You don’t have to be an expert marksman to experience Stenosing Tenosynovitis. More commonly known as trigger finger, Stenosing Tenosynovitis is a common musculoskeletal condition in which one or more fingers stiffen up, making it difficult for that finger to transition from a straight to a bent position, and vice versa. Trigger finger happens when the tendon – the fibrous cord that connects muscles to bones – in your finger(s) becomes inflamed. Oftentimes, a popping sound is heard when trying to shift between straight and bent. Trigger finger can happen to any finger on either hand, and multiple fingers may be affected at the same time. How do you know you have trigger finger, rather than simple stiffness, and how is it diagnosed? Here is more on trigger finger.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
While symptoms can vary in degree and frequency, trigger finger does have some distinguishable symptoms and include –
- Finger stiffness, swelling, inflammation, and pain.
- A snapping or popping sound when moving the finger around.
- Locking of the finger when bending or straightening it.
In more severe cases, you may notice –
- A bump developing in the palm near the base of the finger.
- A completely stiff or bent finger with significant difficulty or complete inability to bend or straighten the finger at will.
- Reduced or no functionality of the affected finger(s).
Symptoms are most often felt in the morning right after waking up but can occur at any time of the day. As the condition worsens, symptoms last longer and happen more frequently.
Causes and Risk Factors
Trigger finger can happen to anyone at any age but is most common among adults. Here are some risk factors that increase the chances of developing trigger finger.
- Women are more likely to develop it than men
- The condition often develops between the ages of 40 and 60
- Other Health Conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis increase the chances of it developing
- Repetitive movements that may occur when fingers are doing intricate or repetitive work; hobbies that involve gripping for long periods of time can cause or worsen the condition
Diagnosis
To diagnose trigger finger, your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history. He will ask you to move your fingers around, open and close your hand and stretch your fingers repeatedly while he looks for bumps in the palm, the way the fingers move, and for any signs of locking.
Treatments
The type of treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, the impact your condition may have on your ability to perform at work, play, or hobbies, and other possible or diagnosed health conditions.
Doctors will start with noninvasive treatments, which may include anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and inflammation, a splint to relax the affected tendon, and exercises to maintain mobility and flexibility in the fingers.
Should noninvasive treatments prove ineffective, doctors may recommend steroid injections to reduce inflammation, percutaneous release, or surgery.
At Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder, you will find high-quality patient care from board-certified orthopedic and plastic surgeons with expertise in treating a myriad of health problems in the shoulder, arm, wrist, elbow, and hand. If you are experiencing symptoms similar to trigger finger or any other type of musculoskeletal problem in the upper extremities, the highly experienced doctors and surgeons of Greater Chesapeake Hand to Shoulder would love to help. Call 410-296-6232 today to make an appointment. You can also request an appointment online.
