Trigger Thumb and What You Can Do About It Have you already experienced trigger thumb? Trigger thumb is a condition wherein your thumb gets temporarily locked in a bent position. It can also happen to your fingers too especially your ring finger. You can straighten your thumb back but it can go to a bent position again. Having a trigger thumb can be quite painful because the tendon around your thumb gets swollen and inflamed. When you try to straighten your thumb, you can also feel a painful popping or snapping. What causes trigger thumb? Trigger thumb usually occurs due to repetitive thumb movements. Among the common causes of this condition are the following: Job-related tasks. If you’re an athlete, an office worker, a manual laborer, an industrial worker, a farmer, a musician or a hobbyist, you can develop this condition since most of your day-to-day activities involve the use of your hands. …show more content…
Aside from your repetitive job-related tasks, trigger thumb can be also caused by a frequent and forceful gripping of an object. Say, you frequently use weights on your exercise routine or you regularly lift heavy objects. These forceful gripping activities can make you develop trigger thumb. Age. Age can also be a factor in developing trigger thumb. If you’re between 40 to 60 years old, you’re at a high risk of developing this condition. Existing medical conditions. If you have existing medical conditions such as arthritis, gout or diabetes, you may develop trigger thumb. Signs and symptoms of trigger thumb Here are the signs and symptoms of trigger thumb: Popping or snapping sensation when you try to move your thumb Stiffness of thumb or thumb is temporarily locked in a bent position Stiffness of thumb is worse in the morning Pain near the base of your thumb Swelling in your palm Unable to straighten the