Trigger Finger : more than just minor aliment

Trigger Finger : more than just minor aliment 

Trigger finger is a hand condition that can occur in people of all ages, especially those who frequently use their hands for repetitive tasks in daily life. Patients may experience difficulty straightening or bending their fingers, a catching or snapping sensation, or pain at the base of the finger. These symptoms are often considered minor and may be ignored. However, they can be early signs of trigger finger. If left untreated, the condition may cause increased pain and interfere with daily hand use.

Therefore, understanding trigger finger, including its causes, symptoms, and methods of care and prevention, is important. Awareness can help individuals recognize early symptoms and reduce the risk of developing more severe conditions. This information is provided to educate and raise awareness about trigger finger so that individuals can properly take care of their hand health.

The definition of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition in which the tendon or the tendon sheath in the finger becomes inflamed. This inflammation makes it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through the sheath. When moving the finger, a person may feel a “clicking” or “snapping” sensation, and sometimes the finger may become locked in a bent position. Straightening the finger may require assistance from the other hand and may be accompanied by pain.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is commonly caused by excessive or repetitive use of the hands and fingers, which can lead to inflammation of the tendons, tendon sheaths, and surrounding muscles. Occupations and activities commonly associated with this condition include:

1.       Office workers who use computers for long periods

2.       Homemakers who frequently perform household chores or hand-wash clothes

3.       Athletes who grip sports equipment for extended periods

4.      Patients who frequently use electronic devices such as smartphones

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The severity of trigger finger can be divided into four stages:

Stage 1: Pain at the base of the finger when moving it, but no catching sensation yet.

Stage 2: The finger begins to catch or lock slightly during movement, sometimes accompanied by a clicking sound when bending or straightening the finger.

Stage 3: The finger becomes locked but can still be straightened with the help of the other hand.

Stage 4: The finger becomes permanently locked and cannot be moved independently, often with persistent pain.

Treatment

Stages 1–2
 In modern medicine, treatment often begins with pain-relieving medication, resting the affected finger, and modifying hand use. For example, enlarging the grip of tools, using a backpack instead of carrying heavy bags by hand, or wearing a finger splint as recommended by a physician.

In traditional Thai medicine, treatment may include evaluation and therapies such as traditional Thai massage, oil retention therapy, herbal compress, therapeutic tapping techniques, herbal applications, or herbal steam therapy to relieve pain and relax the muscles.

Stages 3–4
 In modern medicine, doctors may consider steroid injections into the affected area or surgery to release the thickened tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to move more freely. In traditional Thai medicine, treatment focuses on relieving pain and relaxing muscles. If symptoms do not improve, patients may be referred to modern medical care.

Prevention of Trigger Finger

1.       Take regular breaks during work and avoid prolonged computer or smartphone use.

2.       Avoid carrying heavy objects for long periods.

3.       Avoid cracking or snapping the fingers frequently.

4.       Avoid prolonged hand-washing of clothes.

5.       Increase the thickness of sports equipment handles to reduce pressure on the fingers.

6.       Exercise and stretch the muscles of the arms, wrists, and fingers regularly.

Prepared by Phutthiphong Wongchari, ATTM 

References

Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. (2024). Trigger Finger: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment. Rama Channel. https://www.rama.mahidol.ac.th/ramachannel/article/%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%B4%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%A5%E0%B9%87%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81-trigger-finger-%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%AB%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%B8-%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3-%E0%B9%81/

Suwanno, P., & Chuaychoosakoon, C. (2022). Methylprednisolone acetate versus dexamethasone injection for trigger finger: A double-blind randomized controlled trial. Journal of Health Science and Medical Research, 39(5), 381–390. https://he01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/view/255275