Trigger fingers are a sinew disorder of the hand, causing a thickening of the tendon sheaths and the flexor musculature of the fingers. In most cases the disorder is located above the basic finger joint on the inside of the hand.
The flexor musculature cannot slide smoothly in the tendon sheath anymore but is hindered by its swelling. A limited ability straighten as well as a distinct tendon thickening are typical symptoms.
The disease was named after the "triggering" movement of the fingers when stretched.
In advanced stages the finger in question cannot be moved out of a bent position anymore.
However in most cases preservative treatment does not achieve positive results.
The chances of success are substantially greater with a surgical treatment. The longitudinal splitting of the constriction of the tendon sheath will usually ensure lasting relief.
