Trigger finger

Overview

Tendons that bend the fingers slide through a tunnel (sheath) in the palm. In trigger finger, the tendon or its sheath swells, so the tendon can't slide smoothly. It gets stuck when you try to straighten the finger, then pops loose.

You can have more than one trigger finger, including the thumb, in one or both hands.

Symptoms

Symptoms often start slowly.

• Finger catches or locks in a bent position
• Stiff fingers or hands, often worse in the morning
• Hand, finger, or wrist pain at the base of the finger
• A tender lump in the palm

Less common

• A popping or clicking feeling
• A finger stuck bent that needs the other hand to straighten it
• More than one finger affected

How it usually goes

• Weeks: Stiffness and catching slowly start.
• Months: Locking can get worse without treatment.
• After a shot: Many people improve within weeks.

When to get medical care

Causes

The tendon or its sheath swells and thickens. Repeated strong gripping can play a part, but a specific injury usually doesn't cause it.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Age 45 and older
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Repeated tight gripping or using vibrating tools

Diagnosis

A healthcare professional can usually tell from your history and an exam. X-rays and lab tests usually aren't needed.

Questions you may be asked

• Which finger catches and when
• Whether it's worse in the morning
• Activities with tight gripping
• Diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

The exam

They'll watch you open and close your hand and feel for a tender lump at the base of the finger in the palm.

Treatment

Mild cases may get better with rest and changes in activity.

Self-care

• Rest the finger and avoid tight gripping
• Wear a splint if your healthcare professional suggests one
• Use ice or heat for comfort
• Do gentle finger exercises as directed
• Use padded gloves or thicker handles on tools

Medicines

Pain relievers can ease soreness.

If the finger keeps locking, a steroid shot into the tendon sheath often helps. If it comes back, a small surgery can release the tight tunnel so the tendon slides freely.

How it compares

Prevention

You can lower the strain on your fingers:

• Take breaks from tight gripping
• Use tools with padded or thicker handles
• Keep diabetes under control

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an orthopedist (bone and joint doctor).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Children: Trigger thumb can happen in young children. See a doctor.
• People with diabetes: More likely to get trigger finger, sometimes in more than one finger.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Most people improve with a splint, a shot, or surgery. Surgery usually works well.

Getting ready for your visit

Show how the finger catches.

What to bring

• Which fingers are affected
• Activities that make it worse
• Health problems like diabetes

Questions to ask

• Will a splint or shot help?
• Do I need surgery?
• How can I protect my hands at work?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Trigger finger