Snapping fingers: definition, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

By Cristiano Antonino On Apr 26, 2023

When we speak of snapping fingers, we are referring to a condition that leads to inflammation of the flexor tendons of the hand

This disease can make very simple movements, such as bending the fingers, difficult.

The pain can lead to considerable discomfort, such as a lack of independence and various psychological complications due to the difficulty of movement.

What is snap finger

Snapping finger, or tenosynovitis stenosans, refers to an inflammation of the flexor tendons of the fingers of the hand that can lead to considerable difficulty in movement.

This pathology affects the synovial sheath, within which the tendon runs.

Inflammation leads to thickening of the sheath and the inability for the tendon to slide freely.

This increase in size leads to a drastic change in the ability of the fingers to move.

In particular, the most characteristic trigger finger symptom is the inability to extend the finger.

In fact, when one suffers from tenosynovitis stenosans, there is difficulty in extending the fingers of the hand, which remains bent and is only extended after imparting a certain amount of force and in a sudden manner, hence the name of the condition.

Snapping fingers, the symptoms

Snapping finger symptoms are diverse and can affect different areas of the hand.

Usually, however, the fingers most affected by this condition are the middle, ring and thumb fingers.

Among the most common symptoms is the characteristic movement that gives the condition its name.

When the hand is closed, the patient finds it difficult to open it or to open a finger, which will only spread out with a snap when exerting more force than normal.

This symptom may be accompanied by pain that most often occurs in the morning.

Upon awakening, it may happen that the fingers are flexed and that the simple extension movement requires some effort.

Often among the symptoms of trigger finger is the presence of a small lump in the palmar region.

It is sometimes invisible to the naked eye and can be detected by palpating the area.

Pain is a common symptom and is evoked not only when the subject tries to move the finger but also upon touch.

If the area of the lump is palpated, in fact, the patient is likely to experience severe pain.

What causes trigger finger

The causes of trigger finger are many and varied, and identifying them is crucial in order to understand the most appropriate treatment.

The most common causes are:

Small traumas. Micro traumas can lead to the development of this pathology. For example, small injuries while playing sports or using vibrating machinery. This minor trauma can lead to inflammation of the tendon in the hand.
Repetitive movements. They can lead to overstretching of the tendon and its inflammation. Repetitive movements cause constant strain and, subsequently, inflammation. Patients with this condition often perform work for which specific tools and repetitive movements are required. These include musicians and craftsmen.
The trigger finger can also be a symptom of other diseases. Diabetes, gout, arthritis or hypothyroidism are just some of the diseases that can predispose to the development of this discomfort.
Age is another risk factor for trigger finger. Patients suffering from this condition are usually over 40 years old and most are female. With age, tissue collagen weakens, reducing the elasticity of the tendon.

Diagnosis and medical examinations

Small inflammations of the tendons of the hand are often underestimated.

In particular, trigger fingers are overlooked, in the belief that it is a passing symptom.

It is essential to identify the cause of this condition quickly, so that the most effective treatment can be understood more quickly.

Diagnosing a trigger finger is not complex, thanks to the characteristic symptom that gives the condition its name.

As soon as the symptom occurs, it is necessary to visit the doctor so that he or she can check the movement of the hands and the level of pain.

The doctor can diagnose the disorder based on the patient’s medical history and objective test.

Through the examination he can identify the painful areas, check the fluidity of movement by asking the patient to close and open his hand, and detect the presence of any subcutaneous nodules by palpating the palm of the hand.

After this brief examination, it will be your task to indicate the most suitable specialist to provide a more in-depth assessment or recommend treatment.

Natural cures for snapping fingers

Natural remedies for trigger fingers can be very helpful in relieving pain.

However, it is necessary to understand that in more severe cases where tendonitis and pain are acute, it may be necessary to see a specialist who will be able to recommend the best treatment available.

Natural remedies to decrease snapping finger pain include:

The use of ice, as it helps to decrease the pain sensation. Thanks to the cold, in fact, the area undergoes local vasoconstriction with a reduction in blood microcirculation. Also, when you want to apply ice for relief, remember not to apply it directly to the skin, but to use a cloth as a barrier. In this way, it is possible to prevent cold burns, which can be very painful.
Medicinal plants can be a suitable tool for treating various diseases in their early stages. For example, arnica has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. This makes it one of the most frequently used ingredients in natural anti-inflammatory creams.
The use of products based on natural elements is usually recommended when the symptoms of trigger fingers are mild. Should the pain become too severe, it will be necessary to proceed with pharmacological treatment.

Treatments for trigger-finger can differ depending on the severity of the condition.

Among the most common treatments are:

The use of corticosteroids, through local infiltrations. Especially in the most extreme cases, these drugs are injected directly into the affected area.
Physiotherapy or ‘trigger finger gymnastics’. Performing specific exercises can significantly improve the mobility of the hands. This activity must be combined with correct behaviour, such as avoiding the use of certain tools or repetitive movements performed incorrectly.
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs are often prescribed, especially when the inflammation is at an advanced stage. Also in this case, the aim is to reduce the inflammation at the level of the synovial sheath. Among these remedies for trigger finger, the most commonly used are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Finally, it is advisable to use braces that allow the finger to have the correct support during movement and reduce the likelihood of the inflammation worsening. The brace can sometimes also be used overnight to allow the finger to maintain the correct position.

Snapping finger and surgery

The snap finger remedies listed above can be used successfully especially when the inflammation is not in an advanced stage.

In fact, during the early stages of the condition, it is possible to intervene non-invasively, achieving excellent results in controlling inflammation and pain.

Often, however, the symptoms are underestimated and the inflammation worsens until the pain becomes unbearable.

The patient finds himself unable to perform even the simplest actions.

At this stage, an ultrasound or X-ray may be prescribed to check the level of severity of the inflammation and any structural changes.

In this case, it is possible to perform a surgical procedure to correct the trigger finger, which can be of two types:

the ‘percutaneous release’, also called ‘percutaneous release of the trigger finger’, is a procedure that is performed in day hospital. This surgery is performed under local anaesthesia. Usually this surgery is performed on the middle finger, ring finger and index finger, but not on the thumb.
The second possible surgery is a tenolysis of the flexors. In this case, the tendons are freed from the swelling of the sheath, which leads to severe pain and limited hand opening. This operation is more complex and can lead to complications such as infection or stiffness, although this is a very rare occurrence.

After a few days, it is possible to move the fingers, but for the surgery to be effective, recovery times must be followed, which can last up to a few months.

During this period, it is advisable to avoid repetitive movements and to carry out physiotherapy under professional supervision.

In addition, in the following months, an X-ray or ultrasound test may be required to check the health of the tendon.

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