Correct spelling for the English word "lockfinger" is [lˈɒkfɪŋɡə], [lˈɒkfɪŋɡə], [l_ˈɒ_k_f_ɪ_ŋ_ɡ_ə] (IPA phonetic alphabet).
Lockfinger is a term used in medical and sports contexts to describe a condition characterized by the partial or complete inability to flex or extend a finger. The condition is often painful and causes a noticeable restriction in the finger's movement. Lockfinger is also known as trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis.
Trigger finger occurs when there is inflammation or irritation within the sheath that surrounds the tendons in the affected finger. This inflammation causes the sheath to constrict, making it difficult for the tendon to smoothly glide through it. As a result, the finger may get stuck in a flexed or extended position, resembling a locked position. The condition is more common in the middle-aged and elderly, and it typically affects the thumb, ring, and middle fingers.
The cause of lockfinger is often idiopathic, meaning that the exact reason behind the condition is unknown. However, certain factors increase the risk, such as repetitive finger movements, overuse of the affected finger, underlying medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and trauma to the finger. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, a popping or clicking sensation, and the inability to straighten or bend the finger without assistance.
Treatment options for lockfinger vary depending on the severity of the condition. Non-surgical approaches include rest, splinting, reducing activities that aggravate the finger, applying ice or heat, and taking anti-inflammatory medications. In cases where conservative measures fail to alleviate the symptoms, medical interventions like corticosteroid injections or surgery may be necessary to release the constriction and restore normal finger movement.