"snapping" finger due to tendon swelling

[Benni]

Hello,

I have searched but cannot find the correct english description for this in wiki or PH :

My right middle finger "snaps" during bending inwards, the doctor says because my tendon developed a swelling

due to overstressing and is not properly sliding under one of the "guiding bands"

that are located inside the inner part of the finger,

so the "knot" in the tendon "hangs" under the guiding band and when breaking free, the finger snaps.

As this swelling gets thicker it sometimes is hard -and a little painful- for me to get over the "snapping" Point

while trying to bend or straighten the digit.

The funny thins is : the more I use and stress my hand, the better the finger moves,

but after a night of sleep or after activities that do not include much movement of fingers,

it is almost impossible to bend / straighten the bugger.

Doc suggests either cortison injections but the effect would not last for Long

or an operation where the "guiding band" would be cut under local anesthesy,

I am not exactly looking forward to that.

Does anyone here have experiences with this condition ?

Or do you director types all have hired handymen to work where stress might be applied ?

[drfrank]

You have a 'trigger finger'.
Simple op takes 10 mins under local anaesthetic. The pulley is divided and the tendon glides smoothly.

[Benni]

Thanks for the quick reply, drfrank.

As I understand, there are several pullies holding/ guiding the tendon,

if one is cut what happens next, is the stress spread to other pullies or the skin in finger´s inside ?

I work a lot with my hands and hope to continue this.

[drfrank]

It's usually the A1 pulley at the base of the finger/palm, it's a pulley that can be sacrificed.

[davhill]

Hi,

Had the same thing (ring finger)plus pain/lack of mobility in both thumbs. Corticosteroid injections
have done trick for me, albeit for about 3 months so far.