Brian Kwon Acupuncture Trigger finger is a condition where a finger gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight. This happens when there is an inflammation on the tendon sheath, narrowing the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. It can affect any finger and more than one finger.
Repeated movement or prolonged use of hand with high tension are some of the main causes of trigger finger. Tendons and muscles in your hands and arms straighten your thumb and fingers, and it can also happen if the tendons get inflamed.
Main risk factors:
• Repeated gripping – Individuals who do repeated finger and thumb movements, such as farmers, industrial workers, or musicians
• Age – Most common between ages 40 to 60
• Sex – More common in women than men
• Health conditions – diabetes, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis can lead to trigger finger
• Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery – can happen in the first 6 months post-surgery
Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your treatment may require surgery. If trigger finger gets severe, your finger could lock in a bent position. Non-surgery options are (1) avoiding the problem activities (2) splints (3) stretching exercises (4) NSAIDs (5) steroid injections. Acupuncture is another option you could explore.
Seek medical care if you have stiffness, catching, numbness or pain in a finger joint, or if you can’t bend or straighten your finger.
