How to Know if You Have Trigger Finger
Identify pain in the base of the finger or palm., Notice a snapping sensation., Notice any stiffness., Look for bump or swelling., Notice your finger locked in a bent position., Notice any softness at the base of the involved finger., See your...
Step-by-Step Guide
-
Step 1: Identify pain in the base of the finger or palm.
The most common symptom is pain experienced at the base of the finger or over the palm when trying to extend the finger.
There is pain during extension or flexing of the finger because the tendon can no longer easily slide back out of the tendon sheath due to inflammation.
If the inflamed portion of the tendon breaks free of its sheath, it may feel as if your finger is being dislocated.Typically, the dominant hand is more likely to be affected by the disorder.
In particular, the thumb, middle, and ring fingers.
Also be aware that more than one finger can be affected at a time. -
Step 2: Notice a snapping sensation.
When the affected finger is moved or extended, a “popping” or snapping sound (similar to the sound of cracked knuckles) can be heard.
This occurs because the inflamed tendon is being pulled through a tendon sheath that is too narrow.
It will happen when you straighten it and when you bend it., Generally, stiffness will be worse in the morning.
It is not clear why stiffness gets worse in the early hours of the day, but some suspect that this may be due to lack of cortisol (a hormone) at night to counteract substances that cause inflammation.This is similar to "gelling" which occurs in hip and knee arthritis — inflammatory fluid builds up as you are not using the inflamed area at night and takes time in the morning to decrease that fluid.
Generally, this stiffness will lessen as the finger is used throughout the day., You may find a bump, or have swelling at the base of the affected finger or in the palm, this happens because the swelling causes the tendon to become bunched up into a hard knot.The bump may also move when you move your finger because the tendon also moves when you move your finger., As the inflammation worsens, the finger will be unable to fully extend, which ultimately requires you to use the other hand to straighten the finger.
In severe cases, the finger cannot be extended even with assistance.
In some cases, it may abruptly pop straight from time to time, even when you are not trying to straighten it., You may also find a nodule there that's tender.
This is actually a knot in the lining of your tendon.
It will be on the palm side at the base of the affected finger., This is an indication of infection, which is something you definitely don't want to wait around and see what happens with.
Most trigger finger cases clear up on their own with adequate rest, and are not a cause for great concern.However, infections can be very dangerous, even deadly if not treated quickly and properly.
Dupuytren's contracture is another disorder that often gets mistaken for trigger finger, though it is not the same.
With this disorder, the connective tissues thicken and shorten.
That being said, it can occur in conjunction with trigger finger., If the trigger finger is caused by infection of the synovium (lubricating membrane lining the joint), the infection may spread and cause osteomyelitis.
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone where symptoms such as pain, fever, chills and swelling manifest.
This is one of the main reasons seeing a doctor is advised, even if you're just experiencing mild joint pain.
Although most cases of trigger finger go away, it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you have recently had surgery, are an alcoholic, use steroids regularly, have sickle cell disease or rheumatoid arthritis, you should visit your doctor immediately as all these are risk factors for osteomyelitis., People with occupations or hobbies that require routine, repetitive finger movements, such as operating machines or power tools and playing musical instruments may be at higher risk of developing trigger finger.Constant grasping with forceful use of the finger to any object for an extended time can cause this condition due to repetitive trauma to the digits of the finger.
Farmers, musicians, and even smokers (flicking the lighter) are at higher risk., Those most likely to develop trigger finger will be between 40 and 60 years old.
This is perhaps because those who are older have spent considerably more time using their hands, and have likely sustained more damage over time than younger people. , Those with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing trigger finger.
The elevated levels of glucose present in diabetes patients may change the balance of proteins in the body, which stiffens collagen (connective tissues in the body) thereby leading to the stiffening of tendons in the fingers.The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to suffer from trigger finger.
If you have diabetes and develop trigger finger, it can be indicative of other diabetic complications., Consider other diseases such as gout, amyloidosis, thyroid problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s Contracture, De Quervain’s disease.
Any of these diseases increases your risk of developing trigger finger.
If you suffer from one or more, be conscientious of any symptoms of oncoming trigger finger.
A recent study also found that most people with rheumatoid arthritis have swollen tendons, and may be at greater risk for developing trigger finger., Although it is not clear why, women tend to develop trigger finger more often than men., A simple medical history and physical exam of the affected finger must be performed in order to diagnose trigger finger.
Your doctor will look for bumps or swollen spots in the affected area.Your doctor will also likely search for the classic “popping and locking” that occurs in those suffering from trigger finger., Because trigger finger has a number of causes that are often unclear or questionable, it's wise to be as thorough and detailed as possible about your medical and family history.
Even if you don't think it's related or important, it could be important for diagnosis and treatment.
It is important that only factual information be given to the health care providers to ensure that a proper treatment plan can be developed.
Patients are encouraged to answer questions in the most detailed way possible, and should not to hesitate to ask questions regarding possible treatment. , It is only necessary for patients with history of inflammatory disease or trauma.
In most cases, your doctor will rely on your symptoms, which is all the more reason to be honest and factual. -
Step 3: Notice any stiffness.
-
Step 4: Look for bump or swelling.
-
Step 5: Notice your finger locked in a bent position.
-
Step 6: Notice any softness at the base of the involved finger.
-
Step 7: See your doctor immediately if the joint feels hot and inflamed.
-
Step 8: Be aware that an infection may lead to osteomyelitis.
-
Step 9: Evaluate how often you use repetitive finger movements.
-
Step 10: Consider whether or not you are between the ages of 40 and 60.
-
Step 11: Find out if you have diabetes.
-
Step 12: Know which conditions increase your risk of developing trigger finger.
-
Step 13: Be aware that women are more likely to suffer from trigger finger.
-
Step 14: See your doctor.
-
Step 15: Be detailed and factual during your visit.
-
Step 16: Know that x-rays or any elaborate laboratory test are not required to diagnose trigger finger.
Detailed Guide
The most common symptom is pain experienced at the base of the finger or over the palm when trying to extend the finger.
There is pain during extension or flexing of the finger because the tendon can no longer easily slide back out of the tendon sheath due to inflammation.
If the inflamed portion of the tendon breaks free of its sheath, it may feel as if your finger is being dislocated.Typically, the dominant hand is more likely to be affected by the disorder.
In particular, the thumb, middle, and ring fingers.
Also be aware that more than one finger can be affected at a time.
When the affected finger is moved or extended, a “popping” or snapping sound (similar to the sound of cracked knuckles) can be heard.
This occurs because the inflamed tendon is being pulled through a tendon sheath that is too narrow.
It will happen when you straighten it and when you bend it., Generally, stiffness will be worse in the morning.
It is not clear why stiffness gets worse in the early hours of the day, but some suspect that this may be due to lack of cortisol (a hormone) at night to counteract substances that cause inflammation.This is similar to "gelling" which occurs in hip and knee arthritis — inflammatory fluid builds up as you are not using the inflamed area at night and takes time in the morning to decrease that fluid.
Generally, this stiffness will lessen as the finger is used throughout the day., You may find a bump, or have swelling at the base of the affected finger or in the palm, this happens because the swelling causes the tendon to become bunched up into a hard knot.The bump may also move when you move your finger because the tendon also moves when you move your finger., As the inflammation worsens, the finger will be unable to fully extend, which ultimately requires you to use the other hand to straighten the finger.
In severe cases, the finger cannot be extended even with assistance.
In some cases, it may abruptly pop straight from time to time, even when you are not trying to straighten it., You may also find a nodule there that's tender.
This is actually a knot in the lining of your tendon.
It will be on the palm side at the base of the affected finger., This is an indication of infection, which is something you definitely don't want to wait around and see what happens with.
Most trigger finger cases clear up on their own with adequate rest, and are not a cause for great concern.However, infections can be very dangerous, even deadly if not treated quickly and properly.
Dupuytren's contracture is another disorder that often gets mistaken for trigger finger, though it is not the same.
With this disorder, the connective tissues thicken and shorten.
That being said, it can occur in conjunction with trigger finger., If the trigger finger is caused by infection of the synovium (lubricating membrane lining the joint), the infection may spread and cause osteomyelitis.
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone where symptoms such as pain, fever, chills and swelling manifest.
This is one of the main reasons seeing a doctor is advised, even if you're just experiencing mild joint pain.
Although most cases of trigger finger go away, it is better to be safe than sorry.
If you have recently had surgery, are an alcoholic, use steroids regularly, have sickle cell disease or rheumatoid arthritis, you should visit your doctor immediately as all these are risk factors for osteomyelitis., People with occupations or hobbies that require routine, repetitive finger movements, such as operating machines or power tools and playing musical instruments may be at higher risk of developing trigger finger.Constant grasping with forceful use of the finger to any object for an extended time can cause this condition due to repetitive trauma to the digits of the finger.
Farmers, musicians, and even smokers (flicking the lighter) are at higher risk., Those most likely to develop trigger finger will be between 40 and 60 years old.
This is perhaps because those who are older have spent considerably more time using their hands, and have likely sustained more damage over time than younger people. , Those with diabetes are at a greater risk of developing trigger finger.
The elevated levels of glucose present in diabetes patients may change the balance of proteins in the body, which stiffens collagen (connective tissues in the body) thereby leading to the stiffening of tendons in the fingers.The longer you have diabetes, the more likely you are to suffer from trigger finger.
If you have diabetes and develop trigger finger, it can be indicative of other diabetic complications., Consider other diseases such as gout, amyloidosis, thyroid problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s Contracture, De Quervain’s disease.
Any of these diseases increases your risk of developing trigger finger.
If you suffer from one or more, be conscientious of any symptoms of oncoming trigger finger.
A recent study also found that most people with rheumatoid arthritis have swollen tendons, and may be at greater risk for developing trigger finger., Although it is not clear why, women tend to develop trigger finger more often than men., A simple medical history and physical exam of the affected finger must be performed in order to diagnose trigger finger.
Your doctor will look for bumps or swollen spots in the affected area.Your doctor will also likely search for the classic “popping and locking” that occurs in those suffering from trigger finger., Because trigger finger has a number of causes that are often unclear or questionable, it's wise to be as thorough and detailed as possible about your medical and family history.
Even if you don't think it's related or important, it could be important for diagnosis and treatment.
It is important that only factual information be given to the health care providers to ensure that a proper treatment plan can be developed.
Patients are encouraged to answer questions in the most detailed way possible, and should not to hesitate to ask questions regarding possible treatment. , It is only necessary for patients with history of inflammatory disease or trauma.
In most cases, your doctor will rely on your symptoms, which is all the more reason to be honest and factual.
About the Author
Maria Stevens
Specializes in breaking down complex cooking topics into simple steps.
Rate This Guide
How helpful was this guide? Click to rate: