Trigger finger limits finger movement. When you try to straighten your finger, it will lock or catch before popping out straight. Trigger finger is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb and progressively worsens over time.
Anatomy
The tendon sheath attaches to the finger bones and keeps the flexor tendon in place as it moves. Injury occurs when the tight tendons rub in the protective sheath causing friction and gradual wear and tear.
Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bone. When muscles contract, tendons pull on bones. This is what causes some parts of the body to move.
The muscles that move the fingers and thumbs are located in the forearm above the wrist. Long tendons — called the flexor tendons — extend from the muscles through the wrist and attach to the small bones of the fingers and thumb.
The flexor tendons control the movements of the fingers and thumb. When you bend or straighten your finger, the flexor tendon slides through a snug tunnel, called the tendon sheath that keeps the tendon in place next to the bones.
Description
The flexor tendon can become irritated as it slides through the tendon sheath tunnel. As it becomes more and more irritated, the tendon may thicken and nodules may form, making its passage through the tunnel more difficult. The tendon sheath may also thicken, causing the opening of the tunnel to become smaller.
Cause
The cause of trigger finger is usually unknown; however, there are factors that put people at greater risk of developing it. If you have any of these factors, we recommend that you contact 5280-Cryo for the best cryotreatment and active release therapy experts to help you with resolution.
FACTORS
- Trigger fingers are more common in women
- They occur most frequently in people between the ages of 40 and 60 years old
- Trigger fingers are more common in people with certain medical problems like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
- Trigger fingers may occur after activities that strain the hand
Symptoms
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Symptoms of trigger finger usually start without injury, although they may follow a period of heavy hand use. Symptoms may include:
- A tender lump in your hand
- Swelling
- Catching or popping sensation in your finger or thumb joints
5280- Cryo is here to help you get on your way to recovery with our cryotherapy and active release technique. We specialize in diagnosing and recovery treatments so you can get back to your life. Contact us to learn more about our services and treatments available.