10 Trigger Finger Symptoms
Article Sources
- 1. 'Trigger Finger - Trigger Thumb.' OrthoInfo, Mar. 2018, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/trigger-finger
- 2. 'MCP Joint Arthritis.' Handcare The Upper Extremity Expert, 2015, www.assh.org/handcare/condition/mcp-joint-arthritis
- 3. 'Trigger Finger.'Handcare The Upper Extremity Expert, 2020, www.assh.org/handcare/condition/trigger-finger
- 4. 'Common Hand Injuries, Arthritis and Trigger Finger.' Hospital for Special Surgery, 2020, www.hss.edu/conditions/hand-problems-common-injuries-arthritis-trigger-finger.asp
- 5. 'Trigger Finger.' Harvard Health, 8 May 2015, www.health.harvard.edu/hands/trigger-finger
- 6. 'MCP Joint Arthritis: Symptoms & Treatment.' Handcare The Upper Extremity Expert, 2015, www.assh.org/handcare/condition/mcp-joint-arthritis
- 7. 'Trigger Finger.' Nhs.Uk, 17 Aug. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/trigger-finger
- 8. 'Noninflammatory Joint Contractures Arising from Immobility: Animal Models to Future Treatments.' PubMed Central, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515492
- 9. 'Trigger Finger - Diagnosis and Treatment.' Mayo Clinic, 20 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365148
- 10. 'Trigger Finger.' Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute, 2021, www.northwell.edu/orthopaedic-institute/find-care/conditions/trigger-finger
- 11. 'Trigger Finger - Symptoms and Causes.' Mayo Clinic, 20 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100
- 12. 'Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb.' Cleveland Clinic, 2019, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7080-trigger-finger--trigger-thumb
- 13. 'Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb.' Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2021, www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/trigger-finger-and-trigger-thumb
- 14. 'Trigger Finger: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment.' PubMed Central, 1 June 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684207
While trigger finger may sound like a term pulled from a first-person shooter video game or an action movie, it's far from enjoyable. Stenosing tenosynovitis, better known as trigger finger, is a medical condition that can cause a person's finger to feel locked or caught as they attempt to bend it.1‘Trigger Finger - Trigger Thumb.’ OrthoInfo, Mar. 2018, orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/trigger-finger
Depending on the severity of the condition, a person's finger may actually become locked in place, requiring the individual to manually release the bent finger. Understanding the symptoms of trigger finger can help people know when to seek medical intervention for this painful condition.9‘Trigger Finger - Diagnosis and Treatment.’ Mayo Clinic, 20 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20365148
Popping Sounds
People may be used to the cracking sounds they hear when they purposely pop their knuckles, but trigger finger can cause popping sounds that are outside of a person's control. Trigger finger is appropriately named after the clicking sound that occurs when a person with the condition straightens or bends their finger. The sound is similar to a trigger being released.
While trigger finger can frequently develop into a painful and uncomfortable condition, some people hear the trademark clicking sounds without experiencing the pain that's frequently associated with these noises.14‘Trigger Finger: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment.’ PubMed Central, 1 June 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684207
Painful Grip
Trauma to fingers and the repetitive use of fingers have both been suggested as potential causes of trigger finger. While overuse is not proven to cause the condition, pain during activities, such as gripping, is a recognized symptom.14‘Trigger Finger: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment.’ PubMed Central, 1 June 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684207,11‘Trigger Finger - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 20 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100
Pain while gripping or performing other motions may be the first symptom a person notices, and they may not feel discomfort during periods of rest. The pain associated with trigger finger can become more severe over time, eventually being noticeable without movement.3‘Trigger Finger.’Handcare The Upper Extremity Expert, 2020, www.assh.org/handcare/condition/trigger-finger
Painful Palms
Trigger finger commonly impacts the first annular pulley, which is at the base of the finger. Consequently, stiffness or pain in the area where the finger meets the palm is a common first symptom.
Local trauma to the base of the fingers or the palm, while not required to develop trigger finger, can be a factor in its development. Pain may be felt at the end of the finger or in the palm itself, and the palm may be tender when pressure is applied.5‘Trigger Finger.’ Harvard Health, 8 May 2015, www.health.harvard.edu/hands/trigger-finger
Stiffness
An individual with trigger finger may never experience the snapping sensations and sounds that characterize the condition. Some people only experience stiffness and a gradual loss of the ability to fully straighten and bend their affected fingers.
If someone avoids using their affected finger, the lack of use could lead to the development of proximal interphalangeal joint, or PIP, contractures and stiffness. PIP contractures can be defined as a reduction in the range of motion a person can initiate with their middle joint.[[14]8‘Noninflammatory Joint Contractures Arising from Immobility: Animal Models to Future Treatments.’ PubMed Central, 2015, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4515492
Swelling
Doctors typically diagnose trigger finger through a noninvasive physical exam. Swelling is a symptom that providers may look for during this exam.
The swelling can occur in different areas of the hand, such as the base of the finger or thumb and the palm. Tendons or the tendon sheath may also swell, impacting the tendon's ease of movement. As the tendon gets stuck, the area is further irritated, which contributes to the tendon's likelihood of becoming stuck again.5‘Trigger Finger.’ Harvard Health, 8 May 2015, www.health.harvard.edu/hands/trigger-finger
Lumps and Nodules
An individual with a trigger finger may develop uncomfortable and possibly painful nodules in their palm, at the base of the affected finger. Nodules are abnormal lumps that can form in response to swelling and the enlargement of the tendon or thickening of the associated pulley.4‘Common Hand Injuries, Arthritis and Trigger Finger.’ Hospital for Special Surgery, 2020, www.hss.edu/conditions/hand-problems-common-injuries-arthritis-trigger-finger.asp,7‘Trigger Finger.’ Nhs.Uk, 17 Aug. 2020, www.nhs.uk/conditions/trigger-finger
While nodules are a distressing symptom of trigger finger, they can also be a symptom of other conditions. If a person is concerned about lumps, they should consult with their doctor.
Snapping Sensations
The trigger comparison doesn't stop with the sound that the finger makes. People with the condition may also feel a trigger-like, snapping physical sensation when flexing their affected fingers.5‘Trigger Finger.’ Harvard Health, 8 May 2015, www.health.harvard.edu/hands/trigger-finger
Trigger finger occurs when the tendons in a person's hand no longer move smoothly through their tendon sheath. If the sheath becomes swollen, a person's tendons may get caught during movement. The popping sensation is caused by the tendons being forced through a narrow space.10‘Trigger Finger.’ Northwell Health Orthopaedic Institute, 2021, www.northwell.edu/orthopaedic-institute/find-care/conditions/trigger-finger
Limited Range of Motion
In addition to stiffness and discomfort, a person with a trigger finger may be unable to achieve their finger's full range of motion without experiencing pain. This occurs more frequently if the condition is left unmanaged.3‘Trigger Finger.’Handcare The Upper Extremity Expert, 2020, www.assh.org/handcare/condition/trigger-finger
A person with a trigger finger may be unable to fully extend their finger. Bending or straightening the finger may cause too much discomfort. This symptom can be addressed through a variety of methods, including stretching exercises, to help maintain the finger's mobility.14‘Trigger Finger: Etiology, Evaluation, and Treatment.’ PubMed Central, 1 June 2008, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2684207,11‘Trigger Finger - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 20 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100
Morning Stiffness and Pain
A person with a trigger finger may find that their symptoms worsen after periods of inactivity. Waking up with a locked finger can occur, and as the day progresses, the finger can loosen up.13‘Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb.’ Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 2021, www.chop.edu/conditions-diseases/trigger-finger-and-trigger-thumb
Individuals with the condition can experience discomfort in the metacarpophalangeal, also known as MCP joint, and stiffness that's worse in the morning. MCP joint stiffness is associated with other maladies, such as arthritis, so individuals who experience this symptom should see a doctor for a diagnosis.2‘MCP Joint Arthritis.’ Handcare The Upper Extremity Expert, 2015, www.assh.org/handcare/condition/mcp-joint-arthritis
Locked Fingers
If the trigger finger is left unmanaged and the symptoms of the condition become progressively worse, it's possible for the finger to become stuck in a bent position. Individuals may have to manually straighten out the affected digit with their other hand.
Depending on the severity of a person's symptoms, manual manipulation with the other hand may not provide enough support to straighten the trigger finger. Further assistance from a medical professional should be sought.11‘Trigger Finger - Symptoms and Causes.’ Mayo Clinic, 20 Oct. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100
