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Trigger Finger

Comprehensive guide to understanding, treating, and preventing trigger finger through evidence-based rehabilitation and tendon mobilization techniques.

2.6%
Population affected
6-12
Weeks to improve
70%
Success with injection
6:1
Female to male ratio
Understanding Trigger Finger

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when the flexor tendon becomes inflamed and catches on the A1 pulley, causing the finger to lock or "trigger" when bending or straightening.

Common Risk Factors:

  • Repetitive gripping activities
  • Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Age 40-60 years
  • Female gender

Common Symptoms

  • Finger catching or locking when bending
  • Snapping sensation when moving finger
  • Stiffness, especially in the morning
  • Tender bump at base of finger
  • Pain when gripping objects
  • Finger stuck in bent position

Severity Classifications

Grade 1 (Mild)

Tenderness and thickening at the A1 pulley

Symptoms:

  • Mild pain at base of finger
  • Slight stiffness in the morning
  • Tenderness over palm
  • No catching or locking

Treatment Approach:

Activity modification, splinting, and anti-inflammatory measures

Grade 2 (Moderate)

Catching sensation but finger can be actively extended

Symptoms:

  • Catching or snapping sensation
  • Finger can still extend actively
  • Morning stiffness lasting longer
  • Pain with gripping activities

Treatment Approach:

Splinting, therapy, steroid injection consideration

Grade 3 (Severe)

Locking that requires passive extension

Symptoms:

  • Finger locks in flexed position
  • Requires other hand to straighten
  • Significant pain and stiffness
  • Difficulty with daily activities

Treatment Approach:

Steroid injection or surgical release consideration

Grade 4 (Fixed)

Fixed flexion contracture that cannot be corrected

Symptoms:

  • Finger stuck in bent position
  • Cannot be straightened passively
  • Severe functional limitation
  • Possible joint stiffness

Treatment Approach:

Surgical intervention typically required

Treatment Phases

Phase 1: Conservative Management (0-6 weeks)

Initial symptom control and inflammation reduction

Goals:

Reduce inflammationImprove finger mobilityPrevent progression

Key Interventions:

Finger splinting in extension at night
Activity modification to reduce triggering
Gentle range of motion exercises
Anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed
Ergonomic modifications for daily activities
Heat therapy before exercises
Phase 2: Progressive Treatment (6-12 weeks)

Advanced conservative treatments if symptoms persist

Goals:

Restore normal tendon glidingImprove functionPrevent surgery

Key Interventions:

Tendon gliding exercises
Manual therapy techniques
Progressive strengthening
Steroid injection if appropriate
Activity-specific training
Workplace ergonomic assessment
Phase 3: Post-Injection/Surgical Care

Recovery following injection or surgical intervention

Goals:

Restore full functionPrevent recurrenceReturn to activities

Key Interventions:

Scar management (if post-surgical)
Progressive range of motion
Strengthening program
Functional activity training
Return-to-work conditioning
Long-term prevention strategies

Rehabilitation Exercise Program

Early Phase Exercises (0-6 weeks)

Gentle Finger Extension

Passive and active-assisted finger straightening

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 10-15 repetitions
Frequency: 3-4 times daily

Tendon Gliding

Gentle finger movements to promote tendon mobility

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10 repetitions
Frequency: 2-3 times daily

Splinting Protocol

Night splinting to maintain finger extension

Sets: Continuous wear
Reps: As tolerated
Frequency: Nightly
Progressive Phase (6-12 weeks)

Active Finger Flexion/Extension

Full range finger movements with control

Sets: 3 sets
Reps: 15-20 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Finger Strengthening

Progressive resistance exercises for finger muscles

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily

Grip Activities

Functional gripping exercises with various objects

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 5-10 minutes
Frequency: Daily
Advanced/Return Phase (12+ weeks)

Power Grip Strengthening

Progressive resistance training for grip strength

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 8-12 repetitions
Frequency: 3-4 times per week

Fine Motor Coordination

Precision tasks to restore dexterity

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 5-10 minutes
Frequency: Daily

Functional Activities

Work and sport-specific movement patterns

Sets: 2-3 sets
Reps: 10-15 repetitions
Frequency: Daily
Prevention Strategies
Avoid prolonged gripping or repetitive finger motions
Take frequent breaks during repetitive activities
Use ergonomic tools and proper grip techniques
Maintain finger flexibility with regular exercises
Address underlying conditions like diabetes
Modify activities that cause finger strain
Use proper hand positioning during work
Seek early treatment for finger stiffness
When to Seek Medical Attention
Complete inability to straighten the finger
Severe pain that interferes with sleep
Signs of infection (fever, increased warmth, redness)
Progressive worsening despite treatment
Multiple fingers becoming affected
Numbness or tingling in the affected finger
No improvement after 6 weeks of conservative treatment
Finger becoming fixed in bent position
Recommended Products for Recovery

Finger Splints

Extension splints for night use

Heat Therapy

Warm packs for pre-exercise

Therapy Tools

Exercise tools for finger mobility

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