Trigger Thumb

What is trigger thumb?

Tendons are attached to your bone and held on by pulleys or “loops.” Tendons bend and straighten our fingers and thumbs. A lump develops on the tendon in trigger thumb. As the tendon moves up and down with straightening and bending the thumb, the lump catches on the pulleys. This can cause clicking (triggering) at the thumb or it can become stuck in extension (straight) or flexion (bent).

Why does pediatric trigger thumb happen?

The cause for pediatric trigger thumb is unknown.

What are the symptoms of trigger thumb?

Your child may not have pain when the thumb is stuck. Some children can straighten or bend their thumb with their other hand. Some children may have pain or a clicking sound when they bend or straighten their thumb. You may feel a bump at the base of your child’s thumb.

Who can have trigger thumb?

Adults and children may get trigger thumb. Trigger thumb can feel different for children. Often trigger thumb is not painful for a child. It can be annoying or may begin to disrupt their normal hand activities. Trigger thumb can be on one or both hands.

How can you diagnose trigger thumb? 

X-rays are not needed for diagnosis of trigger thumb. It is an issue with the tendon that cannot be seen on x-ray. It is best diagnosed by examining your child.

How do you treat trigger thumb?

Sometimes pediatric trigger thumb can go away on its own with time. It is ok to check the child’s thumb as they grow. Trigger thumb may be more likely to go away in a younger child with trigger thumb for less time. As the child gets older, sometimes the trigger thumb may begin to affect their hand use. We often start with watching and waiting. Treatment options include surgery or splinting. Surgery is preferred and recommended over splinting. The splinting program can be very difficult for the child and family. Surgery requires your child to be put under anesthesia. It is done in the Operating Room.