What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, or trigger thumb, happens when a flexor tendon does not glide smoothly through the pulley at the base of the finger or thumb.

What happens?

The flexor tendons bend the fingers and run through small tissue tunnels called pulleys. The pulley most commonly involved is the A1 pulley. If the tendon or pulley becomes thickened, the tendon can catch as it moves.

Common symptoms

• Pain or tenderness at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
• Clicking, catching or a snapping sensation.
• Stiffness, often worse first thing in the morning.
• A finger or thumb that temporarily locks.
• A tender thickening or lump in the palm.

Treatment

Treatment depends on how troublesome the symptoms are and may include activity modification, pain relief, splinting, steroid injection or surgery. Surgery is not needed for everyone.