Trigger finger or trigger thumb is a condition that causes your fingers or thumb get stuck in a bent position. Those with trigger finger or trigger thumb may have stiffness when bending the finger(s) or hear snapping and popping when moving the finger(s). Depending on the severity of the condition, treatment options can range from rest to surgery.
What is trigger finger and trigger thumb?
Trigger finger or trigger thumb is when your fingers or thumb get stuck in a bent position – as if squeezing a “trigger.” Trigger finger can occur in one or more fingers. The ring finger is often one of the fingers affected. The condition is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis.
Who gets trigger finger or trigger thumb?
Trigger finger or trigger thumb is more commonly seen in:
- People who have jobs, hobbies, or tasks that require strenuous repetitive motions; frequent, strong grasping or gripping, or forceful use of the fingers and/or thumb. For example, trigger finger frequently occurs in people who use their fingers or thumbs for multiple repetitive movements. These people may include:
- Farmers
- Industrial workers
- Musicians
- People who have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout or diabetes.
- People between the ages of 40 and 60.
