Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendon sheath of a finger or thumb becomes inflamed and narrowed, making it hard to bend or straighten the affected digit, much like a sword getting stuck in its sheath. This condition often causes stiffness, pain, and a clicking or popping sensation when you move your finger, especially in the morning.

It typically occurs in people who perform repetitive hand movements and is more common in women and diabetics. The large joint of the ring finger and thumb are most commonly affected, although it can happen to any digit. The initial symptoms may start as a painless catching or clicking but often progress to painful snapping or locking of the finger. 

Treatments, including hands-on manual therapy and special hand exercises, can help alleviate the symptoms. Sometimes you may need to limit repetitive gripping and forceful hand use to prevent symptoms from worsening.