Trigger Finger — When Your Finger Catches with a Click
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If you wake up with a finger stuck in a bent position that won't straighten, or feel a "click" when moving your finger, you may have trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis). The name comes from the way the finger catches and then suddenly releases — like pulling a trigger.
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger is a condition in which the tunnel (pulley) that the flexor tendon passes through becomes thickened, or the tendon itself swells, preventing smooth gliding through the tunnel. It most commonly affects the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger.
Main symptoms
- A "clicking" or catching sensation when bending and straightening the finger
- Symptoms are worse in the morning and somewhat ease with activity
- Tenderness and a palpable nodule at the base of the finger (palm side)
- In severe cases, the finger locks in a bent position and must be released with the other hand
Who is affected most
- People who do repetitive hand work (cooking, sewing, gardening, playing instruments)
- Those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease
- More common in women in their 50s–60s
- Often occurs alongside tenosynovitis
Treatment
In the early stage (mild clicking), most cases improve with conservative treatment.
- Reduce finger use and get adequate rest
- Acupuncture and pharmacopuncture to reduce inflammation around the pulley
- Finger stretches and warm compresses
- Wear a night splint (to keep the finger fixed during sleep)
Once symptoms progress to the locking stage, treatment becomes more difficult. If you start to feel catching during finger movement, it's best to consult a specialist early and begin appropriate treatment.