Trigger finger is characterized by the intermittent locking of a finger in a bent position, often followed by a sudden release. While it can affect any finger, the long finger and thumb are most commonly involved.

At Kimball Health Services, we delve into the intricacies of this condition, emphasizing personalized care and effective solutions under the guidance of our experienced board-certified hand, plastic, and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Todd A. Zuhlke. Our team effectively addresses conditions like trigger finger, ensuring optimal function and comfort for your hands.

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one of your fingers or thumb catches or locks when you bend it. This condition can result in pain, stiffness, or a popping sensation when bending the finger.

This condition stems from a problem with the tendons in the finger. Tendons are resilient cords connecting muscles to bones. They are encased in protective sheaths.

Trigger finger occurs when the sheath becomes inflamed, impeding the smooth gliding of the tendon. This can happen when the tendon sheath is swollen or a small lump forms on the tendon itself.

Interestingly, it is unclear what causes this irritation or inflammation of the sheath. However, persistent irritation may lead to the formation of a tissue lump, referred to as a nodule, and this further complicates tendon movement.

Trigger finger is a condition that predominantly affects women over the age of 50. Your risk for trigger finger may be higher if you have certain medical conditions. Factors that increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger include:

• Repeated Gripping: Occupations or hobbies involving repetitive hand use and prolonged gripping elevate the risk.
• Health Conditions: People with diabetes, low thyroid function, or rheumatoid arthritis face an increased risk.
• Gender Disparity: Trigger finger is more prevalent in women.

Symptoms of trigger finger can vary from mild to severe and may include:

• Finger stiffness, particularly noticeable in the morning
• A popping or clicking sensation during finger movement
• Tenderness or a palpable bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger
• Catching or locking of the finger in a bent position, followed by a sudden release
• Persistent bending or locking of the finger

Beyond its characteristic symptoms, trigger finger can hinder everyday activities, such as typing, buttoning a shirt, or gripping objects. The impact of the condition extends to tasks requiring fine motor skills, such as inserting a key into a lock, using a knife, and grasping tools for work.

At Kimball Health Services, our team ensures a thorough examination and personalized intervention strategies for diagnosing trigger finger. During the examination, our healthcare providers can assess the condition by asking you to move the fingers of your hand in specific ways.

This helps us evaluate areas of pain, smoothness of motion, and any evidence of locking. Accurate diagnosis helps us determine the most effective course of action for your condition.

Trigger finger treatment is customized based on the severity of the condition. 

Conservative, non-invasive treatments can include:

• Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and topical creams or patches may help reduce inflammation.
• Therapy can include advice for rest, a splint to support the affected tendon, and gentle exercises to maintain finger mobility.

Advanced procedures may include:

• Steroid injection near or into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation.
• A minimally invasive approach using a needle to break apart the tissue obstructing tendon motion.

Our team at Kimball Health Services provides expert care for your trigger finger condition. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your finger and suspect trigger finger to be the cause, walk into our facility anytime.

In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, please contact us at 308-235-1966 or fill out our online form. We're here for you whenever you need us.