Symptoms of Trigger Finger:

Trigger Finger may affect any of the fingers (1-5) as well as any one of the finger joints (MP, PIP, DIP Joints). MP stands for the metaphalangeal joint which is the joint closest to the hand. The next joint is the PIP or the proximal interphalangeal joint (middle of each finger) and the DIP is the distal interphalangeal joint, the joint closest to the ends of the fingers.

The occurrence of Trigger Finger, also known as Stenosing Tenosynovitis or Flexor Tendonitis, usually affects the MP joint and results from overuse of the flexor muscles/tendons and the formation of an adhesion or fibrotic nodule on the tendon. If left untreated, the adhesion/nodule becomes larger, therefore creating a conflicting ratio between the size of the tendon and the size of the entrance of the tendon sheath.

There may also be thickening of the pulley ligament as well, due to the friction of the adhesion/nodule against the pulley ligament from the finger being flexed and extended numerous times through the day. In most cases, if the adhesion/nodule is not treated, it will continue to increase in size (Depending on activity/use of the affected finger) to the point where it still has the ability to pass into and through the tendon sheath when flexing the finger, but becomes stuck and cannot move back through the tendon sheath and/or pulley when trying to extend/straighten the finger, thus causing the finger to lock in the flexed downward position (Palm of hand).

At first, this is experienced as a snapping of the affected finger when relaxing a fist. If the condition worsens, the finger may need active force from the opposing hand/fingers to straighten, or the affected finger(s) may not straighten at all.

Trigger Finger is often the worst first thing in the morning when the hand has been stationary / non-active for a long period of time. After being up and about for several minutes, symptoms of the affected finger(s) usually improve. Many people warm their hands in running water first thing in the morning, as this too can aid in the reduction of the finger "triggering".

The second most common triggering affects the DIP joint, making it look like the fingertip is bent or "bowed". This is usually caused by a short flexor tendon, not a nodule/adhesion catching in the finger's pulley system. The fingertip can be manually straightened with force, but it immediately returns to to the "bowed" position. Although the symptoms of the disorder are different, the treatment remains the same.

Treating Trigger Finger involves a series of active exercises and stretches. Even though many individuals may not be able to move their finger(s) at all without "catching", it is very interesting that while utilizing the FLEXTEND® / RESTORE™ system, the action of pure resisted finger extension virtually eliminates all major "catching" of the affected finger while performing the movements, and when the exercises are completed, there is a sudden and severe reduction in the symptoms. This is especially true in cases where Trigger Finger is being addressed early on. The longer an injury exists, the longer it usually takes to eliminate it. Although it is much better to address this condition when it is first noticed, it can be addressed by FLEXTEND® / RESTORE™ at any time, but the recovery times will vary from person-to-person.