What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendons in your finger or thumb become inflamed, leading to irritation as they pass through the sheath that surrounds them. This inflammation causes the tendon to thicken, making it difficult to move smoothly.

Over time, this results in the characteristic locking or catching sensation. The underlying cause is the repeated friction or stress on the tendons, often due to frequent gripping motions or hand use. While anyone can develop trigger finger, those engaged in activities that strain the hand muscles are more likely to experience this condition.

What are the risk factors for trigger finger?

Several factors can increase your chances of developing trigger finger, including the following:

• Age: Individuals over 40 are more likely to develop trigger finger due to tendon wear.
• Gender: Women have a higher risk, possibly due to hormonal factors affecting tendon flexibility.
• Repetitive hand use: Activities like gripping tools or playing instruments increase tendon strain.
• Medical conditions: Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis raise the likelihood of tendon inflammation.
• Previous hand injury: A history of hand trauma can increase susceptibility to trigger finger.