Trigger Finger in Sports: How Top Athletes Overcome This Challenge

• May 30, 2025
• 13
• Leo

Introduction

Athletes are known for their physical skills and great performances. But even the strongest athletes face physical problems that can affect their careers. One such problem is trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis. This condition makes a finger get stuck or locked when bending, which can be painful and troublesome for athletes. This blog post discusses trigger finger, how it affects athletes, and examples of famous athletes who faced and overcame it.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition where the tendon in a finger swells, and the tendon sheath around it tightens. This causes the finger to lock or make a clicking sound when bending or straightening. It often affects the thumb or ring finger. Athletes who play sports like tennis, golf, baseball, or basketball, which require tight gripping, are more likely to develop this problem.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

• Pain or swelling at the base of the finger
• Clicking or popping sound when moving the finger
• Stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning
• Finger locking, making it hard to straighten
• Discomfort or pain when gripping

Causes

Trigger finger can happen due to:

• Repeated gripping in sports like tennis, golf, or baseball
• Tendon injuries, like small tears or strains
• Health conditions like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout
• Age, as it is more common in older people

Examples of Famous Athletes

Many famous athletes have faced trigger finger and overcome it with determination and treatment. Here are some examples:

1. Venus Williams (Tennis)

Tennis star Venus Williams faced trigger finger in her career. The tight grip needed for tennis shots caused this issue in her right hand, affecting her serves and backhands. She overcame it with physiotherapy and rest, returning to top-level play.

2. Phil Mickelson (Golf)

Famous golfer Phil Mickelson dealt with trigger finger along with arthritis. The precise grip needed in golf was affected by this condition. He managed it with medical advice and training adjustments, continuing his successful career.

3. Derrick Rose (Basketball)

NBA star Derrick Rose had trigger finger in his shooting hand. This affected his ball handling, passing, and shooting. He managed it with physiotherapy and a custom splint, making a successful return to the game.

Treatment and Rehabilitation

Treatment for trigger finger usually starts without surgery. Common methods include:

• Rest: Reducing hand use and avoiding activities that worsen the problem
• Splinting: Using a splint at night or during intense activities to keep the finger still
• Physiotherapy: Exercises to improve finger movement and strength
• Corticosteroid injections: To reduce inflammation in the tendon sheath
• Surgery: A small procedure to release the tendon sheath if other methods fail

Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is key in rehabilitation. Athletes often adjust their training, like changing grip techniques or using special equipment. Regular hand exercises and proper warm-ups help reduce the risk of trigger finger.

Prevention Tips

• Do proper warm-up exercises for hands and fingers before playing
• Use ergonomic equipment to reduce strain on hands
• Take breaks during repetitive hand activities
• Strengthen hand and wrist muscles with exercises

Conclusion

Trigger finger can be a serious challenge for athletes, but the stories of Venus Williams, Phil Mickelson, and Derrick Rose show that it can be overcome with proper treatment and determination. Awareness and early treatment help athletes return to their best performance. If you are an athlete experiencing trigger finger symptoms, consult a specialist quickly and take preventive steps.