Trigger Thumb: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Does your thumb lock up or feel stuck after gripping? Do you feel a painful clicking sensation when you try to bend or straighten it? If so, you may have trigger thumb, more commonly called trigger finger.

Trigger finger is more common than you think, and is caused by several factors. If you do repetitive tasks like typing or gripping tools, you are more susceptible to developing trigger finger. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can also increase your risk. The good news is trigger thumb can be treated and tools like Athro-Eze splints are a non-invasive solution to ease the discomfort and aid in recovery.

Here’s everything you need to know about trigger thumb, including trigger finger symptoms, why trigger finger occurs, treatments and why Athro-Eze splints may be the solution for you.

What is Trigger Thumb?

Trigger thumb, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is when tough cords of tissue called a tendon in your finger or thumb becomes inflamed or swollen. Normally, tendons glide freely through the protective sheath that surrounds them as you move your thumb, but in trigger thumb the tension between the affected tendon and the tendon sheath in the affected finger causes catching, locking or painful clicking.

Symptoms of Trigger Thumb:

• Painful Clicking or Snapping: A clicking or snapping sensation in the flexor tendons when you bend or straighten your thumb.
• Thumb Locks Up: The thumb gets stuck in a bent position and suddenly straightens with a pop.
• Tenderness or Bumps: A tender lump or swelling appears on the palm at the base of the thumb or affected finger or thumb where the tendon is inflamed.
• Limited Movement: Stiffness in the affected finger, where you can’t fully extend or bend the thumb without pain.

If you identify with these symptoms of trigger finger, you’re not alone. Trigger thumb is common, and knowing the causes will help you prevent further symptoms.

What Causes Trigger Thumb?

Trigger thumb or trigger finger develops when the flexor tendon becomes swollen to the point where it’s too big to slide smoothly through the narrow tendon sheath that surrounds it, making moving the finger or thumb difficult. This causes the sheath to contract and makes thumb movements painful or restricted. But why does this happen?

Common causes include:

1. Repeated Gripping or Pinching: Activities that involve constant gripping with fingers in a flexed position like holding a golf club, tennis racket, tools for construction or gardening, or writing instruments can overstress the tendon in the affected digit.
2. Underlying Medical Conditions: Health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes or gout can cause inflamed joints and tendons and stiffness that contributes to trigger thumb.
3. Hand Injuries: Direct trauma or injury to the hand can disrupt tendon movement and cause swelling and irritation.

Anyone can get trigger thumb or trigger finger, but athletes, manual labourers and office workers who use their hands repetitively are more at risk.

How do You Treat Trigger Thumb?

The severity and duration of the condition determine the treatment for trigger thumb. Mild cases can resolve on their own within a few weeks, while moderate to severe cases require interventions to reduce inflammation and regain mobility.

Most patients can treat their trigger finger at home, but you should contact your healthcare provider if symptoms persist for several weeks, as you may have other health conditions making the symptoms worse. Your doctor will do a physical exam and determine what treatment you need to relieve the symptoms of trigger finger.

Treatment for Trigger Finger:

Rest and Pain Relief

Avoid activities requiring repetitive movement. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen can help relieve pain and swelling.

Splinting

Splints immobilise the affected finger or thumb in a straight position and give the tendon time to heal. Devices like the Athro-Eze thumb splint keep the finger straight and provide targeted support to take pressure off the tendon and reduce inflammation.

Steroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce swelling around the tendon sheath and improve movement. If symptoms do not improve, you may need a second injection. If this fails, you may need surgery.

Surgery

For severe and persistent cases, trigger finger release surgery may be needed to release the sheath and improve movement. However, surgery is usually a last resort when other treatments fail. Orthopaedic surgeons or a hand therapist will usually prescribe stretching exercises after you heal to help with recovery.

Among these options, splinting is non-invasive, affordable and highly effective, making it the first line of treatment.

Why Use a Splint?

If you have trigger thumb a splint is more than a quick fix. Here’s why splinting is part of the recovery process:

Immobilisation for healing

Splints keep the thumb in a neutral position by restricting movement. This prevents aggravating the tendon by bending the finger and allows inflamed tissue to heal.

Pain Relief

By taking pressure off the stuck tendon, splints can reduce the pain and discomfort of clicking or locking movements.

Preventing Condition Progression

Left untreated, trigger thumb can get worse and cause long-term stiffness. Splints can stop the condition from progressing.

Athro-Eze thumb splints are designed to be comfortable and discreet during recovery, reducing pain and promoting healing without disrupting your daily life.

Why Athro-Eze Splints?

When it comes to choosing a splint for trigger thumb Athro-Eze splints are the clear winner. Here’s why:

Features:

• No Plasters or Straps: These splints don’t have cumbersome straps that can irritate the skin and affect healing.
• Discreet and Lightweight: With a slim, skin-toned or clear design, Athro-Eze splints are almost invisible when worn – perfect for work and social situations.
• 32 Sizes: A custom fit is key to support and comfort. Athro-Eze has 32 sizes to find your perfect fit.
• Waterproof: You don’t need to remove the splint for daily activities like washing or cooking as it’s durable and waterproof.
• Eco-Friendly and Safe: Made from biocompatible, latex-free material with a polished surface to reduce irritation.

Prices and Discounts:

Athro-Eze splints are an affordable solution for your recovery, with prices from £9.95 to £14.95 and up to 20% multi-buy discounts.

Take Control of Your Trigger Thumb Now

Trigger thumb doesn’t have to mean giving up your daily activities or hobbies. With the right treatment – starting with a splint – relief is within reach.

Athro-Eze thumb splints are more than a quick fix; they’re designed to fit into your life, providing long-term support and comfort so you can get back to what you love.

Get your Athro-Eze thumb splint today and take the first step towards recovery.