It usually affects the thumb or ring finger but can happen to any finger. When you try to move the affected finger, you may feel stiffness, pain, or a popping sensation. This can make simple tasks or everyday activities difficult, such as grasping an object, typing on a keyboard, or even just holding a cup of coffee.

In some cases, the repetitive motion of the finger moving back and forth can cause a growth or nodule to form on the tendon. This exacerbates the trigger finger, making it more difficult to move. 

• Popping/clicking sensation 
• Pain or discomfort during movement
• Stiffness
• Bump or lump at the base 
• Instability during movement 
• Locked in a bent or straight position
• Tenderness or swelling at the base 
• Feeling heat or warmth 

In addition to these symptoms, trigger finger can also result in difficulty performing daily activities. 

If you have a severe case of trigger finger, you may even experience your finger(s) locked in a bent or straight position, which can cause pain or discomfort.

These risk factors are:

• Age: individuals over the age of 40 are more likely to develop this condition.
• Gender: women are more prone to trigger finger than men.
• Certain activities: you may be at a higher risk of developing trigger finger if you engage in activities that require repetitive gripping or grasping motions, these include playing a musical instrument, typing on a computer or using hand tools. 
• Certain medical conditions: medical conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and/or carpal tunnel syndrome are also factors that can increase your risk of developing trigger finger.

• Physical examination: your affected finger will be examined and you will also be asked about your symptoms and medical history. You will be asked to perform certain movements with your fingers and/or thumb to see if you experience any pain or difficulty moving. 
• Trigger test: a trigger test involves pressing on the base of the affected finger while you try to flex it. If you have trigger finger, you may also experience a popping or clicking sensation and/or your finger may become locked in a bent or straight position.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may order an x-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to rule out other conditions that could be affecting movement in your fingers or thumb.

• Rest: you will be recommended to rest the affected fingers or thumb and avoid activities that can make your condition worse
• Medication: you may be prescribed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and painkillers to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. 
• Corticosteroid injection: severe cases of inflammation may require a corticosteroid injection for immediate relief.
• Physiotherapy: physiotherapy involves gentle and therapeutic exercises that can help to stretch and strengthen the affected fingers or thumb and improve your range of motion
• Surgery: if none of the above is effective, a surgical procedure called percutaneous release or trigger finger release will need to be performed to release the tendon.