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Quick finger – Snap finger

Annular ligament stenosis – Tendovaginosis Stenosans

A fasting finger is an annoying and painful tendon slip disorder caused by wear and overuse of the finger tendons and their nodular thickening. We are used to using our hands and fingers every day and therefore often do not pay attention to the relevance of the supple movement sequences. In the case of a snap finger, which is also called a fast finger or fast thumb, the nodular tissue changes in the tendon, on the other hand, are clearly noticeable.

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Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost - Hand - Erkrankungen

Table of Contents:

What is a wagging finger?

Symptoms of a snap finger
Causes of a fast finger

Diagnostics for a fast finger
Treatment of a fast finger
Snapping finger treatment by orthopedic specialists in OZMO

What is a wagging finger?

Although the terms “fast finger” or “snap finger” sound harmless at first, they are unpleasant to painful symptoms from which those affected suffer greatly. In this case, there is a so-called tendon slip disorder in the hand or finger, which prevents the smooth movement of the hand. In most cases, it is the annular ligaments that are too tight for the tendons to slide, which is why it is also referred to as annular ligament stenosis. The medical term is then “tendovaginosis stenosans”, synonyms are trigger finger or digitus saltans. Flowing sequences are no longer possible when the fast finger occurs, and the actual movement is interrupted in the middle until it “snaps”, so to speak, skipping the halting of the movement.

This snapping during a quick finger can be explained quite simply: The finger flexor tendons slide along the tendon sheaths during a movement. These are firm and tough in order to cope with the diverse tasks of the fingers and hands (fine motor grasping to firm gripping). Part of the finger flexor tendons is passed around the finger as a ring ligament. If the tendon sheath is constricted and/or thickened, the tendons can no longer slide freely along the tendon sheaths. Often these are nodular areas in the tendon that can no longer slide along the ligaments. The thickened part of the tendon gets stuck in front of the constriction of the tendon sheath and then slips through the constriction with an often painful snap.

Symptoms of a snap finger

Among the first symptoms of a developing trigger finger is morning stiffness, which means that movement is difficult after long periods of rest, such as during sleep. In addition, small lumps often develop at the junction of the hand, while the finger hurts with movement and swelling occurs. The knots and the resulting friction can cause inflammation (tendonitis) and additionally make it difficult for the tendons and ligaments to glide, which is necessary for movement.

The extension of the fingers requires an increasing amount of force. The flexion of the finger still works, but when stretched, the finger feels like it is stuck in motion. This stuckness increases as the tendon slip disorder progresses. Early treatment of fasting fingers is important to avoid more extensive tissue changes and inflammation with tissue damage.

Causes of a fast finger

The causes for a fast finger can be genetic predispositions as well as acquired reasons, which can stem from poor posture as well as from diseases. Metabolic diseases and wear and tear increase the risk of a snapping finger. Overall, about 3% of the population is considered to be affected by trigger finger, with the condition occurring particularly frequently for the first time between the ages of 50 and 60. Women are affected up to six times more often than men.

Common causes for the development of a fasting finger or thumb are:

genetic predisposition
Overloading and incorrect loading due to monotonous movement sequences
Metabolic disorders, e.g. gout or diabetes mellitus
rheumatoid arthritis
Arthrosis / finger arthrosis or age-related wear and tear in the hand and fingers
Carpal tunnel syndrome

Diagnostics for a fast finger

The diagnosis of a snapping finger starts with the clinical examination, in which the information also from the medical history is compared with physical aspects. Palpation of the hand and fingers, for example, can provide the orthopedic specialist with information, and movement exercises can explain the descriptions of the symptoms in more detail. Especially in the case of the typical snapping that is evident after the finger movement has stalled when the finger moves quickly, the diagnosis is quite clear for the experienced orthopedist. However, with experience and expertise, the doctor can identify problems at the first signs that will show up in the more advanced stages of diagnosis with the snap finger, and thus recognize its namesake symptom before it develops.

As complementary investigations, imaging techniques such as sonography can clarify the thickening of the tendon sheath in a snapping finger. In addition, it is important to differentiate fasting finger from other conditions, such as Dupuytren’s disease, which is a flexion contracture with excessive proliferation of connective tissue, or from tendonitis of the wrist.

Treatment of a fast finger

The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the treatment options without permanent symptoms for a fast finger. In early stages, a good prognosis can already be established with conservative therapy. This usually includes anti-inflammatory treatments with rest and drug therapy (including cortisone if necessary) to promote healing of the inflammation and reduce swelling of the tendons.

If conservative treatments are no longer sufficient due to an already advanced stage of the snapping finger, surgery may become necessary. In this case, the orthopedic specialist will surgically perform a minor procedure to remove the inflammation, which is usually already chronic by this time, and/or to cut the annular ligament. This corrects the constriction and restores the mobility of the fingers.

Snapping finger treatment by orthopedic specialists in OZMO

If you notice the first signs of movement and sliding problems in small or large joints, you should promptly arrange to see an experienced orthopedist. If you have a finger with snapping motion, make an appointment with your specialist team at Orthopädie Zentrum München Ost (OZMO) to benefit from our high level of expertise and well-organized practice. At our Orthopedics Center Munich East, you will receive competent care from diagnostics to treatment under one roof from our experienced orthopedic specialists.

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