Advertisement
The Short Answer from a rheumatologist
A. People tend to bend their fingers up and down without much thought. But if you have a condition called “trigger finger,” this can be very painful. As you try to unbend an affected finger or thumb, the digit locks into place like a trigger — oftentimes clicking painfully as you extend it.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
The cause of this problem? Inflammation of tendons located within a protective covering called a tendon sheath. While a tendon usually glides easily through its sheath due to a lubricating membrane called synovium, an inflamed and swollen or nodular tendon can prevent this motion. As a result, moving the finger or thumb may pull the inflamed portion through a contracted tendon sheath, making it snap or pop.
Symptoms of trigger finger may include:
Although highly repetitive or forceful use of the finger or thumb can cause trigger finger, medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout or diabetes may affect the tissues and cause trigger finger. Treatment begins with limiting activities that aggravate the condition. Your physician may recommend wearing a splint on the affected finger or thumb to restrict joint movement.
If symptoms persist, you may benefit from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Steroid injections of the tendon sheath usually result in significant relief in the majority of patients.
If trigger finger does not respond to conservative measures or consistently recurs, surgery may be recommended to reliever the tendon sheath and restore movement.
— Steven Maschke, MD, orthopedic surgeon
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Treatments have improved outcomes for a condition once viewed as fatal
Research shows a strong association between rheumatoid arthritis and heart issues
An overactive immune system can be just as serious as one that stops working
The answer varies from person to person and vaccine to vaccine
Learn all you can, seek out support and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself
From nausea, weight gain and eczema, stress can affect your immune system in many ways
This autoimmune disease can cause health issues ranging from mild to severe
Choose foods high in omega-3s and antioxidants; avoid red meat and dairy
Focus on your body’s metabolic set point by eating healthy foods, making exercise a part of your routine and reducing stress
PFAS chemicals may make life easier — but they aren’t always so easy on the human body
While there’s little risk in trying this hair care treatment, there isn’t much science to back up the claims