Trigger thumb: Causes and Private Treatment Options

Common Causes of Trigger Thumb

Often, the exact cause of trigger thumb is unknown, but it’s frequently linked to repetitive gripping or squeezing hand motions. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, pseudogout, sarcoidosis, and hypothyroidism are also associated with a higher risk. Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition.

It typically affects people between 40 and 60 years old, with women being more prone than men. Those whose jobs or hobbies involve frequent or intense gripping are also at higher risk. Trigger thumb can affect one or more fingers on either or both hands simultaneously.

In children, the cause is also unknown, but it involves a lump that forms on the tendon. This lump catches on the pulleys as the thumb moves, causing clicking or the thumb to get stuck.

Treatment Options for Trigger Thumb

Treatment aims to eliminate catching or locking and restore full, comfortable movement. Most cases can be managed effectively without surgery using conservative methods. These may include:

• Activity modification: Identifying and reducing activities that involve making a fist can help rest the tendon.
• Splinting: Using a splint, especially overnight, to keep the thumb straight can be helpful.
• Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help lessen pain and inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections can improve pain and triggering in many people with trigger thumb and may avoid the need for surgery in some cases. However, repeated injections in the same thumb should be avoided to prevent potential problems. Read more about Cortisone and Steroid Injections: Benefits, Risks & Uses
• Physiotherapy: A certified Physiotherapist can teach appropriate exercises, such as wrist stretches and fingertip bends, and advise on using assistive devices to perform daily tasks without straining the tendon. Physiotherapy techniques like heat, massage, finger stretches, and manual joint therapy may also be used.

If conservative measures don’t work, surgery might be necessary. This procedure, known as trigger finger release or A1 pulley release, is a quick procedure often done with local anaesthesia or sedation. Surgery is generally preferred over splinting for children when conservative methods are ineffective or the condition affects hand use.

While mild cases of trigger thumb might get better on their own, cases with recurring or continuous pain, limited movement, or a constantly bent thumb will require treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent chronic inflammation and permanent changes to the tendon.