You have to crook or bend your finger in order to pull a trigger. The condition known as trigger finger derives its name from that bent shape of your finger.
When you have this disorder, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, one of your fingers seems to get stuck in a bent or crooked position. That finger could also seem to straighten with a snap, like a trigger being released.
The underlying reason may be inflammation in your hands and finger joints. You need expert treatment to restore the full motion and utility of your fingers, hands, and wrists.
That’s why you should turn to the professionals at the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine of Tomball and Kingwood, Texas, under the leadership of Michael L. Blackwell, MD. He can diagnose and treat your trigger finger before your condition worsens any further.
Trigger finger develops due to inflammation narrowing the space around the tendons in your finger, preventing it from moving normally. Your tendons naturally slide through a protective sheath, but inflammation leads to narrowing and catching.
You might experience stiffness in your fingers, especially when you wake up in the morning. Other symptoms of trigger finger include:
In severe cases of trigger finger, you might not be able to bend your affected finger at all.
Repetitive gripping motions are the greatest risk factor for developing trigger finger. You might repeat gripping motions with your hands as part of a hobby or at work.
Additional risk factors for trigger finger include:
Some patients also develop trigger finger while recovering from surgery to correct carpal tunnel problems.
Trigger finger can develop in any finger, including your thumbs. You could also see effects in more than one finger, and on one or both hands. If your joints are uncomfortable or slow to move, and especially if your finger joint starts to feel hot and inflamed, come see Dr. Blackwell to keep your condition from worsening, and to prevent infection.
Dr. Blackwell can recommend the right treatment plan to address and resolve your trigger finger or thumb. You could benefit from rest, splinting, stretching exercises, over-the-counter medications to reduce pain and inflammation, or steroid injections.
In severe or treatment-resistant cases, you might need surgery to correct the problem.
To learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for trigger finger, and to resolve your hand and finger mobility problems now, contact Dr. Blackwell at the Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine.
You can schedule your initial consultation appointment over the phone, or book online.
