Trigger Finger: symptoms and treatment in Rio de Janeiro

What is trigger finger

Flexor tendons run through a series of "pulleys" that hold them close to the bone. When the tendon thickens or the pulley becomes tight, especially the A1 pulley in the palm, the tendon catches. The finger locks bent and, when straightened, snaps or "jumps".

It is more common in women aged 40 to 60 and in people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis or repetitive gripping tasks.

Symptoms

• pain and tenderness in the palm at the base of the affected finger;
• clicking when bending or straightening the finger;
• locking of the finger in a bent position, worse in the morning;
• a palpable nodule at the base of the finger;
• in advanced cases, the finger has to be straightened with the other hand.

Diagnosis

It is clinical: the orthopedist examines the hand, feels the nodule and reproduces the locking. Imaging is rarely needed and is used to rule out other causes.

Treatment of trigger finger

• Relative rest and a splint to hold the finger in position, avoiding the repeated motion that irritates the tendon;
• corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath, which relieves symptoms in many cases;
• hand therapy in selected cases;
• A1 pulley release surgery, indicated when other treatment fails or the finger gets stuck. It is a short procedure, usually under local anesthesia, with a quick return to light activities.

Trigger finger can occur together with carpal tunnel syndrome, which is why examining the whole hand matters.