Is it hard to bend your finger? Does it get stuck? Let's learn about this 'Trigger Finger'!

Have you ever woken up in the morning and thought, “Oh my, this finger is so hard to bend, it feels like it’s stuck!” Or do you hear a clicking sound when you bend or straighten your finger? If that happens and you feel like your finger is stuck in one place, accompanied by pain, you may have a condition called ‘trigger finger’. Don’t worry, let’s talk about it simply.

What is 'Trigger Finger'?

Simply put, 'Trigger Finger' is a condition in which one or more fingers on your hand, sometimes the thumb, become stiff and difficult to bend or straighten. To be precise, the finger may be stuck in a bent position. Some say it's called 'trigger finger' because it feels like you're trying to pull the trigger on a gun.

This condition occurs when the tissues in your fingers called tendons are affected. Tendons are like strong bands that connect our muscles to our bones. When there is a problem with these tendons, the fingers cannot function properly. This condition is most often seen in the ring finger . However, it can occur in any finger, including the thumb.

What are the symptoms of someone with 'Trigger Finger'?

If you have trigger finger, you may experience one or more of these symptoms:

• A 'clicking' sound is felt when you bend or straighten a finger. It's like something is jumping from inside.
• A feeling of tightness and stiffness accompanied by pain when bending the finger to the side.
• A sharp pain or a throbbing sensation in the hand, where the affected finger begins. This pain may be worse when you grip something tightly.
• Sometimes there may be a swelling or a small lump that feels like it's stuck in the hand .
• A finger that gets stuck in one place when bent and cannot be straightened again . Sometimes the stuck finger has to be slowly straightened with the other hand.

Many people experience these symptoms, especially numbness and stiffness in their fingers, most in the morning . As the day goes on, and with some use of their fingers, this stiffness tends to lessen.

Why does this 'trigger finger' develop? What is the cause?

The main cause of trigger finger is swelling or inflammation of the tendons in the fingers or the tissues surrounding them.

We've said before that tendons are like bands that connect muscles to bones. This tendon is surrounded by a sheath (like a small tube ) called a tendon sheath.It moves from the inside. This tendon sheath protects the tendon and keeps it in place.

Now, here's how trigger finger develops: When the tendon becomes inflamed and swollen for some reason, it can't move smoothly inside the tendon sheath. It's like a string getting stuck when it gets stuck in a small hole. Sometimes, a small lump (nodule) can form in this swollen tendon. Then it's even harder to move inside the tendon sheath.

The knot that forms in this `tendon` is trying to get stuck in a part of the `tendon sheath` called the `A1 pulley` . This `A1 pulley` is a narrow place in a tunnel-like place where the `tendon` travels. When it gets stuck there, the finger feels stuck with that `click` sound.

Who is more likely to develop 'Trigger Finger'? (Risk Factors)

Although this condition can develop in anyone, some people are more likely to develop it.

• It is most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60 .
• This can happen to people who constantly perform the same movements, hold things tightly with their hands, or have jobs or hobbies that put a lot of strain on their fingers . For example:
• People who farm and work on plantations.
• People who work in factories and with hand tools.
• People who play musical instruments (especially guitars and violins).
• People who play sports that use rackets, such as tennis and badminton.
• People with certain chronic conditions are also more likely to develop trigger finger:
• Osteoarthritis – a disease of the joints
• Rheumatoid Arthritis – A disease in which the immune system attacks the joints
• Gout – inflammation of the joints caused by an increase in uric acid
• Diabetes Mellitus
• Amyloidosis – abnormal protein deposits in tissues
• Thyroid disease

How does a doctor diagnose trigger finger?

If you have these symptoms, it's best to see a doctor for a checkup. The doctor will usually do a physical exam .

• Your hand and fingers will be examined.
• You will be asked about your symptoms (how long you have had them, when they are worse, what you do, etc.).
• The doctor will slowly bend and straighten your fingers to hear the clicking sound and how tight they are. When you do this, you will need to tell them where you feel pain.

Most of the time, no special tests are needed to diagnose trigger finger. However, sometimes, an ultrasound or X-ray may be done to check for other problems.

What are the treatments for 'Trigger Finger'?

Treatment for trigger finger depends on how severe your symptoms are and which finger is affected. Don't worry, it can often be cured with simple treatments.

The following treatments are mainly used:

• Rest: This is the first thing. You need to stay away from the activities, hobbies, and things that put strain on your fingers that caused the trigger finger condition for a while. This will give the tendons time to heal.
• Splinting: Your doctor may recommend a small splint to keep the affected finger in one place, usually in a straight position. This gives the tendon a rest and helps it to stretch again.
• Stretching exercises: Your doctor or physical therapist will teach you some simple stretching exercises that will help increase the flexibility of your tendons.
• Anti-inflammatory medication:
• To reduce pain and swelling, you can take over-the- counter pain relievers called NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
• The doctor may also prescribe a type of medication called corticosteroids, which reduces inflammation .
• In some cases, a cortisone shot may be given to the affected tendon sheath. This can quickly reduce swelling and pain.

Remember, it is very important to seek medical advice before taking any of these medications.

Is surgery necessary to cure trigger finger?

Most of the time, trigger finger can be cured with the simple treatments mentioned above. However, if those treatments don't help, your doctor may recommend surgery .

This is called a ``Trigger finger release`` surgery . This is not a major surgery.

• Before the surgery, the affected part of the arm is numbed (local anesthetic ) .
• Then the surgeon removes the stuck tendon sheath.A very small incision is made. This allows the tendon to move freely.
• This is an outpatient procedure , which means you can go home the same day.

How quickly will I feel better after treatment?

Once you start non-surgical treatment (rest, splinting, exercises, medication), your symptoms will gradually begin to improve. How long it takes to fully recover will vary depending on your condition.

After surgery, you will usually start to feel better within a few weeks . However, it may take several months before you can resume your normal activities. Your doctor will explain this to you.

Will trigger finger heal on its own?

This is a question that many people ask. No, trigger finger usually doesn't go away on its own. If you have symptoms, definitely see a doctor and get checked out. You may just need to rest, but that's something a doctor should decide. Otherwise, ignoring it can make the condition worse.

Can trigger finger be prevented?

Although it cannot be completely prevented, you can do the following to reduce your risk:

• Avoid work that requires continuous strain on your hands and fingers as much as possible.
• If you play sports or use any equipment at work, be aware of the correct postures and techniques associated with it.
• When starting a new exercise or strenuous activity, start slowly. Don't push yourself too hard all at once.
• If you are doing manual work continuously, take short breaks every now and then.

When should I see a doctor?

If you think you have any of the symptoms of 'trigger finger', especially if you can't bend or straighten a finger properly, see a doctor. If you suddenly can't even move a finger, go to a hospital emergency room immediately.

What questions should you ask the doctor?

When you go to see the doctor, you can ask questions like these:

• Do I really have 'trigger finger'? Or is this some other problem?
• Why do you think this happened to me?
• What kind of treatment is best for me?
• Will I need surgery?
• How long does treatment usually take?
• What things should I be careful about as I go about my daily activities?

Is 'Trigger Finger' a type of arthritis?

No. Although both trigger finger and arthritis can cause pain and stiffness in the hand and fingers, trigger finger is not a type of arthritis.

Trigger finger is caused by swelling or inflammation of the tendon or tendon sheath .

Arthritis is a disease that affects the tissues in the joints . Over time, arthritis causes the tissues in the joints to wear down and the bones to begin to rub against each other.

What is the difference between 'Trigger Finger' and 'Trigger Thumb'?

'Trigger finger' and 'Trigger thumb' are the same condition . Doctors use these two names depending on whether the other fingers or the thumb are affected. It is sometimes also called 'stenosing tenosynovitis'. Either way, it is the same condition and is treated in the same way.

Finally, a few things to remember

Trigger finger is a condition that causes a finger to become stiff and stiff due to inflammation of a tendon or tendon sheath. The best part is that it is a treatable condition . Although surgery may be required, you will be able to resume your normal activities and hobbies.

Therefore, if you have any of these symptoms – pain, stiffness, numbness, a 'clicking' sound in your fingers – don't ignore it. See a doctor immediately and seek advice. He or she will find the cause and provide you with the most appropriate treatment.

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