A "frozen finger" is a simplified term, though it usually refers to a condition officially known as trigger finger (or trigger thumb).
Understanding Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb, making it difficult to move them smoothly.
How it Works
- Tendons and Sheaths: Tendons are cords that attach muscle to bone. In your fingers and thumbs, these tendons pass through tunnels called sheaths.
- Inflammation: Trigger finger occurs when the tendon sheath becomes inflamed or narrowed.
- Catching and Locking: This inflammation makes it hard for the tendon to glide smoothly through the sheath. It can cause the finger to catch, lock, or click when you try to bend or straighten it.
- "Trigger" Action: The finger might suddenly snap straight, like pulling a trigger, hence the name.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of trigger finger include:
- Stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning.
- A popping or clicking sensation when you move the finger.
- Tenderness or a lump in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
- The finger catching or locking in a bent position.
- Pain when you bend or straighten the finger.
Causes
The exact cause of trigger finger isn't always clear, but it can be associated with:
- Repetitive hand movements or forceful gripping.
- Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and diabetes.
- Trauma to the hand.
Treatment
Treatment options for trigger finger can range from conservative measures to surgical intervention:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.
- Splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the finger straight.
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle exercises to improve range of motion.
- Corticosteroid Injections: Injecting medication into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: Releasing the constricted tendon sheath (in severe cases).
In conclusion, while not a formal medical term, "frozen finger" is generally used to describe the symptoms and effects of trigger finger, which causes catching and locking in the fingers.
