What is it about ?
A trigger finger or spring finger is a finger which, when bent, gets stuck. The cause is inflammation of the flexor tendon sheath of the finger, which is usually the result of repetitive movements (during work or play). People with diabetes, of drop or rheumatic disease can also suffer from a trigger finger.
How to recognize it?
Bending the finger can be painful and produce a loud “click”. Sometimes the finger gets stuck completely. This happens mostly in the morning, with the finger then remaining bent. Sometimes you feel a small movable lump (thickening) on the palmar aspect of the finger or in the palm.
The finger most often affected is the thumb. Sometimes several fingers are affected at the same time.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor will examine your finger and hand and feel for the tendons.
What can you do ?
The most important thing is to put the affected finger to rest. Avoid any mobilization of this finger.
What can the doctor do?
In case of simple local sensitivity or if you can straighten the finger without help, conservative treatment is usually sufficient: it combines the wearing of an immobilization splint for a maximum of two weeks and the taking of an anti-inflammatory drug. If this is not enough, your doctor may give you a cortisone injection. If this treatment does not bring a cure or if you cannot straighten the finger on your own, the doctor will refer you to a surgeon.
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