ThisВ allows them to move freely and smoothly within the sheathВ when the fingers are bent and straightened. The tendons are covered by a protective sheath which produces a small amount of fluid to keep the tendons lubricated. The tendons on the palm side of the hand (flexor tendons) are held in place by strong bands of tissue, known as ligaments, which are shaped in arches over the tendon.

In the hand, tendons run along the front and back of the bones in the fingers and are attached to the muscles in the forearm. They move the bone when the muscle contracts. Tendons are tough cords that join bone to muscle. They'll examine your hand and advise you about appropriate treatments. See your GP if you think you may have trigger finger. Eventually, it may not fully bend or straighten. If the condition gets worse, your finger may get stuck in a bent position and then suddenly pop straight. Symptoms of trigger finger can include pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb when you move it or press on it, and stiffness or clicking when you move the affected finger or thumb, particularly first thing in the morning. It's more common in the right hand, which may be because most people are right-handed. One or more fingers can be affected, and the problem may develop in both hands. It usually affects the thumb, ring finger or little finger. Trigger finger is also known asВ stenosing tenosynovitis or stenosing tenovaginosis.

IfВ the tendon becomes swollen and inflamed it can 'catch' in the tunnel it runs through (the tendon sheath).В This can make it difficult to move the affected finger or thumb and can result in a clicking sensation. Trigger finger is a condition that affectsВ one or more of the hand's tendons, making it difficult to bend the affected finger or thumb.

How to crack your thumb