Trigger finger - Symptoms of trigger finger

Trigger finger usually affects your thumb, ring finger or little finger. More than one finger can be affected and the condition may develop in both hands.

Trigger finger is more common in the right hand, possibly because most people are right-handed.

Symptoms of trigger finger can include:

• pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb when you move it or press on it
• a nodule (a small swollen section of tendon) at the base of the affected finger or thumb
• stiffness or clicking when you move the affected finger or thumb, particularly first thing in the morning

If the condition gets worse, your finger may get stuck in a bent position and then suddenly pop straight. Eventually, it may not fully straighten.

Trigger finger in children

Although it's less common than trigger finger in adults, children between the ages of six months and two years old can develop trigger thumb.

This can affect the child's ability to straighten their thumb, but it is rarely painful and many cases gets better without treatment.

When to see your GP

You should make an appointment to see your GP if you think your or your child may have a trigger finger or thumb.