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Trigger Finger: The Complete Guide | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
What Is Trigger Finger? Here's Everything you need to know about Trigger Finger and Mouse Finger Pain!
28 June, 2024 by
Trigger Finger: The Complete Guide | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Rory Heffernan

Everything You Need To Know About Trigger Finger And Mouse Finger Pain!

Have you ever been working at your desk for a long period and felt a pain in your finger from using your mouse? Or, have you ever experienced a sudden, painful catch or lock in your finger as you tried to straighten it? If so, you may be familiar with the frustrating condition known as trigger finger. 

This common ailment affects the tendons in your hand, causing discomfort and limiting your ability to perform everyday tasks.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the symptoms, causes, and treatment options for trigger finger, empowering you to understand and manage this condition effectively.

Let's explore the world of trigger finger together.

"Trigger Finger is one of the most common causes of hand pain in adults. Around 2% of adults are affected by Trigger Finger"

- PubMed

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is best defined as a medical condition where one of the fingers of the hand exhibits a limitation of movements when an attempt is made to straighten a bent finger.

To illustrate, the condition is characterised by the finger getting stuck while straightening and then suddenly straightening out with a ‘pop’.

It was in 1850 when Alphonse Notta first discovered this potentially disconcerting condition.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

There are numerous trigger finger causes. The more common ones may well include the presence of associated conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diabetes. These conditions may trigger or worsen mouse finger pain from prolonged or repetitive use.

Studies show that women are prone to more finger pain from using a mouse, however, with both women and men, it is the 40 to 60 years age group that is inclined to contract a trigger finger injury. 

Typically contracted while involved in strenuous activity of the hands, the incidence of trigger finger globally is far higher than one would believe.

Statistics indicate that the lifetime risk incidence for trigger finger and mouse finger pain is 2 to 3%. It could be as high as 10% in Diabetics. 

Thus, it is scarcely surprising that there are innumerable options when the context is how to cure trigger finger maladies.

One of the popular trigger finger causes is arguably indiscriminate use of the mouse while working on a computer terminal. 

The typical movement where the index finger repeatedly presses on the mouse can lead to a swelling and inflammation of the tendon sheath.

This is best classified as a trigger finger.

3 Main Causes Of Trigger Finger


1. Repeated Gripping

Your risk of developing trigger finger may be increased by occupations and pastimes involving repetitive hand use and protracted grasping.

As the name suggests, mouse finger pain is commonly caused by the continued use of the wrong mouse. 

2. Health Problems

Those who have rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes are more likely to develop trigger finger and mouse finger pain.

While it is still unclear, it is thought that when the blood glucose level is too high, because the body isn't properly using or doesn't make the hormone insulin, it creates cross-links between collagen molecules and this results in collagen build-up in the tendon sheaths around the flexor tendons. 

3. Your Sex

Rheumatoid and osteoarthritis are conditions that women are more likely than males to get, which may also account for the higher prevalence of trigger finger in women.

It is thought that hormone changes play a big part in trigger finger in females, as well as the fact that they may perform reptitive tasks at a higher rate than men.

Trigger Finger Prevention


An Ergonomic Mouse

This ergonomic ailment is best corrected by using an innovative ergonomically designed mouse which would minimise the probability of irritating the tendon sheaths in the hand and thus prevent onset of trigger fingers in most instances. 

An ergonomic mouse designed with an alternate way to scroll the page rather than the traditional scroller. Experts recommend a mouse like the MouseTrapper Advance 2.0 that allows the scroll to be done through buttons with a maximum of three movements needed rather than continuous scrolling of the scroll wheel.

The typical ergonomically designed mouse would eliminate the need for tapping on the mouse several thousand times every day. The user should not need to lift their finger for every click, there should be just a downward force needed. This is best achieved by ensuring that the mere weight of the hand placed in an anatomically comfortable position would be enough to single-click the mouse. 

On the contrary, a button strategically placed in opposition to the position of the thumb could well help in double clicking the mouse, this option has been used in the Evoluent Vertical Mouse. It is important to use an ergonomically designed mouse that supports your hand and has light touch buttons that do not require much force to press them.

What Is The Best Mouse For Trigger Finger? 

Your choice of mouse can make a significant difference in reducing the effects of trigger finger, if you have been diagnosed with the condition.

The best mouse for trigger finger should reduce or eliminate the force or movement required to press the main buttons on the mouse.

Here are The Best Ergonomic Mice To Help Trigger Finger & Mouse Finger Pain!

Trigger Finger & Mouse Finger Pain - A Conclusion!

Trigger finger remains a frustrating condition for many, with current treatment options primarily focused on symptom management rather than prevention. While medical interventions can provide relief, the ideal approach lies in a combination of treatment and prevention.

To mitigate the risk of developing trigger finger, incorporating regular breaks into your daily routine is crucial. Taking short, frequent pauses from repetitive hand movements can significantly reduce strain on your tendons and joints. Remember, prevention is often the best medicine, so listen to your body and prioritize hand care.

If you're experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

Trigger Finger: The Complete Guide | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Rory Heffernan 28 June, 2024
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