The flexor tendons are long cord-like structures that attach the forearm muscles to the bones of the fingers. These flexor tendons allow the fingers to bend when the muscles contract. The flexor tendons pass through the palm and fingers via a tunnel known as the tendon sheath and allow them to glide smoothly as the fingers bend and straighten.

Along the tendon sheath, there are bands of fibrous tissue called pulleys, which hold the flexor tendons closely to the finger bones. The tendons pass through the pulleys as the finger moves. The pulley at the base of the finger is called the A1 pulley.

Trigger finger occurs when the A1 pulley of the affected finger becomes inflamed or thickened, which can interfere with the normal gliding motion of the tendon through the sheath. Prolonged irritation over time leads to inflammation of the flexor tendon itself and the formation of a nodule. When the finger flexes and the nodule passes through the pulley, there is a sensation of catching or popping.

• A popping or clicking sensation along with finger movement
• Finger locking or catching when straightening from a bent position, which then suddenly snaps straight, often with pain
• Finger stiffness, worse in the morning or after a period of inactivity
• Pain or swelling in the palm near the base of the affected finger
• In severe cases, the finger may remain locked in a bent position and is unable to straighten

The factors that may lead to an increased risk of trigger finger include:

• Tends to occur between ages 40-60
• More common in women than men
• Tends to affect people whose job or hobby includes repetitive hand movements or gripping, such as technicians, industrial workers, musicians or athletes

Pre-existing medical conditionssuch as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis

How do I Know if I have Trigger Finger?