Why Your Finger Locks or Clicks: Understanding Trigger Finger

If your finger sometimes gets stuck in a bent position or makes a clicking sound when you try to straighten it, you may have trigger finger. Although it may seem alarming, this condition is relatively common and treatable.

Read on as Dr. Jonathan Liu, Dr. Huey Yuan Tien, and the Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services team explain why your finger locks and what we can do to help you find relief.

What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger (also called stenosing tenosynovitis) happens when the tendon that bends your finger (flexor tendon) becomes irritated or inflamed. 

Usually, your tendons glide smoothly through a protective tunnel in your hand. But when swelling develops, the tendon can’t move freely. This causes your finger to catch, lock, or snap as it straightens.

Risk factors include:

Underlying health conditions 

Health conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis can increase your risk of developing trigger finger. In fact, trigger finger impacts 3% of the general population and as many as 20% of people with diabetes.

Repetitive gripping 

Repetitive motion causes trigger finger by putting constant stress on the flexor tendons in your fingers. This repeated gripping or squeezing irritates your tendon sheath, which prevents the tendon from gliding smoothly. If it can’t glide smoothly, it can lead to the telltale locking or clicking. 

Hobbies and activities most at risk include gardening, playing musical instruments, sewing, golfing, and using tools that require frequent gripping.

Being female or over the age of 40

Being over 40 increases your risk for trigger finger because tendons and their protective sheaths naturally lose flexibility with age, which makes them more prone to irritation and inflammation. 

In addition, age-related changes in collagen and tissue repair slow down healing, so even minor repetitive strains can build up and cause problems.

How do you know if you have trigger finger?

Symptoms often start mild but can progress over time, which makes it harder to use your hand for daily activities.

You might notice:

• Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
• A clicking or popping sound when moving your finger
• Tenderness or a bump at the base of your finger
• Your finger gets stuck in a bent position before suddenly releasing

To officially diagnose trigger finger, Dr. Jonathan Liu or Dr. Huey Yuan Tien examines your fingers, reviews your symptoms, takes your medical history, and, if needed, analyzes imaging tests such as X-rays.

How is trigger finger treated?

Trigger finger won’t always go away on its own, and untreated cases can become more painful and limit hand function. The good news? With the right treatment, most people experience significant relief and regain full use of their hand.

Trigger finger treatment usually starts with conservative options like rest, splinting, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling. Corticosteroid injections are often very effective at easing pain and allowing the tendon to glide smoothly again. 

If symptoms don’t improve, our board-certified hand surgeons may recommend a minor, minimally invasive surgery to release the tightened tendon sheath and restore normal finger movement. Surgical release is effective in nearly 100% of cases, while steroid injections improve 80% of cases.

If your finger locks or clicks, don’t brush it off. Help for trigger fingers is just a call or click away. 

Call our Visalia, Porterville, Reedley, or Tulare, California, office or click here to schedule your consultation.