Trigger finger is when a nodule forms on the finger’s flexor tendon (commonly at the A1 pulley) causing sensitivity when gripping and catching (triggering) when grasping or making a fist (Radomski & Latham, 2014).
Symptoms
Sharp pains in base of fingers
Fingers locking into composite flexion
Weakness
Loss of Active Motion in hand
Associated Diagnoses
It is most common in individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, but can happen to anyone.
Treatments
Common medical interventions include steroid and anesthetic injections into the flexor sheath. This is combined with splinting and therapy. After this is repeated when symptoms don’t decrease, a surgeon may release the A1 pulley to prevent the tendon from catching (Radomski & Latham, 2014).
This can sometimes be relative to a Dupuytren’s contracture.
References
Radomski, M. V., & Latham, C. A. T. (2014). Occupational therapy for physical dysfunction (7th ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.