Methods Of Diagnosing And Treating Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a medical condition causing locking or catching sensations, stiffness, and pain when patients bend and straighten the affected finger. The most commonly affected digits are the thumb and ring finger, though the condition can also affect other fingers. When the thumb is affected, it's referred to as 'trigger thumb.' Each finger has bands of tissue, commonly called 'pulleys,' responsible for holding flexor tendons in place. With trigger finger, the A1 pulley located at the base of the finger thickens or becomes inflamed. The tendon can't glide smoothly through it, and over time it may become inflamed as well. An inflamed tendon develops a nodule which, when it moves through the A1 pulley, creates a painful popping or catching sensation.

Get to know the best options for diagnosing and treating trigger finger now.

Physical Exam

A physical exam is generally sufficient for the diagnosis of most cases of trigger finger. To start the exam, the doctor will gently touch the patient's fingers and palms to detect swelling and pain. The fingers of both hands will be examined for comparison, and the doctor will check to see if the patient can smoothly move their fingers. Any evidence of locking fingers or stiffness will be noted. The patient may be asked to open and close their hands to see if this results in tenderness, and the doctor will feel the patient's palm to determine if a lump is present. Lumps associated with trigger finger normally move as the patient moves their finger. The physician may touch the lump while the patient moves the affected finger to find out more about how the lump moves.