"Trigger finger, " stenosing tenosynovitis in medical language, is frequently associated with carpal tunnel syndrome, although they are separate entities. "Again, it is a case of too much something in too small a space" says Dr. Margles.
While it can occur in any finger, usually the ring finger or thumb that is affected. When a person with trigger finger attempts to make a fist, the aberrant finger snaps down in an irregular motion that gives a popping sensation. And, instead of opening smoothly when the grip is released, the trigger finger lags behind and then pops open.
"People usually complain of tenderness in the palm, not in the joint" says Dr. Margles, "because that is where the tendon is getting hung up. "
It is the tendons in the hand that allow the fingers to bend; there are two tendons to each finger and one to the thumb. The tendons pass through
"pulleys" or tunnels on their way from the wrist to the fingers. The pulley that usually causes trigger finger is the one located just beyond the last long, transverse crease in the palm.
Either the tendon or the pulley thickens due to an injury or simple use. This causes irritation every time the finger bends. Eventually, there is so little space for the tendon to pass through the pulley that normal movement is impaired and the finger begins to pop open and closed.
Trigger finger can often be successfully treated with a single cortisone injection. If it does not respond, surgery can correct the condition. "Unlike carpal tunnel syndrome, which absolutely requires treatment to avoid irreparable nerve damage, " Dr. Margles explains, "trigger finger only requires treatment if the patient is bothered by it."
