A finger that clicks, catches, or gets stuck as you bend or straighten it may show signs of trigger finger. Also called stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger develops when a flexor tendon can’t move smoothly through the pulley that guides it near the base of your finger. That restricted movement can produce the characteristic catching or locking sensation.
Hand and wrist care at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. can help determine why your finger isn’t moving normally and what solutions are appropriate. The practice has locations in Wichita, Wellington, and Winfield, KS. Among its hand specialists is David T. Gwyn, MD, a fellowship-trained, board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with subspecialty certification in hand surgery. His clinical work includes hand, upper-extremity, and microvascular surgery.
Why Does Trigger Finger Make Your Finger Stick?
Flexor tendons run from muscles in your forearm into your fingers and help you make a fist. As these tendons move, they pass through small structures called pulleys that keep them close to the bones.
Trigger finger most often involves the A1 pulley near the base of the finger. When the tendon, pulley, or both become thickened, the tendon has less room to glide. It can catch as it passes through the narrowed area and then release suddenly. That’s why your finger may pop as it straightens. In more pronounced cases, the finger can remain locked in a bent position.
What Does Trigger Finger Feel Like?
Trigger finger doesn’t feel exactly the same for everyone. Common signs include:
- Clicking, popping, or catching: You may feel this when you bend or straighten the finger.
- Stiffness: Symptoms can be more noticeable after your hand has been resting, particularly in the morning.
- Tenderness near the palm: The base of the finger can become sore.
- A small lump or nodule: You may feel thickening along the tendon.
- Locking: The finger might become stuck in a bent position and require help from your other hand to straighten.
Trigger finger can involve any finger or the thumb. Some people also develop it in more than one finger.
Does Trigger Finger Always Need Surgery?
No. Many cases can be managed without an operation. Treatment may include changing activities that aggravate the finger, splinting, medication, or a steroid injection. Your doctor will recommend care based on how long you’ve had symptoms and how much the locking interferes with hand function.
Surgery may be considered when other treatments haven’t relieved the problem or the finger continues to lock. Trigger finger surgery releases the tight pulley, giving the tendon more room to move.
Find Out Why Your Finger Keeps Catching
Persistent locking can make simple tasks like gripping a mug, typing, or opening a container frustrating. David T. Gwyn, MD, and the hand specialists at Advanced Orthopaedic Associates, P.A. provide care for hand and wrist problems in Wichita and surrounding Kansas communities. Schedule an appointment online or call 316-631-1600 in Wichita, 620-399-1229 in Wellington, or 620-221-2300 in Winfield.