Trigger finger/ thumb is a condition in which a finger or thumb catches or sticks when in a bent position. This is due to inflammation or thickening of the tendon.
The finger/ thumb may bend or straighten with a snap or in more severe cases, the finger/ thumb will remain in a locked bent position.
The exact reason why these problems occur is not known, but several factors may increase the likelihood of trigger finger developing. For example:
- It's more common in women
- It's more common in people over 40 years old
- It's more common in people with certain medical conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
- It is reported to affect around 2% of the population
- People who use their hands regularly for work are more likely to get trigger finger/thumb
- Finger/ thumb stiffness, particularly in the morning
- A popping or clicking sensation on finger/thumb movement
- A bump (nodule) in the palm at the base of the affected finger/ thumb
- Finger/ thumb catching or locking in a flexed position, which suddenly pops straight
- Finger/ thumb locked in a flexed position, which is unable to straighten
- Tenderness and/or pain at the base of the affected finger/thumb
Diagnosis is usually made from a consultation with your Health Care Professional, involving a detailed history of the onset of symptoms, current pattern of symptoms and your current functional ability.
Further tests such as X-ray, MRI or ultrasound scan are rarely required, but may be performed if the Health Care Professional needs further information to finalise the diagnosis or if surgery is being considered.
In some cases trigger finger can resolve without treatment, however recovery can be aided by:
- Avoiding certain activities that are making the problem worse
- Movement – gentle bending and straightening of the finger to maintained movement / function
- Pain medication
- Self-Massage – gentle massage applied to the tender region on the palm of the hand
- Splinting – where the affected finger is strapped to a plastic splint to reduce movement (Oval8 splint). You can buy Oval8, and other finger splints online or from pharmacies.
It is normal to experience some discomfort when doing exercises, and individuals may start at different points. Pain should not increase excessively during or immediately after the activity. Discomfort should return to pre-activity levels 24-48 hours after the activity has finished.
The number (reps) and frequency (sets) of exercises suggested here are a guide, and should be performed to your personal tolerable pain levels. This means repetitions will vary between individuals and you should only go as far as is reasonably comfortable for you.
Soft tissue release in palm
Sit upright on a stable chair or wheelchair with your back supported. Ensure both feet are placed flat. Place a pillow on your lap and rest your affected arm onto it, palm facing up. Ensure your wrist is as straight as possible. Support the back of your hand with the fingers of your other hand. Using the flat of your thumb, firmly massage across the palm, stretching the width of the palm.
You should see a Health Care Professional if you:
- Have pain that doesn’t show any signs of improvement, within a couple of weeks of self help
- Have pain that has rapidly deteriorated or suddenly worsened despite self help
- Have a history of inflammatory arthritis, immuno-suppression, cancer, Tuberculosis (TB), drug abuse, AIDS or other infection
- Feel unwell, have a fever, or unexplained weight loss
- Are experiencing significant and regular changes to your usual sleeping pattern
- Have any tingling or loss of sensation in your hand or wrist
- Notice changes to your grip strength and are frequently dropping things
- Have severe pain after trauma, such as a fall, collision, or impact to the wrist or hand
- Notice your fingers becomes acutely red hot and swollen without any prior explanation of activity/overuse
If you do not have any of the above, you may be able to effectively self manage your condition