Why do I get trigger finger in the morning?

“Triggering” commonly happens at night or in the morning after sleeping with the hand in a fisted position for a long period of time. Triggering can also happen with activities that require repeated gripping or pinching, such as holding a pen. Learn more about the symptoms, causes & treatment of trigger finger.

What is trigger finger syndrome?

Trigger finger is a condition in which one of your fingers gets stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released. Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis (stuh-NO-sing ten-o-sin-o-VIE-tis).

Does trigger finger go away?

Trigger finger can recur but the condition generally corrects itself after a short while. More severe cases may become locked in the bent position and require surgery to correct it. When the condition occurs in children as young by the time they are one year of age, the condition is known as congenital trigger finger.

Is trigger finger worse in the morning?

The symptoms are worse in the morning Yes, it’s true. The clicking is worse in the morning when you initially start moving your fingers. In the early stages of trigger finger, you can just shake your hands and the clicking should go away. Over time, the triggering can become more frequent and more painful.

How long does a trigger finger last?

Full recovery may take a few weeks, but swelling and stiffness may linger for 6 months. If your finger was very stiff before surgery, your doctor will probably suggest physical therapy to teach you exercises to help loosen it.

Does squeezing a ball help trigger finger?

Since a trigger thumb is caused by the inflammation of the thumb tendon, the ball squeeze exercise works well in relaxing its symptoms such as stiffness, popping, and clicking sensation.

What is the best thing to do for a trigger finger?

Treatment

  • Rest. Avoid activities that require repetitive gripping, repeated grasping or the prolonged use of vibrating hand-held machinery until your symptoms improve.
  • A splint. Your doctor may have you wear a splint at night to keep the affected finger in an extended position for up to six weeks.
  • Stretching exercises.

Is ice good for trigger finger?

Ice therapy for the affected finger can decrease inflammation and dull pain. An ice or cold pack can be applied for 5 to 10 minutes every few hours. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may be able to treat the underlying inflammation that causes trigger finger.

What is the best medicine for trigger finger?

The quickest and most effective treatment is a local cortisone injection into the tendon sheath around the affected tendon. Most patients will respond well to the steroid injection (corticosteroid injection such as kenalog, depomedrol, and others). Trigger finger can recur after a period of normal function.