What is Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition where a finger or thumb becomes painful, stiff, or catches when bent or straightened. It occurs when inflammation narrows the sheath surrounding the tendon, preventing smooth movement. In more advanced cases, the finger may lock in a bent position before suddenly releasing. The condition is most common in middle-aged adults and affects approximately 2–3% of the population (Makkouk et al., 2008).
Common Causes
• Repetitive gripping or hand-intensive activities.
• Inflammatory conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Tendon irritation from prolonged pressure or strain.
• Previous hand injury or overuse.
• Occupations or hobbies requiring frequent grasping motions.
Treatment Options
WCCC management may include:
• Gentle soft tissue therapy to reduce tendon and sheath inflammation.
• Chiropractic and joint mobilisation techniques to improve hand and wrist mechanics.
• Activity modification and ergonomic guidance to reduce repetitive strain.
• Specific stretching and strengthening exercises to restore smooth tendon movement.
• Collaboration with GPs or hand specialists if corticosteroid injection or imaging is required.
References:
• Makkouk AH, et al. Trigger finger: etiology, evaluation, and treatment. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2008;1(2):92–96.
• Sebastin SJ, Puhaindran ME, Lim AY. Clinical features and treatment of trigger finger in adults. J Hand Surg Am. 2011;36(8):1411–1416.
