Yes, trigger finger is bad because it can cause pain, stiffness, and loss of finger function.
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your hand. Specifically, it involves the tendons that bend your fingers and thumb. When these tendons become inflamed or thickened, they can get caught as they slide through the tendon sheath, a tunnel-like structure that guides the tendon. This catching sensation is what gives the condition its name.
Here's a more detailed breakdown of why trigger finger is considered "bad":
- Pain: One of the most common symptoms is pain in the affected finger or thumb, especially at the base.
- Stiffness: Fingers affected by trigger finger often feel stiff, particularly in the morning.
- Clicking or Popping: You might feel a clicking or popping sensation when you bend or straighten your finger.
- Catching or Locking: The finger can get stuck in a bent position and then suddenly snap straight, like a trigger being pulled. This can be quite painful.
- Loss of Function: In severe cases, the finger can become permanently stuck in a bent position, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.
- Inability to Straighten: Some individuals experience difficulty straightening the affected finger, and attempting to do so can cause discomfort. If the condition persists for several weeks, the volar plate ligament may shorten, further restricting motion.
While trigger finger is often treatable with conservative measures like rest, splinting, and steroid injections, more severe cases may require surgery to release the constricted tendon sheath. Left untreated, trigger finger can significantly impact hand function and quality of life.
