Trigger finger is a musculoskeletal condition that can develop due to the repetitive use of a certain finger. This condition may occur in workers who must perform repetitive gripping motions as part of their normal job duties.
Is trigger finger a work-related injury? It can be, especially in hands-on workplaces. Learn how this workplace injury can occur and what you can do to mitigate the development of trigger finger in your work environment.
What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, or “stenosing tenosynovitis,” is a condition that occurs when the sheath around the tendon in a finger becomes inflamed, causing the finger to become stuck in a bent position. The joint no longer bends smoothly, and there may be pain or a snapping sensation when attempting to bend or straighten the finger.
Trigger finger symptoms may include any of the following:
- Finger stiffness that is worse in the morning
- A clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger
- Being unable to straighten the finger from a bent position
- Feeling a bump or tenderness at the base of the affected finger
- The finger suddenly popping straight from a bent position
Many instances of trigger finger can be resolved through surgery or other treatments. While certain conditions can make a person more likely to develop trigger finger, such as rheumatoid arthritis, it most commonly develops as a repetitive strain injury. This means that work or lifestyle adjustments may be necessary to prevent the injury from recurring.
When Might Trigger Finger Be Considered a Work-Related Injury?
Trigger finger may develop as a work-related hand injury in workers who must grip tools or materials during their normal workdays. For example, construction workers who repeatedly use power tools may be more likely to develop trigger finger because they keep their fingers bent for prolonged periods.
Consider how workers typically use their hands in your workplace. If sustained, forceful grasping or other prolonged hand or finger activities are part of normal operations in your business, your workers may be at risk.
This injury may also be more likely in workplaces that:
- Use vibrating equipment, such as jackhammers or power tools, which can place additional stress on the fingers and hands
- Require workers to use unnatural or awkward hand positions to complete rote tasks
In some cases, trigger finger can even develop in offices where workers engage in repetitive mouse clicking and typing throughout the day.
Employees may be able to pursue a workers’ compensation claim for trigger finger if a doctor confirms that their job duties, rather than age or other health conditions, likely contributed to the inflammation.
Mitigating Trigger Finger Injuries in Your Workplace
While workers’ compensation benefits can help pay for workers’ medical treatment for trigger finger, the development of on-the-job injuries can still negatively impact your business. Workers may need to take time off to undergo treatment, and your insurance premiums can increase due to higher claim frequency.
A safe work environment helps improve employee retention and trust, creating a more positive and productive workplace. You can take a few steps to prevent and reduce trigger finger injuries in your business:
- Identify occupational risk factors that may expose workers to trigger finger injuries: Knowing the risks in your business is the first step to mitigating them.
- Offer task variations for at-risk workers: Because trigger finger is a repetitive-use injury, allowing workers to switch between tasks can help prevent it from developing.
- Allow frequent breaks: Encouraging short, frequent breaks can help reduce a wide range of workplace injuries, especially in high-risk environments.
- Implement ergonomic interventions: Trigger finger can develop due to improper or unnatural hand movements. Office workers should use ergonomic desk setups to keep their wrists neutral, and employees who work with tools should be taught proper gripping techniques to reduce hand strain.
- Use medical surveillance: Trigger finger is generally treatable unless it has been left unaddressed for some time. Medical surveillance can help you identify trigger finger injuries in your workplace early to prevent them from worsening.
Consult WorkSafe for Help With Workplace Injury Mitigation
Trigger finger is often a work-related injury, and taking steps to prevent hand injuries in your workplace is important for meeting compliance, safety, and employee satisfaction standards. WorkSafe helps Wichita businesses prevent and manage workplace injuries to minimize the strain on their operations.
We can help you identify injury risk factors and implement interventions to promote worker safety. Contact us today at 316-262-8800 to learn more about our occupational health services.