Trigger Finger

Overview

Trigger finger is a condition that makes your fingers or thumb difficult to move. It can “freeze” them in a flexed position. It affects the tendons in your fingers and thumbs. Trigger finger gets its name from the position your fingers can get stuck in — it looks like you’re trying to pull an invisible trigger.

If you have trigger finger, your affected fingers or thumb can be stuck flexed in toward your palm. It can be hard — or impossible — to straighten your affected digits (the medical term for your fingers and thumb). Trigger finger can affect any of your digits, but people most commonly develop it in their ring fingers (your third finger).

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Symptoms

When to see a doctor

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Complications

Blood clots are a dangerous complication of atrial fibrillation (AFib). Blood clots can lead to stroke.

The risk of stroke from AFib increases as you grow older. Other health conditions also may increase the risk of a stroke due to AFib. These conditions include:

High blood pressure.
Diabetes.
Heart failure.
Some types of heart valve disease.

Blood thinners are commonly prescribed to prevent blood clots and strokes in people with atrial fibrillation.

Prevention

Healthy lifestyle choices can reduce the risk of heart disease and may prevent atrial fibrillation (AFib). Here are some basic heart-healthy tips:

Control high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Eat a diet that's low in salt and saturated fat.
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week unless your health care team says not to.
Get good sleep. Adults should aim for 7 to 9 hours daily.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Reduce and manage stress.

By Freedmans Health Clinic Staff

Living with atrial fibrillation?

Connect with others like you for support and answers to your questions in the Heart Rhythm Conditions support group on Freedmans Health Clinic Connect, a patient community.