Trigger Finger

When we bend or straighten our fingers we are doing so with the help of important tendons in our hands. Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect bones to muscles in our bodies and make it possible for us bend or extend certain body parts.

The tendons that run along the palm to each of the fingers are called flexor tendons. These are what allow us to bend the fingers and to form the hand into a fist. Normally, as the fingers are bent and straightened, the flexor tendons glide smoothly through a series of lubricated, tunnel-like guides known as a tendon sheaths. Through extensive use of the hand, the tendon sheath located in the palm near the base of the finger can become irritated and narrowed. When this occurs, the tendon has trouble passing through the sheath and can even get caught when attempting to straighten the finger from a bent position.

Each time the finger catches the tendon itself becomes more and more inflamed and irritated. This can lead to thickening and swelling of the tendon and development of bumps on the tendon, called nodules. Of course, these factors only make the situation more severe. This condition is known as “trigger finger” or, when affecting the thumb, “trigger thumb.”

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger figure more commonly develops in an individual’s dominant hand and on the thumb, pointer or ring finger. The first symptom generally experienced with trigger finger is simply a mild grating sensation in the palm near the base of the affected finger, when attempting to extend or bend it. One may also experience the following:

• A catching sensation or clicking sound when extending the finger
• An accompanying tenderness or painful sensation when bending or extending the finger
• One may be able to feel a bump beneath the skin of the palm, indicating a nodule on the tendon
• Difficulty extending the finger

In chronic cases, patients commonly experience finger stiffness. If left untreated the finger may become permanently locked in a bent or trigger pulling position.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can be brought about or accelerated by:

• Repeated forceful movement of the fingers or thumbs
• Work that requires frequent, repetitive gripping action
• Gout
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes

The condition generally develops in individuals 40 to 60 years of age, with woman more likely to develop the condition than men.

Expert Treatment from Top Trigger Finger Doctors

If you are in need of trigger finger treatment or think you may be experiencing early symptoms, you have come to the right place. Our top doctors and surgeons, here at the Hand & Wrist Center Los Angeles, are the leaders in trigger finger treatment in Los Angeles & Beverly Hills. Contact our offices today or click here to schedule a consultation.