Painful Fingering of the Finger

Trigger finger calls for pain when the finger you try to straighten out, swallows and often hurts. In some cases, the finger remains and the other hand is required to straighten your finger.

Usually, when flexing the finger, there is a long tendon that pulls the finger together and helps it slide smoothly through a protective sheath around it.

The finger may become swollen due to repeated use such as typing, texting and laundry. With swelling of the protective sheaths, the tendon cannot slide properly, which is why it will swallow.

During repeated puncture, the tendon may also become inflamed causing a nodule (such as a scar). As a result, the finger will ache and swallow.

Who are those affected:
1. Usually, people between 40 and 60 years old.

2. Repeated use of hands. People who often handle things like this for work are more prone to trigger finger. Excessive typing, texting, or exercise of heavy dumbbells can cause this. Players of long-time musical instruments are also at risk.

3. Diabetes and arthritis can worsen the trigger finger.

The diagnosis of trigger finger is simple. Your doctor will examine your hand and see the lock. The doctor feels if the nodule is painful (as if it is swollen) at the base of the affected finger, which is a sign of finger trigger.

The condition is usually worse in the morning, and usually affects the thumb, middle finger or fingertip.

Rest your hand and do not crack too much. You can put a finger splint on it so it won't bend. See an Orthopedic surgeon for other treatments.