What is the cause of trigger finger in children?

Trigger finger is generally caused by abnormal development of fingers, and is mainly common in the thumb area. The causes of trigger finger in children are different from those in adults. At present, the causes of trigger finger in children are relatively complicated, and are generally caused by family genetic factors. The treatment of trigger finger is not difficult, and some can even return to normal without treatment through acquired exercise.

The cause of trigger finger deformity in children is still unclear, and sometimes there is a family history of genetic disease. Most scholars currently believe that it may be due to congenital stenosis of the tendon sheath of the thumb flexor tendon, that is, congenital thickening of the A1 pulley, which causes the tendon to be blocked from sliding inside it. Over time, the proximal end of the flexor tendon with blocked sliding becomes enlarged and nodular, and a snapping sound is produced when passing through the narrow tendon sheath, which is similar to the trigger, hence the name.

Congenital trigger finger usually occurs on one side, but occasionally on both sides. Children often seek medical attention because their parents accidentally discover that their children’s thumbs cannot be straightened actively. Most cases are discovered after the age of one. Clinical examination revealed limited movement of the thumb or other fingers, flexion of the interphalangeal joints, limited active extension, and a snapping sensation during passive extension. A hard nodule could be felt at the A1 pulley on the palm side of the metacarpophalangeal joint, but there was no obvious tenderness.

In addition to the above-mentioned causes, there are some aggravating factors of the disease, such as cold stimulation, diabetic patients, peritendinous synovitis, rheumatoid patients, etc.

So far, there is some controversy as to whether trigger finger in children is congenital or formed during pregnancy. It is best to pay attention to it during pregnancy. Of course, you should also pay more attention to it after giving birth to the baby. So far, trigger finger in children can still be treated, but it is still quite painful for the baby.