What causes a finger to lock?

Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis). It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.

How do I stop my finger from locking up?

Trigger Finger Treatment

Rest. Try not to move the finger or thumb. ...
Splints. Your doctor can give you one designed to keep your finger still.
Stretching exercises. These gentle moves may ease stiffness and improve range of motion.
NSAIDs. ...
Steroid injections.

Can trigger finger heal on its own?

Trigger finger can recur but the condition generally corrects itself after a short while. More severe cases may become locked in the bent position and require surgery to correct it. When the condition occurs in children as young by the time they are one year of age, the condition is known as congenital trigger finger.

What causes fingers to curl up and lock?

Dupuytren's contracture (also called Dupuytren's disease) is an abnormal thickening of the skin in the palm of your hand at the base of your fingers. This thickened area may develop into a hard lump or thick band. Over time, it can cause one or more fingers to curl (contract), or pull sideways or in toward your palm.

How can I treat my trigger finger at home?

Home remedies

applying heat or ice packs to the affected fingers.
taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin.
doing hand exercises to regain mobility.
applying capsaicin creams or gels to the affected fingers.
resting the affected fingers in cases of acute injury or trauma.

23 related questions found

Is trigger finger a form of arthritis?

While it can be preceded by a hand injury or strain, trigger finger is most commonly associated with arthritis.

Does squeezing a ball help trigger finger?

The ball squeeze

The ball squeeze exercise can help alleviate tendonitis of the thumb. To perform the exercise, hold a small ball in the palm and gently apply pressure to the ball with the fingertips. A person can strengthen the thumb muscle further by applying extra force.

What is the difference between trigger finger and Dupuytren's contracture?

Unlike a finger which is bent due to trigger finger, a finger bent by Dupuytren's contracture is unable to straighten, even with help from the other hand. Trigger finger can be treated conservatively in mild cases, with treatment options including use of an oral anti-inflammatory medication or injection of cortisone.

What is Viking finger?

It is defined by Dorland as shortening, thickening, and fibrosis of the palmar fascia producing a flexion deformity of a finger. Tradition has it that the disease originated with the Vikings, who spread it throughout Northern Europe and beyond as they traveled and intermarried.

Why is my hand closing on its own?

This is a progressive disease of the hand that causes the fingers to close in, leaving the patient unable to straighten them. In Dupuytren's, connective tissue in the palm of the hand becomes thickened from an overgrowth of collagen. This causes the tissue to tighten, forcing the fingers to flex in.

What exercises can I do for trigger finger?

1. Finger extensor stretch

Lay your hand out flat on a table or solid surface.
Use your other hand to hold the affected finger.
Slowly lift up the finger and keep the rest of your fingers flat.
Lift and stretch the finger as high as it will go without straining.
Hold it here for a few seconds and release it back down.

Is trigger finger a serious condition?

In most cases, trigger finger is a nuisance rather than a serious condition. However, if it is not treated, the affected finger or thumb may become permanently stuck in a bent position. This can make carrying out everyday tasks difficult.

Does Voltaren Gel work for trigger finger?

What are trigger finger treatment options? Stretching, ice, and anti-inflammation treatments can be helpful. Oral anti-inflammatory medications that may be helpful include naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, Cambia), and others.

Why is it called trigger finger?

Trigger finger is an often painful condition that affects a finger or thumb. Symptoms include a sensation of "catching" when trying to bend or straighten the finger. The name comes from the trigger-like snap that occurs when the finger suddenly releases. A bump (nodule) may also form.

Does heat help trigger finger?

Heat or ice: Heat or ice can be applied to reduce swelling. Placing your hand in warm water several times throughout the day can also relax the tendons and muscles in your fingers and hand.

What is Celtic hand?

Dupuytren's contracture (also called Dupuytren's disease, Morbus Dupuytren, Viking disease, palmar fibromatosis and Celtic hand) is a condition in which one or more fingers become permanently bent in a flexed position.

What is up with Bill Nighy's hands?

One of the first things you notice about Bill Nighy is his hands. He suffers from Dupuytren's contracture, a condition that causes some of his fingers to bend in towards the palm, which can make shaking hands with fans difficult.

What causes Dupuytren's?

Dupuytren's contracture often runs in families. Tobacco and alcohol use. Smoking is associated with an increased risk of Dupuytren's contracture, perhaps because of microscopic changes within blood vessels caused by smoking. Alcohol intake also is associated with Dupuytren's.

What is the technical name for trigger finger?

Overview. Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released. Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis).

Are trigger fingers hereditary?

Trigger finger and trigger thumb is caused by a disparity in size of the flexor tendon and its surrounding sheath. When the tendon is enlarged, or the sheath is tight, the tendon cannot glide smoothly. It occurs by chance and it is not associated with hereditary or genetic disorders.

How do you fix a trigger finger without surgery?

Resting your hands if possible, wearing a splint at night, stretching exercises and a steroid injection all can alleviate trigger finger without surgery. Severity of trigger finger can be as simple as an annoying pop or sensation of the joint being stuck when you extend the finger.

Is massage good for trigger finger?

Self-massages can help treat trigger finger at home. Just a few minutes of self-massage a day can reduce pain and improve the finger's function. Massages before and after the exercises can ease the joints, tendons, and muscles into and out of a workout by increasing circulation and flexibility.

When should you see a doctor for trigger finger?

If your finger pain, stiffness, or swelling has persisted for more than six weeks, or you have diabetes, you may need surgical treatment. During a surgical procedure to treat trigger finger, your doctor will make an incision into and cut open the constricted area of the affected tendon.

What cream is good for trigger finger?

Diclofenac topical (Zorvolex, Zipsor, Cambia, Cataflam, Voltaren XR) NSAIDs inhibit inflammatory reactions and pain by decreasing prostaglandin synthesis.