Trigger finger is a common hand problem. Pulley system is a tubular soft tissue complex over hand digits. It wraps around the flexor tendons and provides stability and lubrication upon grinding of the tendons. Overuse of the tendons or chronic repetitive action of hand digits could lead to thickening of the pulley. In severe case, this could cause compression on the flexor tendons, resulting in edema, thickening and inflammation at the tendons. Subsequently, this could limit the movement of hand digits.
The most common cause of trigger finger is overuse. Risk factors include long term carrying of heavy objects, doing housework, frequent use of computer keyboard or mobile phones. In some rare cases, trigger finger can be an initial sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
In early stage of trigger finger, there may be slow finger movement, pain and triggering during finger flexion and extension, finger joints pain. If left untreated, the condition may get worse. Patients may only be able to move their fingers by manual passively. There may also be flexion contracture of hand digits.
Oral anti-inflammatory medication or local injection of steroid can reduce the pain and relieve the triggering. Physiotherapy can be done for mobilization training. If there is no improvement by conservative treatment, operation for trigger finger release should be considered.
* Please consult doctors for further details.