Trigger finger

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which one of your fingers or your thumb gets stuck in a bent position and then snaps straight. Your finger may feel stiff, hurt and click when you move it. It might even get stuck in a bent position and then suddenly pop straight.

Pronunciation

Trigger Finger: /ˈtrɪɡər ˈfɪŋɡər/

Stenosing Tenosynovitis: /stɪˈnoʊsɪŋ ˌtɛnoʊˌsaɪnəˈvaɪtɪs/

Etymology

The term "trigger finger" is derived from the snapping sound made by the affected finger when moved, similar to a trigger being pulled and released. "Stenosing" comes from the Greek word "stenosis" meaning narrowing, "teno" is derived from the Greek word "tendon", and "synovitis" is derived from the Greek words "synovia" (joint fluid) and "itis" (inflammation).

Symptoms

Symptoms of trigger finger may progress from mild to severe and include:

• Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning
• A popping or clicking sensation as you move your finger
• Tenderness or a bump (nodule) at the base of the affected finger
• Finger catching or locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight
• Finger locked in a bent position, which you are unable to straighten

Causes

Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. If severe, the finger may become locked in a bent position.

Treatment

Treatment of trigger finger, ranges from rest to surgery, depends on the severity of your symptoms.

Related Terms

• Tendon
• Sheath
• Inflammation
• Surgery

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Trigger finger
• Wikipedia's article - Trigger finger

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