Ask A Doctor: Why Is Trigger Finger Worse In The Morning?

Trigger Finger image

Expert opinion from Marcelle Freire

Doctor of Medicine · 3 years of experience · Brazil

Flexor stenosing tenosynovitis (better known as trigger finger) is a condition often caused by abnormalities in the tendon sheath of the flexor muscles of the fingers (such as nodules, inflammation/chronic inflammatory disease, or even inconsistency between the sizes of the tendons and adjacent tissues). It can be a primary condition, when no other disease is identified as a causal factor, or secondary when there is a disease that causes the change. Usually, the patient presents with pain in the region of the affected tendon and contracture of the corresponding finger, which is flexed as if pressing a trigger, being able to return to the normal position spontaneously or with the help of the contralateral hand. There are reports of worsening stiffness in the morning, a fact that may occur due to the accumulation of inflammatory fluid inside the joint due to the longer period of joint rest provided by the patient’s sleep. It can also happen in any period of prolonged inactivity

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Expert opinion from Gustavo Campos

Doctor of Medicine · 9 years of experience · Brazil

It’s possible that for some people, trigger finger occurs more during the morning due to the hand position when sleeping. Depending on how the patient sleeps, it can leave the hand in a position with tension or compression over the wrists, fists, and fingers. This way, some finger splints can help on the hand position while sleeping.

Expert opinion from Alex T. Thomas

MD · 40 years of experience · USA

It is worse in the morning because the hands are still during sleep.

Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.