{"id":5057,"date":"2019-03-18T05:04:30","date_gmt":"2019-03-18T05:04:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=5057"},"modified":"2021-05-04T13:13:59","modified_gmt":"2021-05-04T13:13:59","slug":"12-causes-of-trigger-finger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/12-causes-of-trigger-finger\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Causes of Trigger Finger"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Trigger finger is a condition that affects one or more fingers of the hand, leading to difficulty moving and occasional freezing in position (called \u2018catching\u2019). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The predominant reason for this is that the tendon becomes too large for the tendon sheath that it passes through (a kind of tunnel). This then prevents it from moving properly and can cause a clicking sensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trigger finger is more accurately referred to as either stenotic tenosynovitis or stenosing tenovaginosis. Very often, it will affect the thumb or ring finger \u2013 though it can actually appear in most fingers and can sometimes even appear in more than one finger at once. In some cases, it might affect more than one hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The primary symptoms of trigger finger are a pain at the base of the finger or thumb (where the tendon runs), stiffness and clicking when moving the finger, and greater discomfort first thing in the morning than later in the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps the most notable symptom though, and the one that gives the condition its name, is the tendency for the finger to get \u2018stuck\u2019 in the bent position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what precisely might have caused this condition? How do you know if the area of your symptoms likely caused by a trigger finger, rather than something else? Let\u2019s take a look at 8 common causes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Arthritis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Remember, the reason that this condition occurs is that the tendon is no longer moving correctly through the tendon sheath. Most often, this is because either the tendon itself or the sheath has become inflamed and swollen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many potential causes of swelling and inflammation likewise, but the most common culprit is probably arthritis<\/a>. There are many different types of arthritis, which can be caused by wear and tear, or by the immune system attacking itself. Whichever form, this can result in the development of a trigger finger and make it harder to move the fingers, as well as making them more painful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Age<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Age <\/a>should never be an explanation in itself \u2013 in theory, there is no reason we can\u2019t remain completely healthy in old age. Of course, it is true that many elderly people do not suffer from trigger finger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, sometimes it is not apparent precisely what is causing a condition and all that is known is that it is more likely to affect older individuals. In this case, the trigger finger is more likely to appear in people over 40 years old, suggesting that there might be some element of wear and tear at play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can potentially be exacerbated by particularly lifestyles and also by other conditions such as aforementioned arthritis (which also occurs more commonly in older patients).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Hormonal <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is definitely a role for hormones <\/a>in the development of a trigger finger. This condition more commonly affects women than men, which may be linked with estrogen production. Likewise, it occurs more frequently in women who have hormone imbalances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many of us think of hormones as predominantly affecting our moods. In fact, though, hormones regulate countless different processes throughout the body, ranging from weight gain and weight loss, to control of the immune system. Increases in estrogen are well known to cause swelling and this could potentially play a role in the formation of trigger fingers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One example of a hormonal condition that may be linked with a trigger finger is hypothyroidism, which slows down metabolism and alters the release of hormones. Other symptoms include acne, tiredness, and weight gain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Certain medications <\/a>may increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger \u2013 especially those that act on the metabolism. This might also be true of performance-enhancing drugs and even recreational drugs in some instances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, some anabolic steroids will work by increasing testosterone (the male hormone) but this can then be metabolized to create extra estrogen. While the user\u2019s male traits are exaggerated, so too are their feminine traits. This can lead to a number of unwanted side effects that run contrary to the intended use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One such side effect is swelling, which can lead to a look of \u2018puffiness\u2019 through water retention and can also cause joint pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Dupuytren\u2019s Contracture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dupuytren’s contracture<\/a> is a condition that affects all of the connective tissue in the palm of the hand. This can sometimes cause the fingers to bend into the palm of the hand and might cause other fingers on the hand to experience similar difficulties with movement and dexterity. It can also lead to pain and discomfort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course in this scenario, you might also experience fingers sticking and jamming, and might notice the pain commonly associated with trigger finger. If you suspect you are experiencing Dupuytren’s contracture, then it is important that you get help from a doctor right away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

6. Surgery<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Surgery <\/a>of the hand may sometimes lead to a trigger finger and this might be temporary or permanent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, a similar condition is a carpal tunnel, which likewise is caused by pain and irritation affecting the tendons that control the fingers. If you have carpal tunnel, then you might require surgery in order to restore normal movement and reduce the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, while this can be effective at improving the carpal tunnel, any surgery can occasionally cause complications. In this instance, it might lead to irritation of the tendons or damage to the tendon sheath \u2013 either of which can then, in turn, lead to trigger finger.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s normal to feel stiff and experience discomfort following any surgery. However, if this discomfort seems to go on for a long time without getting any better, then you should speak with a consultant. Likewise, you might also be able to benefit from painkillers and\/or steroid injections in the short term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. RSI\/Injury<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

RSI is a repetitive strain <\/a>injury. This is simply irritation that can occur from repeatedly performing the same movement over and over again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In theory, the body does not have any \u2018set number\u2019 of movements before it runs out. Our bodies are constantly rejuvenating themselves and replenishing cells, therefore any damage should be repaired as we go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, however, if we are moving in an unnatural or uncomfortable way and we are doing this repeatedly, then it might eventually lead to issues affecting the joints and tendons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the case of trigger finger, a potential cause could be lots of typing \u2013 especially if you are prone to resting your wrist against the keyboard. Construction workers also commonly experience RSI, which comes as a result of using power tools like pneumatic drills. These cause a huge amount of vibration which can lead to RSI over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, it\u2019s also possible that the trigger finger might result from direct trauma. For example, if you should shut your hand in a door, or block a punch, this can cause immediate damage to the tendon or tendon sheath. Either thing might then lead to the area becoming swollen and might make it difficult and painful to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Sleep<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Finally, sleep <\/a>can also trigger the trigger finger. That is not to say that sleep will cause a trigger finger, but it can certainly lead to a temporary increase in the symptoms. That\u2019s because the reduced movement can lead to fluids gathering that might cause inflammation and swelling and make it harder to move. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While too much rest can actually exacerbate trigger finger though, too much use and exercise can also cause more damage over time. One of the most common treatments for the trigger finger is therefore to rest the affected area and to try using the other hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many other environmental factors can also affect trigger fingers in the short term. For example, if the weather is very cold, then this is well known to cause joint pain including the trigger finger. Likewise, though, hot weather can also lead to swelling and this too might actually make it harder for the tendons to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately then, a lot of different things can \u2018trigger\u2019 trigger finger. And in many cases, you are damned if you do and damned if you don\u2019t. So best to speak with your physician and have the problem solved!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Typing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

We mentioned earlier that a number of repetitive actions could lead to a trigger finger via RSI. But what kinds of movements are these that can lead to the problem? One common example is typing. Typing is something that many of us engage in infrequently, and which causes us to repeat the same movements over and over again. Eventually, this can lead to a number of complaints, including a trigger finger<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While there is no way to completely defend against trigger finger as caused by typing, there are a number of steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of this happening. One such step is to make sure that you are typing with the correct technique. This means typing with all fingers of the hand and reaching for the keys with whatever finger is closest to the letter that you need. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This will help to more evenly spread the strain and the movement across the hand, rather than meaning that a lot of impacts is all going through the same finger. You could even consider an alternative keyboard layout, such as DVORAK. These are designed in order to place the keys you need most often nearer, thereby reducing the amount of reaching that you need to do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other things you can do are to invest in the right keyboard \u2013 a mechanical keyboard that doesn\u2019t \u2018bottom out\u2019 will reduce the impact on the fingers \u2013 and consider the height of your chair against the desk. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Manual Labor<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Manual labor can likewise also lead to pain in the fingers and inflammation <\/a>when repeated over and over. This is again due to the fact that you will be performing many of the same movements over and over again \u2013 things such as screwing, clipping, and the like all require a repetitive and similar movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time though, labor can also place strain on the joints in other ways too: for instance, when you use something like power tools, you will cause a lot of powerful vibrations to affect the joints, which can, in turn, cause inflammation, pain, and moreover time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is often a problem for those that are in long-term manual labor positions, as the damage will add up and be cumulative. At the same time though, it can also be an issue if you take on a long-term DIY job. When taking part in any new project, you should always plan for your own endurance and make sure to include rest time and recovery!<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Rock Climbing<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Rock climbing is a type of sport that will commonly lead to a trigger finger. The issue here is that you will be using your fingers to grip into different holds and will then be placing all of your weight <\/a>on them. Trying to lift yourself up from your fingers if you have not previously trained yourself to be able to, can be an extremely painful way to tear a tendon!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But at the same time, doing this over and over will often lead to damage over time. There are many other types of sport that can similarly cause tendon pain with time. For instance, we know that tennis can often cause tennis elbow, while gold can lead to golfer\u2019s elbow! Actually though, both these things can come from climbing too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When engaging in any sport, be sure to give yourself time to adequately warm up first, and then to stretch afterward. Keep in mind too, that tendons are slower to adapt to training than muscle, and that they also take longer to recover from that training (around 48 hours).<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Nutritional Deficit<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A nutritional deficit is another common cause of tendon pain. Here, there are all kinds of issues that can lead to the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For instance, if you are not getting enough omega 3<\/a>, then this can upset the ratio of omega 3 to omega 6. That, in turn, can lead to inflammation. Eating more fish, or supplementing with omega 3 is a good idea if you are ever suffering from pain caused by inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another tip is to try and ensure you are getting enough micro and macronutrients. Protein, in particular, is very important for tissue repair (through amino acids) so if you are training a lot and not getting enough protein, then you may find that this gradually causes deterioration in your joints and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, consuming things like vitamins can help to strengthen your immune system, whereas consuming things like minerals can help you to rebuild your connective tissues. For that latter point, things like calcium, and even collagen are of particular importance. Calcium also requires vitamin D and magnesium in order for you to get the most from it, so ensure that you consume this regularly too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Medications can cause inflammation in the joints and tendons<\/a> through the action they have on the hormones. We\u2019ve seen that conditions such as hypothyroidism can actually lead to trigger finger, as well as carpal tunnel, and other related conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What\u2019s more, is that using medications that alter your hormonal balance can also have a similar effect. In fact, swelling and joint pain are common side effects of anything that reduces or increases the female sex hormone estrogen. If you are using such medication, then check the side effects which should be listed on the packaging. If you think this could be responsible, then speak with your physician about changing your course of meds.
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