Trigger finger

What is a Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a painful condition in which a finger or thumb clicks or locks as it is bent towards the palm. 

It is caused by thickening of the mouth of a tendon tunnel leading to roughness of the tendon surface, and the tendon then catches in the tunnel mouth. 

Trigger finger and trigger thumb are not harmful, but can be a really painful nuisance. 

People with diabetes seem to suffer with this more than those without diabetes but it can affect anyone. It can come on after trauma but usually just comes on spontaneously. 

Symptoms are usually pain around the base of the finger or thumb and a catching/locking sensation when bending the finger or thumb.