Conditions Associated with Trigger Finger
In this section we will take a look at each of the known conditions associated with trigger finger. Each heading of the short description will contain a link to even more information on the condition. These will be to external links that have been chosen to give you an authoritative view of each conditions set out by experts in the field.
A complex metabolic condition affecting the secretion/resistance to insulin production. Uncontrolled, it can create hyperglycaemia (too much sugar in the blood stream) causing structural degradation of soft tissues in humans77 affected connective tissues, muscles, tendons and ligaments and is associated with sclerosis of tendon sheaths and collagen degradation.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
A systemic autoimmune pathology causing bouts of inflammation. Its autoimmune status means the body is unable to recognise certain proteins (collagen, histones, fibrin or fibronectin) as part of the body and so the immune system treats them as foreign bodies or antigens.
Gout
A condition causing crystal deposits as a result of supersaturation of urate. It is an inflammatory arthritis characterised by painful attacks of joint pain. It is associated with metabolic syndrome, kidney disease and osteoarthritis.
Amyloidosis
The most common form is amyloid light chain amyloidosis, an ultra-rare, multi-systemic, incurable protein misfolding disorder. It undermines organ function resulting in multi-organ failure. Another type of amyloidosis (wild type transthyretin amyloidosis) can be detected by the identification of amyloid deposits on the finger tendons which can cause trigger finger.
Hypothyroidism
A depletion of thyroxin production. Thyroxin is an important hormone in the metabolism, contraction, formation and repair regulation of skeletal muscle. Interruption of its production frequently causes muscle pain and fatigue. Thyroid disfunction is common in patients with metabolic syndrome (about 32%).
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
The most common entrapment neuropathy of the upper limb causing compression on the median nerve precipitating pins and needles in the hand. Seen mostly in women aged 45-64 at a ratio of about 2:1 women to men. Idiopathic in origin, it has the following risk factors: High frequency, repetitive hand and wrist movements; obesity; pregnancy; osteo-arthritis of the MCP of the thumb; inflammatory joint disease e.g., RA causing synovitis in the carpal tunnel; Ganglion cysts, tumour, scar tissue; hypothyroidism; and diabetes mellitus. Management: conservative and then surgery. Post-surgery, increased risk of trigger finger.
Dupuytren’s Contracture
A progressive fibro-proliferation disorder of the palmar fascia in the hand and fingers of unknown origin. Leads to disabling flexion contracture. It has higher prevalence in Northern Europe and is 6 time more common in men (peak mean age 55) compared to women (peak mean age 65). Other risk factors include: diabetes mellitus; smoking; high alcohol consumption; elevated serum lipids; hand trauma.
De Quervain’s Disease (tenosynovitis)
A degenerative stenosing inflammation of the tendon sheath of abductor pollicis longus (APL) and extensor pollicis brevis (EPB). Women represented 3:1 versus men. Peak incidence at the age of 40–59 years. Risk factors: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and hypothyroidism.
Mucopolysaccharidosis
An inherited metabolic disorder caused by a deficiency of specific enzymes that degrade important polysaccharides called glycosaminoglycans which can lead to damage to various tissues including soft tissues, and particularly collagen.