Trigger Finger

Trigger Finger and Flexor Tendinits both describe swelling of the finger tendons or the lining surrounding them. Each finger has one or two tendons which connect the bones of the finger to muscles in the forearm so that you can bend them. The tendons glide through a series of pulleys which hold them closely to the bones (see Figure). The pulleys begin in the palm and extend the length of each finger. There is little extra room between the tendons and surrounding pulleys therefore if swelling of the tendon or tendon lining occurs, then rubbing or locking will result. The most common place for rubbing to begin is in the palm or base of the thumb with locking of the tendons on the A1 pulley. The thumb or ring finger is affected most often and the index finger least often.