The trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis is an inflammation of the tissues of the finger. This inflammation is characterized by swelling that prevents flexing the finger. Flexor tendons connect muscles of the forearm with the bones of the fingers. The tendons of the finger are covered by a sheath, coated in turn on a synovial membrane. The synovial membrane secretes a fluid that facilitates the sliding of the tendon. If there is irritation, maybe due to overuse, the tendon becomes inflamed and the cover swells. Sometimes, the tendon itself becomes swollen and can no longer move, when pressed by its cover. The passage narrows, causing pain, popping, and sometimes the finger locks. Treatment can be:
- Conservative:analgesic therapy + anti-inflammatory , physical therapy, limitation of the activity that has caused injury and even infiltration.
- Surgical: the area of inflamed tendons is sectioned in order to extend the ""corridor"" through which they pass, liberating them from their entrapment.
