Trigger thumb or trigger finger in children and young people
শিশু ও কিশোরদের ট্রিগার থাম্ব বা ট্রিগার ফিঙ্গার
Trigger thumb (or trigger finger) happens when a tendon that helps bend the finger or thumb becomes thickened. Because of this, the tendon can no longer glide smoothly through the small tunnel it normally passes through. That's why your child's finger or thumb may pop or click when they try to straighten it.
This is uncommon in newborns, but it can be present from infancy, and it's also fairly often seen in older children.
It's important to know this isn't caused by any injury, and the thickened tendon doesn't mean your child has some other underlying illness.
While it may make it harder for your child to fully straighten their thumb, it rarely causes pain, and it doesn't get in the way of using their hands for everyday activities. In most cases, it improves on its own without any treatment needed.
Of all the fingers, the thumb is the one most commonly affected in children.
Common Symptoms
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
When should I speak to a doctor?
Please speak to a healthcare professional if:
- your child seems to be in a lot of pain, or
- your child is older than 3 and finds it hard to use their hands normally because of this
Please don't share personal details, such as your child's name, your location, or any other health conditions.
Treatment
What treatment is needed if my child has trigger thumb or finger?
Trigger thumb or finger in children usually gets better on its own with no treatment. This can take up to 2 years. There is no evidence that splinting or exercise makes any difference. Your child's hand function won't be affected while waiting for it to get better.
In a very small number of cases where the trigger thumb or finger doesn't resolve, surgery can be considered.
Any surgery also comes with additional health risks. It's not recommended for children under 3 years of age.