What is Trigger Finger/Trigger Thumb?

This condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis of the finger/thumb flexor tendons. The flexor tendons allow us to bend our fingers and thumb. Each tendon has a sheath around it as it enters the finger. The tendon is held close to the bones of our fingers by small pieces of fibrous tissue called pulleys. In order to bend the fingers closely to the hand, the tendons glide through these pulleys.

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon/sheath component enlarges to a point where it will not glide through the A1 pulley. The pulley can also become thickened and tight, preventing free glide of the tendon. It can be likened to a blister or callous of the tendon and may arise in a similar manner from repetitive movement causing friction.

Treatment involves minimizing the irritation to the pulley area and decreasing the thickening and swelling. Various designs of orthoses/splints can be used to prevent full bending of the finger, which will stop the catching or locking. Your hand therapist will work with you to design the best type of orthosis/splint for your situation.

Along with splinting, maintenance of movement with exercises is important, as well as avoiding irritation to the palm to prevent further swelling. It is recommended to not “test” the finger to see if it is catching. Your therapist will be happy to discuss specific suggestions for aggravating activities.