensitive to strain and stress.

A tendon becomes swollen or irritated and it can also form a bump or a nodule in the tendon, which can sometimes be felt if you press on the base of the affected finger long enough.

Trigger finger can usually occur in people who lift very heavy objects daily or if they are old, because age also plays a role in deteriorating the tendons over time and one small tear in the tendon can lead to it getting swollen and irritated and this in turn will make it hard for the tendon to slide over the finger when you bend and flex it over and over.

So, trigger finger can happen due to a lot of reasons and it is better that you stop moving the hand completely in order to prevent more fingers from freezing and see a doctor immediately.

In addition to that, sometimes, the issues begin from a wrist or elbow injury which makes you alter your movements. These altered movements can cause trigger finger. So, if you have a wrist or elbow injury, consult an elbow injury doctor Woodbridge as well.

Symptoms Of Trigger Finger

Now you know what trigger finger is and how it is caused, well, the next thing to know are the symptoms so that you know exactly what you’re dealing with.

Curled Thumb And Ring Finger

Firstly, your thumb and ring finger will look slightly curled, as if they are in the middle of flexing but they are frozen. The rest of the fingers will be fine and from the looks of it, the position of your hand will seem as though you are holding a firearm and are pulling the trigger, but it is frozen because the tendons are inflamed.

Popping Noise

If you try to move your ring finger or thumb against the frozen position, then it will make a snapping or popping noise. That is your tendon trying to relieve itself from the tension but it obviously can’t.

Pain

You might also feel a radiating pain in your finger especially when it is jammed and you try to move it. The pain will also travel all the way down to the base of your palm, which can be uncomfortable and you will not be able to hold anything or do normal activities with your fingers.

Stiffness

You might also experience stiffness in all of your fingers, but mostly the affected fingers. They will be rock hard and you won’t be able to relieve yourself of the stiffness and soreness.

Bump

There will be a tender or noticeable bump or nodule on the base of your finger near the palm. If you press on it, it will hurt a bit and it is your tendons all bunched up and the main reason why your finger is in that frozen position.

Frozen Fingers

Your fingers will be frozen or locked and you’ll have to use your other hand to straighten your fingers.

How To Treat Trigger Finger?

There are several ways by which you can treat and manage trigger finger. Some of them are surgical methods while some are non-surgical.

Non-Surgical Methods

If the tendon doesn’t require surgery, you can try the following things out to relieve the tension in your tendons.

Try to rest your hand as much as possible. The tendons can get inflamed when they are overused, so you don’t want to do any strenuous work when you’re in the throes of trigger finger. It’s for your own good.

Your hand might be put in a splint to ensure that you don’t move it too much. This will allow the tendons to get relieved on their own.

Some hand flexing and strengthening exercises can also help with inflamed tendons and you’ll feel amazing in no time.

You can also use anti-inflammatory medication to help relieve the irritation in your tendons. Usually, trigger finger occurs because your tendons are inflamed, so taking anti-inflammatory medication will do wonders for your frozen fingers and alleviate them.

Surgical Methods

Surgical methods are employed when non-surgical methods don’t work or the tendons are beyond the point of loosening on their own.

Trigger finger surgery is a pretty short procedure and you don’t even need to be put under to get the procedure done. Your hand will be made numb by local anesthesia and an incision will be made around the affected tendon. This will give the tendons extra space to be more free and once the tension from the inflamed tendon is relieved, you will be able to freely move your hand and fingers without them getting locked.

The healing time is a couple of days and you’ll be back to using your hand in no time.

Conclusion

Trigger finger is really common because even your digits have muscles and tendons surrounding them and they can be under strain too, which can halt the movement of your fingers a lot. So, now you know exactly what it is and how you can combat it. If you’re experiencing the symptoms, see a hand injury specialist Woodbridge as soon as possible.