Official documentation
Trigger Finger (stenosing tenosynovitis)
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo, n.d.
Read the originalRead on October 16, 2026
- What it is
- The patient guide from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons on trigger finger, a flexor tendon problem that makes a finger or thumb catch or lock.
- How much weight it carries
- Official specialty-society guidance written for patients and reviewed by orthopedic surgeons. It gives symptoms and general prevalence, not treatment trial results. The page has no stated date in the copy we read.
Facts taken from this source
- Trigger finger affects 2 percent of the general population.
“Trigger finger affects 2% of the general population.” (Overview)
- The A1 pulley, at the base of each finger in the palm, is the pulley most involved in trigger finger.
“The A1 pulley sits in your palm at the base of each finger; it is the pulley most involved in trigger finger.” (Anatomy)
- A catching, popping or locking sensation with finger or thumb movement is a typical symptom of trigger finger.
“A catching, popping, or locking sensation with finger or thumb movement” (Symptoms)
- The AAOS patient guide says a doctor usually diagnoses trigger finger from symptoms and an examination, and X-rays or other tests are not usually needed.
“Your doctor will typically be able to diagnose a trigger finger by talking to you about your symptoms and examining your hand. Typically, X-rays or other tests are not needed to make the diagnosis.” (Diagnosing Trigger Finger)
- Trigger finger is most common in the ring finger and thumb, but it can affect any finger.
“It is most common in the ring finger and thumb but can affect any finger.” (Overview)
- Trigger finger stiffness and locking are usually worse after inactivity, such as on waking, and often ease through the day with gentle use.
“Stiffness and locking tend to be worse after periods of inactivity, such as when you wake up in the morning.” (Symptoms)