Are you having trouble extending your finger lately? Is there a bump in the palm of your hand that is hurting you? You might be experiencing what is known as a trigger finger. Dr. Rob Bents sees these frequently and thankfully it is usually easy to fix and doesn’t require expensive, time-consuming testing for the diagnosis. The reason it is called a trigger finger is because the condition frequently causes the finger to get stuck and then snap when bent or straightened, like pulling a trigger. The technical name for it is stenosing tenosynovitis, and it is inflammation within the finger that narrows the space that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. The inflammation affects the normal gliding of the tendon through the sheath. See the attached article for a helpful visual illustration. Symptoms include:
- A bump in the palm of your hand at the base of the affected finger
- Tenderness at the bump in your palm
- Finger catching in a bent position and then snapping straight
- Finger locking in a bent position
- Finger stiffness, especially after you awaken
- Clicking or popping sensations as you move the finger, with or without pain
Dr. Bents has successfully solved this issue for many, many patients over his years of experience. They are frequently seen in people who have jobs or hobbies with repetitive hand motions, but they are also seen in certain conditions, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. If the area is red and inflamed, seek medical attention quickly, as this might indicate an infection. And here’s a trivia fact: trigger fingers are found more frequently in women than men. Read more about trigger fingers and view an anatomical picture of the condition from the Mayo Clinic:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100
