What You Need to Know About Trigger Finger
Have you ever tried to move your finger and it felt stuck? Or maybe you bent it and it made a pop or felt sore in your palm? That could be something called trigger finger.
Let’s break it down in a simple way.
❓ What Is Trigger Finger?
Your fingers move with the help of tendons — kind of like little ropes inside your hand. These tendons slide through a tunnel that helps your fingers bend and straighten.
But when someone has trigger finger, the tendon gets swollen or irritated, and it can’t slide smoothly. This makes your finger feel like it’s catching or locking — like a trigger being pulled and released. That’s where the name comes from!
🧠 What Does Trigger Finger Feel Like?
Trigger finger usually starts slowly. You might notice:
A sore or tender spot in your palm near the base of your finger or thumb
A bump that feels like a little pea under the skin
Your finger gets stuck when you bend it — and then it suddenly pops straight
It feels stiff or hard to move, especially in the morning
These photos show the main area of where you will feel the pain. Trigger finger can be very painful, painful enough that many patients will rate their pain a 10/10.
👩⚕️ Who Gets Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger can happen to anyone, but it’s more common in:
Adults over 40
People who use their hands a lot (like typing, gripping tools, or knitting)
People with health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or thyroid problems
🛠️ What Helps It Feel Better?
Here are some things that can help:
Rest your hand and avoid doing things that make it worse
Wear a finger splint to keep it straight
Take medicine like ibuprofen to help with swelling
Sometimes doctors give a steroid shot to calm it down
If it doesn’t get better, a small surgery can fix the problem
** A steroid injection above the site of the tendon does a really good job at taking ccare of the pain. Seek out a medical professional in your area**
✅ Final Thoughts
Trigger finger might sound scary, but it’s something doctors see all the time — and it’s treatable! If your finger feels stuck, sore, or hard to move, don’t wait. A quick visit with a hand specialist can help you get back to using your hand without pain.