Trigger finger Dr Rob Hicks Trigger finger causes repetitive gripping actions, which for some can be just a nuisance, whilst for others can be painful.

In this article

What is trigger finger?

Causes and risk factors

Treatment and recovery

Trigger finger - or stenosing tenosynovitis - is a common problem that interferes with the normal function of the fingers or thumbs.

It occurs when any digit of the hand gets stuck in a bent or flexed position. Overcoming this resistance results in the affected digit snapping straight. If the condition worsens, the finger may need to be forcibly straightened or may remain locked in a bent position.

Trigger finger arises when a nodule, or knot, develops in one of the tendons connecting the finger bone to the muscle of the forearm. Inflammation or scarring is believed to be responsible and is usually the result of repetitive use of the tendon in repeated gripping actions, or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.

It's more likely to arise in people with medical conditions such as gout and diabetes. However, sometimes there's no explanation why a nodule has developed.

Despite appearing to be a problem with the joints within the finger, the culprit is actually in the tendon over the joint nearest the hand. When trigger finger has developed, a bump may be felt here.

To overcome trigger finger, any obstruction to normal tendon movement needs to be removed. Specific treatment depends on how severe the symptoms are and how it's affecting an individual.

Mild symptoms may only need the hand to be rested and for repetitive use of the finger to be avoided. In more serious cases, anti-inflammatory drugs or a steroid injection into the affected tendon should solve the problem.

If these measures aren't successful, surgery to remove the problematic tissue will be recommended.

This article was last medically reviewed by Dr Gill Jenkins in September 2009.