SymptomsSigns of illnessAilments
A jumping finger (digitus saltans) shows itself by the inability to bend the stretched finger. When attempting to bend the affected person feels a blockage. The thickened tendon knot cannot overcome the ring ligament.
A noticeable tension builds up with increasing force. If the force is sufficient, the tendon node quickly overcomes the resistance of the ring band and the finger bends in a flash. This jumping of the finger can usually be reproduced.
Some doctors also refer to this as a pocket knife phenomenon. In exceptional cases, a finger can be fixed in a stretched or bent position. This is called a trapped finger.
The reason for this is that the tendon knot continues to swell so that the ring ligament can no longer be overcome. The finger is now trapped in a bent or stretched position and cannot overcome the resistance even with maximum force. Sometimes this trapped finger can loosen again.
Since this condition cannot be left for a long time, the ring band must be surgically split for a short time, otherwise permanent functional restrictions are imminent. Typically, the symptoms are most severe in the morning after getting up. Pain exists when bending and stretching the affected finger.
A jumping finger often occurs without a recognizable cause. In some cases, a severe strain on the hands is reported in advance. The typical jumping of the finger occurs when bending.
The actual jumping can be painful, but also painless. If pain is present, it is evident in the area of the base joint of the affected finger. In some cases, the thickened tendon knot can be palpated under the skin while bending and stretching the finger. Several fingers can be affected at the same time.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can usually be made on the basis of the clinical examination.For safety reasons, an X-ray of the hand should be taken to rule out alternative causes such as joint wear (polyarthrosis) or bony changes.
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