Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where one or more fingers get stuck in a bent position. The finger may bend or straighten with a snap – like a trigger being pulled and released. The condition occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. According to the British Society for Surgery of the Hand, this condition is pretty common, with a 2-3% prevalence in the general population. However, it’s even more prominent among certain groups. For example, people with diabetes are more prone to trigger finger, with the incidence rate rising to 10-20% within this group.

Trigger finger is one of those conditions that is almost impossible to ignore, given the discomfort and inconvenience it causes. The most common symptom of trigger finger is a painful clicking or snapping when you bend or straighten the affected finger. In severe cases, the finger may lock in a bent or straightened position. The discomfort can also extend to the palm of the hand. Some people might even feel a tender lump in their palm

Now you might be wondering, am I at risk of developing this condition? Well, according to UK-based medical research, there are certain factors that can increase your chances of developing trigger finger. Women, for instance, are more likely to develop this condition than men. People who are between the ages of 40 and 60 are also commonly affected. Medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can add to the risk. It’s also particularly prevalent among those who undertake tasks that require repetitive gripping actions.

Trigger finger can affect one or more fingers, including the thumb. There’s even a term for it: multi-digit trigger finger and it’s not uncommon. In fact, it’s been found in a UK study that around 25% of patients with trigger finger have it in multiple fingers.

Trigger finger is typically diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on a physical examination and a description of the symptoms. The doctor or nurse will look at your hand to check for signs of swelling and tenderness. They may also ask you to open and close your hand in order to observe any catching or locking of the finger. This condition is quite distinctive, and most patients are diagnosed without the need for invasive tests or scans. 

The daily impact of trigger finger can be significant, as highlighted in a study carried out by the University of Oxford in 2016. The research, titled “The Impact of Trigger Finger on Hand Function”, assessed the functional implications of this condition amongst a group of 120 participants. They found that trigger finger severely impacted fine motor skills, causing discomfort in activities involving gripping and precision tasks. This can potentially hinder an individual’s ability to perform daily chores, such as cooking or operating machinery, and could even affect their professional life if their job involves extensive use of their hands. This emphasizes the need for prompt treatment and adequate post-treatment care to ensure a return to normal hand function.

Regular exercise of the fingers and hands may keep them flexible and reduce the chance of developing trigger finger. Similarly, reducing repetitive or forceful hand movements that strain the fingers could also help. Notwithstanding, factors such as genetics, age, or underlying health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can increase the risk, and these aren’t always within our control.

While trigger finger primarily affects the fingers and thumb, its complications may extend to other areas of the hand and arm. Discomfort or pain can radiate towards the palm and wrist, potentially inhibiting grip strength and dexterity. Additionally, prolonged inflammation can result in the formation of nodules, further compromising hand function. The British Society for Surgery of the Hand in 2017 highlighted a study that showed the possibility of trigger finger co-existing with conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, implying a broader impact on hand health.

Distinguishing trigger finger from other hand conditions often lies in the unique symptoms it presents. Unlike arthritis, which typically involves persistent joint pain and swelling, trigger finger is characterised by the clicking or locking sensation of the fingers or thumb when bent. Carpal tunnel syndrome, on the other hand, compromises the entire hand and is often accompanied by tingling or numbness, symptoms not commonly associated with trigger finger. The University of Southampton’s study “An Assessment of Dupuytren’s Contracture and Trigger Finger” in 2016 shed light on these differences, highlighting the need for accurate diagnosis to guide appropriate treatment.

Children can indeed develop trigger finger. A study titled “Trigger thumb in children: current concepts and controversies” by the University of Sheffield, published in 2006, examined this issue in depth. It revealed that trigger thumb (a form of trigger finger) can affect children as young as one year old. This condition in children, unlike adults, is often congenital rather than acquired. The data from the study showed that approximately 3.3% of children may experience this, but the exact cause still remains uncertain. The study conducted involved researching the medical history of children diagnosed with trigger thumb and analysing the effectiveness of various treatment methods.

Yes, trigger finger can indeed be indicative of other underlying health issues. While it can happen to anyone, people with particular medical conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, may be more susceptible. In fact, studies show that approximately 10% of the UK population with diabetes could develop trigger finger.

According to a 2013 study published by The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, titled “Complications of Trigger Finger Surgery”, potential complications may include infection, nerve damage, and tendon or pulley rupture. In severe cases, untreated trigger finger can lead to permanent finger stiffness or a locked finger.

The healing process for trigger finger can vary greatly. In some instances, it may take a few weeks, while in others, it could last several months. The duration largely depends on the severity of the condition, the effectiveness of the treatment, and the person’s overall health status. According to UK health data, most individuals experience significant improvement within four to six weeks of starting treatment.

There are a myriad of treatment options for trigger finger, ranging from non-surgical to surgical interventions. Non-surgical treatments include physical therapy, the use of a finger splint, and anti-inflammatory medication. Among these, a finger splint is often highlighted as an effective method to keep the finger in an extended position and alleviate the discomfort. In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or even surgery may be considered.

Surgery is not always required for trigger finger. It’s often viewed as a last resort, considered only when non-surgical treatments fail to provide relief. In the UK, surgery is only recommended for about 20% to 40% of patients who don’t respond to conservative treatments. Nonetheless, it’s important to stress that the necessity for surgery should be determined by a healthcare professional based on individual symptoms, severity, and response to non-invasive treatments.

Trigger finger can often be managed through a series of hand exercises that focus on flexing and stretching. The “Finger Lifts” exercise, for instance, involves placing your hand palm-down on a flat surface and methodically lifting each finger one at a time, holding for a couple of seconds before releasing. The “Finger Bends” exercise, on the other hand, requires you to bend your fingertips until they touch the base of each finger joint, creating a gentle stretch in the process. A 2018 study by the University of Nottingham called “The Effectiveness of Conservative Treatments for Hand Trigger Finger” found these exercises, among others, to be significantly beneficial in mitigating the symptoms of trigger finger.

There are no specific dietary guidelines for individuals suffering from trigger finger. However, a study titled “Nutritional Factors and Musculoskeletal Health: Evidence and Controversies” published by the British Journal of Nutrition in 2008 suggests that a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods may be beneficial. The research indicates that foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as nuts and fatty fish, along with fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can potentially alleviate the inflammation associated with trigger finger. It is always advised to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dietary advice.

Finger splints are a common remedy for this condition. They work by holding your finger straight and reducing the movement that triggers the ‘catching’ feeling. This gives your finger a chance to rest, reduces inflammation, and allows for healing.
In a study titled “Splinting for Trigger Finger” published in the British Medical Journal in 2018, researchers at the University of Nottingham investigated the effectiveness of this approach. They looked at a group of individuals with trigger finger and had them use a splint for six weeks. The study found that 80% of the participants reported a decrease in pain and increased mobility in their affected finger.

A wide range of finger splints options are available for treating trigger finger, each designed with unique properties to cater to individual needs. The most common types include the static splint, which keeps your finger in a fixed position; an extension splint, primarily used to stretch the tendon; and a stack splint, employed to protect the tip of the finger. 

Using a finger splint for trigger finger might sound complicated, but it certainly isn’t rocket science! It involves placing the splint on the affected finger, ensuring it fits snugly yet comfortably. Depending on the type, it may be necessary to adjust the splint to achieve the right fit. The splint should ideally be worn on the finger joint that is closest to the palm. For maximum effectiveness, it must be worn correctly, without causing undue pressure or discomfort.

How long you should wear a finger splint each day depends on the severity of your trigger finger and your healthcare provider’s advice. However, a general guideline is to wear it as much as possible, especially when performing activities that typically provoke symptoms.
This recommendation is backed by a study conducted by the University of Southampton, titled “Splinting Duration and Trigger Finger.” The 2019 research evaluated the impact of different durations of splint wear on trigger finger symptoms. The study concluded that individuals who wore their splints for more extended periods each day experienced greater relief from symptoms.

Yes, trigger finger can potentially reoccur after treatment, although it is not commonly observed. According to a study titled “Trigger finger, tendinosis, and intratendinous gene expression” published in 2005 by the University of Nottingham, recurrence rates after surgical treatment can range up to 20%. Factors contributing to this may include the severity of the condition before treatment, whether the patient has diabetes, and if the patient continues activities that exacerbate the condition. The study was conducted on a sample of patients who underwent surgery for trigger finger and monitored them for recurrence over a period of five years.