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Flexor Tenosynovitis

Musculoskeletal Issues 

Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is associated with how long a person has had diabetes, not with age – e.g. a 30-year-old who has had diabetes for 20 years has a higher risk of developing trigger finger than a 40-year-old who has had diabetes for 10 years.

Trigger finger, also known as flexor tenosynovitis, is an irritation of the sheath that surrounds the flexor tendons, sometimes causing the tendon to catch and release like a trigger. The flexor tendons are muscles, which move your fingers but are located in the forearm, not the fingers.

Trigger finger may start as stiffness or there may be a clicking sound when you move the finger. There may also be a bump or tenderness at the base of the affected finger in your palm, which is where the tendon is likely catching. As trigger finger progresses, the finger may catch in a bent position and then suddenly pop straight. Eventually, the finger may not fully straighten.

Treatment of trigger finger includes injecting corticosteroids into the tendon sheath. If this is not successful, a visit with orthopedic hand surgeon may be required.

Tight blood sugar control and regular visits with your doctor are key factors in preventing musculoskeletal disorders but it is also important to seek medical help the moment you notice any problems developing.



Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, M.D., 07/08