Trigger Finger occurs when the motion of the tendon that opens and closes the finger is limited, causing the finger to lock or catch as the finger is extended. Your finger or thumb will catch in a bent position – and may straighten again with a snap, like a trigger being pulled and released. If you have severe trigger finger, your finger may become locked in a bent position.
In mild cases, splints to rest the finger, or over-the-counter pain medications and/or corticosteroid injections may be recommended. Injections are less likely to provide permanent relief when a person has experienced trigger finger for a long time, or if there is an associated medical problem such as diabetes. Surgical treatment may be recommended for more severe cases. If the finger is stuck in a bent position, or if the symptoms are severe, surgery may be the best course of treatment. The goal of surgery goal is to widen the opening of the tunnel so that the tendon can slide through it more easily.
