What is a trigger finger?

A trigger finger, also called a trigger digit, is when you bend your finger and it gets locked while it is bent.  In order to straighten the finger, a pop or a visible springing effect is seen in the digit.  It can cause severe pain and make people reluctant to bend the finger so it doesn't happen again.
The video will show you the gliding motion that occurs and how a trigger digit can stop you from moving your finger

Risk Factors

Diabetes
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Female Gender
History of trigger finger in other digits
Repetitive finger activities in work/home setting

As the tendon is pulled proximally (toward the base of the hand) by its muscle, the nodule exits the A1 pulley. As the finger is stretched out and extended, the nodule on the tendon is too large to go back into the tube, thus leading the finger to get locked.

Conservative Treatment

Most commonly, conservative treatment is recommended unless the finger completely locks and is unable to be opened.  Conservative treatment consists of nighttime bracing, steroid injections into the inflamed tendon sheath, and hand therapy.  Outcomes with conservative management are excellent.  Surgery can be avoided in most cases.

A steroid injection is done directly into the A1 pulley to reduce tendon inflammation and hopefully stop the trigger digit from recurring.

Surgical Management

When conservative management fails, surgery can be recommended.  The surgery involves releasing the sheath over the inflamed and swollen part of the tendon to allow it to glide better.  Surgery is nearly 100% curative and rarely has complications.

The A1 Pulley is released and opened allowing the swollen tendon to glide freely.