Trigger Finger, or digital flexor tenosynovitis, is a condition that can affect all fingers as well as the thumb. A nodule can form over the tendons of the hand due to inflammation. If large enough, the nodule can get blocked in the tunnel that the tendon travels through preventing movement of the tendon. Forceful attempts at extending the affected finger “pops” the nodule abruptly through the tunnel, causing pain and the “triggering” of the finger.

A simple procedure can help alleviate the symptoms of trigger finger and can often be done under local anaesthesia,. A small incision is placed on the palm over the affected finger, and the tendon tunnel is released, thus allowing return of smooth gliding of the tendon.