Physical Therapy for a Trigger Finger

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger happens when tendons, or their protective sheath, around your fingers or thumb swell up or thicken. The swelling makes it hard for your affected digits to move smoothly.  Severe cases can “freeze” your fingers in a flexed position.  Trigger finger can affect any of your digits, but people most commonly develop it in their ring fingers. Anyone can develop trigger finger but it is more common in people between the ages of 40 and 60.  Having a job or hobby that requires you to perform strenuous repetitive motions when grasping, gripping or applying a lot of force with your fingers and thumbs can also put you at an increased risk of developing trigger finger.

Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Finger: 

• A snapping or popping feeling when you move your fingers or thumb.  It might feel like affected digits are “catching” or getting stuck as they move.
• Pain and stiffness when flexing your fingers or thumb in toward your palm.  Stiffness is usually worse in the morning and improves some as you start using your fingers and thumb.
• Soreness in your palm near the base of your fingers or thumb.  This pain is usually worse when you’re gripping or grasping something.
• Swelling or a tender lump in the palm of your hand.
• Your fingers or thumb locking (sticking) in a flexed position.  You might need to use your other hand to gently push your fingers to straighten out. 

Diagnosis of Trigger Finger: 

Diagnosis is through a physical examination by a healthcare provider. Special tests or imaging is not usually needed to diagnose trigger finger but an ultrasound or x-ray may be performed to look at bone and soft tissue integrity.

Physical Therapy Treatment for Trigger Finger: 

Treatment will include a combination of manual therapy and exercises to improve mobility in the joints, stretch and strengthen the tendons of your hand. In conjunction with this, we will review ways to modify work and hobbies to stay functional while you recover. In certain cases, splinting and/or surgery may be required. 

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