Trigger finger occurs when a finger catches or locks when it is bent. Tendons are the bands that connect muscle to bone. The tendons that bend the fingers glide easily with the help of pulleys which help to hold the tendons close to the bone. This is similar to how a line is held on a fishing rod. Trigger finger occurs when the pulley becomes too thick and the tendon cannot easily guide through.
Symptoms: Trigger finger may start with discomfort at the base of a finger. Often, patients complain of pain, catching or a popping sensation. Sometimes the finger can lock in a bent position.
Treatment: The goal of treatment is to eliminate swelling and inflammation which can cause the catching or locking. Often, a steroid injection is recommended. If trigger finger does not improve with steroid injection, surgery is recommended.
Surgery: Often performed under local anesthesia. A small incision is placed at the base of the finger in the palm. The space around the tendon is widened to allow for easy gliding of the tendon.