Trigger Finger occurs when the flexor tendon of the fingers becomes damaged as a result of trauma or repetitive stress. These injuries create small tears in the tendon that result in swelling and accumulation of scar tissue as it heals. Eventually, this causes the finger to remain in a painful and permanently curled position.
In mild cases, the finger can be pulled into a straight position with force, but this often results in pain and the finger will “snap” back into the curled position when the force is released. In more severe cases, the finger can not be straightened even with force.
In an effort to avoid permanent deformity of the finger, the tendon must be decompressed allowing the finger to be released into a normal position
Signs and symptoms of Trigger Finger may include:
- Curled appearance of the finger
- A sensitive nodule or ball on the palm
- Swelling
- Pain when trying to straighten the finger
- A “popping” or “snapping” of the joints of the finger