Questions and Answers

L.F. from Austin, TX writes... My ring finger is “locking up” when I try to close my hand. It is painful to straighten it out and sometimes looks swollen. I am wondering if I have carpal tunnel?

Dear L.F., It sounds like you have a “trigger finger”. This does not sound like carpal tunnel, as there does not appear to be any nerve symptoms. Many times with a repetitive activity or task the tendon that bends the finger becomes swollen. For example, the person who must work with a mouse all day, grip a golf club, or squeeze the trigger on a gasoline pump can develop symptoms. There is a series of structures in the finger called “pulleys” that hold the tendon next to the bone. When a tendon becomes swollen or inflamed a nodule can develop on the tendon making it difficult to pass under the pulley system. Bending and straightening the finger causes the “ popping” sensation. Trigger fingers are usually treated initially with resting of the inflamed tendon. Sometimes splints are made by Hand Therapists to block the tendon from sliding under the pulley and putting the entire finger at rest. Physicians may also treat the inflammation with anti-inflammatory agents or local injections into the tendon sheath. Hand therapy can be of benefit to assist in decreasing the inflammatory symptoms and promote healing of the inflamed structures. If problems persist and are severe enough to limit the use of the hand the Physician may have to surgically excise the pulley.

I recommend that you evaluate what you are doing during the day that may be aggravating your finger and try and limit the activity and see if this helps your problem.

 

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