Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis is when the tendons flex your fingers and thumb lock or catch when you bend and straighten your digits. Other symptoms may include pain and stiffness in the fingers and thumb. 

People who have hobbies or jobs that require repetitive gripping or squeezing are more likely to develop trigger finger. Those with diabetes are also highly likely to develop trigger finger.

Left untreated, trigger finger can rapidly progress to where your thumb and another finger are locked in a bent or a straight position. This may become so severe that you  may have trouble uncurling your finger without using the other hand.

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and swollen. If the tendon can no longer slide easily through the sheath, it can bunch up and form a nodule (small lump), making bending the affected finger or thumb difficult. Symptoms. may include:

• Stiffness in the affected finger(s) particularly in the morning
• Clicking or popping as you move your finger 
• Soreness in your palm particularly at the base of the affected finger
• Catching or locking in a bent position – causing it to suddenly pop upon straightening
• Finger becomes locked in a bent position

At Vita, our physical therapy techniques focus on pain reduction, strengthening the tendons in the hand, and reducing the risk of repeat injury. The physical therapists at Vita will work with you to design a specific treatment program that may include:

• Reducing pain and inflammation with soft tissue mobilization, light stretching, and myofascial release
• Strengthening exercises 
• Utilizing modalities such as dry needling to assist with reducing inflammation and providing pain relief
• Providing an at-home program with daily stretches and exercises to avoid risk of future injury