Patients often complain that they cannot straighten their fingers after bending and have to use the other hand to straighten it up. Patients can also feel a lump at the base of the side of the palm. This is the so-called trigger finger.

On the side of the palm, there is a flexor tendon in charge of the bending of fingers. A horizontal ganglion is attached on top of the tendon, just like the rings on curtain rod, which limits the mobility of the tendon. When fingers are over-exercised, the ganglion becomes inflamed and enlarged, leading to the “stuck” condition when bending the finger and a lump that causes suppress pain and need to use the other hand to straighten up the finger. “Trigger finger” got its name because patients need to use the other hand to straighten up the finger like pulling the trigger.

It is common to see trigger finger in the thumb; however, other fingers are possible to have trigger finger as well. Trigger finger often occurs due to excessive finger activities. In early stage, the pain occurs in the base of the palm due to mild tendinitis and only requires some anti-inflammatory ointment and rest to relieve the pain. When the symptoms become chronicle and conservative treatments fail, topical steroid injection is recommended and it often works with just one injection. If a lump is formed, patients are recommended to remove enlarged ganglion through surgery terminate the symptoms.

Trigger finger is sometimes seen in children and usually in both thumbs. Children are not able to straighten up their thumbs. This is called congenital trigger finger. Children with trigger finger usually receive treatment as soon as they turn one to avoid impacts on finger growth and functions.

In sum, trigger finger is an inflammatory reaction to excessive activities in tendon. Treat your hands well and avoid excessive use.