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810 Hand and Power Tool Safety
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Trigger Finger

"Trigger-finger" happens when one of your fingers or your thumb catches in a bent position. The finger or thumb may straighten with a snap.

Trigger Finger

Employees whose work requires repetitive gripping actions are at higher risk of developing trigger finger. Treatment of trigger finger varies depending on the severity. It's caused by the narrowing of the tendon sheath when repetitive gripping actions are performed. This may cause some inflammation in the palm. Also, tendons in the finger joints can swell due to overuse, "locking" the finger into a fixed position.

Signs and symptoms of trigger finger may progress from mild to severe and include: (Mayo Clinic)

  • Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning
  • A popping or clicking sensation as you move your finger
  • Tenderness or a bump (nodule) in the palm at the base of the affected finger
  • Finger catching or locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight
  • Finger locked in a bent position, which you are unable to straighten

To avoid this condition, choose tools with triggers that allow two or three fingers to activate the tool.

Treatment can range from merely keeping the hands warm, reducing the frequency of operating tools with triggers, and in severe cases, surgery.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.

1-7. What can you do to help prevent "trigger finger" from developing?