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Symptoms

Symptoms of trigger finger can affect any finger or thumb and are typically worse in the mornings. Symptoms of trigger finger include:

  • Swelling
  • Tenderness at the base of the affected finger
  • Popping or clicking sensations
  • Finger catch with a snap release of tension
  • Finger stiffness

Causes

Most of the time, trigger finger is caused by forceful use or repeated movement of your fingers or thumbs. Causes of trigger finger may include:

  • Gripping activities such as using hand tools or holding a computer mouse
  • Repeated and forceful pinching
  • Repetitive finger movements such as those involved in playing a musical instrument
  • Health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis

Treatments

When experiencing trigger finger, it is best to take a break from using your hands and fingers as much as possible. Treatment options for trigger finger include:

  • Strengthening and stretching exercises
  • Occupational therapy
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help reduce inflammation
  • Applying ice over the affected finger
  • Steroid injections into the affected finger

For more severe cases, percutaneous trigger finger release surgery may be performed to release the tight portion of the flexor tendon sheath.

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