Trigger thumb or trigger finger in children and young people
শিশু ও কিশোরদের ট্রিগার থাম্ব বা ট্রিগার ফিঙ্গার
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.
Trigger thumb or trigger finger happens when the tendon that bends the finger or thumb becomes thicker than normal. Because of this, the tendon can't slide smoothly inside the tunnel it passes through. Your child's finger or thumb may then pop or click when they try to straighten it.
It's rarely noticed at birth. It can be present in infancy, and it's also often found in older children.
An injury doesn't cause it. The thickening of the tendon doesn't mean your child has an underlying problem or condition.
It can affect your child's ability to straighten the thumb, but it is rarely painful. It doesn't cause any problems with using the hands, and it usually gets better without treatment.
In children, the digit most commonly involved is the thumb.
Symptoms of trigger thumb or finger
Two signs are common with trigger finger and trigger thumb:
- stiffness in the affected finger or thumb
- a finger or thumb that gets stuck in either a bent or straight position
What treatment is needed if my child has trigger thumb or finger?
Trigger thumb or trigger finger in children usually gets better on its own, with no treatment. It can take up to 2 years. There is no evidence that splinting or exercise make any difference. Your child's hand function won't be affected while you wait for it to get better.
In a very small number of cases, the trigger thumb or finger doesn't go away. Surgery can be considered then.
Any surgery also comes with additional health risks. It's not recommended for children under 3 years of age.
Talk to a doctor if:
- your child is complaining of significant pain
- they are over the age of 3 and it's restricting their ability to use their hands as normal
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