Trigger Finger
TF is a condition causing fingers to snap, pop, or catch when attempting to straighten them from a bent position. Pain in the palm at the base of the finger is a common accompaniment.
Pathology or, the problem (what's wrong):The tendons which bend and straighten fingers normally slide smoothly through a tunnel in the palm. For unknown reasons, the tunnel may become a little too small for the tendon. The tendon becomes irritated and a nodule or lump forms on its surface. When making a fist, the tendons slide toward the wrist. On opening the fingers, the tendons slide outward toward the fingertips. When the nodule tries to slide into the tunnel, it either jams momentarily causing a "catching" sensation, or it gets "stuck" prohibiting the finger from opening completely. The finger then either releases suddenly to the fully open position or needs to be pulled open usually with the other hand.
Symptoms often are:- Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning.
- Popping or clicking sensation when the finger moves.
- Tenderness or a bump (nodule) at the base of the finger.
- Finger catching or locking in a bent position which suddenly pops straight.
- The finger locks in a bent position, unable to straighten without help from the opposite hand.
Through a small superficial area of local anesthesia, a special needle is introduced painlessly and advanced to the constricting tunnel. Once the tunnel is located, the surface is incised lengthwise causing it to open. This permits the nodule to enter and slide through freely. There is no skin incision. The tunnel opening is permanent, the trigger condition is corrected.