A trigger finger or thumb presents with catching or locking when you try to straighten it. It is due to thickening of the overlying structures. This can cause secondary changes within the tendon substance, resulting in a bump at the base of your finger. Tendons are structures that transmit forces from muscle to bone to help you accomplish a movement for hand function. The catching or locking effect happens when the tendon gets caught as it passes through these overlying structures.

Hand Therapy can help Trigger Finger or Thumb through splinting. Splints allows the affected digit rest to help reduce catching or locking. Cortisone injection along with splinting has been proven to help. Surgery may be required to stop triggering at more advanced stage. Therapy can help to improve joint movement prior to surgery and post-surgery. In addition, hand occupational therapy such as activity modification to improve activity habits and posture can help to reduce symptoms and prevent further strain injury from happening during hand function.