What is a popping finger Thumb flexor tendon tenosynovitis, also known as “popping finger”, is a medical condition in which the tendon is bound at the joint between the palm and the finger during alternating movements of the finger in flexion and extension, producing a popping sound. It is also called “trigger finger” because the movement of the finger is like pulling the trigger of a pistol. This disease occurs in people who use their fingers excessively, and is most common in the right thumb and middle finger. Why trigger finger? There are two main types of finger muscles: flexors and extensors. These muscles are attached to the bones by tendons that are oriented in line with the long axis of the bones. The tendon sheath is a ring-shaped ligament perpendicular to the long axis of the tendon, which sits on the outside of the tendon and holds it in place. When the finger is bent or straightened, the tendon travels within the tendon sheath and rubs against it. Over time, the tendon sheath ligament becomes edematous, hyperplastic and adhesive, resulting in chronic inflammation, causing hypertrophy of the tendon sheath and narrowing of the canal. In this case, it is difficult for the tendon to slide in the canal, and sometimes it can be stuck and cannot be straightened or flexed, so it needs external force to move normally. Whenever the finger flexes or extends, the tendon barely slides through the annular narrow tendon sheath ring, and a trigger-like “clacking” sound is produced. The disease is initially characterized by flexion problems, stiffness, and mild pain, but the pain increases with time, especially in the morning. To a large extent, this disease can be described as an overuse disorder, caused by excessive and incorrect movements. Today’s thumb family should be careful, as many people suffered from trigger finger last year during the Chinese New Year due to excessive short messages. How to treat trigger finger The treatment for trigger finger is mainly oral medication, topical ointment, herbal fumigation, physiotherapy, local injection of medication, small needle knife, etc. If the condition is more serious, after the above methods of long-term treatment is not effective, surgery can be considered. How to prevent trigger finger 1, alternate hands texting to prevent overexertion of the thumb of one hand. 2, hold the phone in both hands for texting to balance the pressure on both hands. 3.Do not press the keyboard hard with your thumb and do not press for too long. 4, usually avoid grasping heavy objects with your hands. 5, after texting or working with your hands for a while, you can do simple hand exercises to eliminate fatigue.