Psoriatic arthritis and trigger finger: what to know

Trigger finger often feels like a finger catches as it bends or straightens, sometimes with tenderness near the base of the finger. Psoriatic arthritis can inflame finger joints and tendon sheaths, causing pain, stiffness, or swelling; an entire digit may also look puffy. These patterns can overlap, and clicking does not prove that psoriatic arthritis is the cause. Tell your clinician about Joint Pain, Joint Swelling, and Morning Joint Stiffness elsewhere in the body, as well as psoriasis or nail changes.

Record which finger catches, whether it locks, when symptoms are worst, and whether gripping or waking triggers them. Reduce repetitive forceful gripping for now, use tools with comfortable handles, and keep the finger moving gently within comfort. Avoid forcing a locked finger straight. Assessment may lead to advice about Anti-Inflammatory Medication, splinting, or Physiotherapy, depending on the tendon and joint findings. Use any splint or medicine only as directed.

Arrange a clinical review if catching persists, locking interferes with work or dressing, or swelling and stiffness are increasing. Seek urgent care if the finger becomes very red and hot, pain escalates quickly, you cannot move it after an injury, or you feel unwell with a swollen joint. A locked or injured finger may need prompt examination to protect function.

Ask: Is the catching coming from a tendon, a joint, or both? Could inflammation from psoriatic arthritis be contributing? Would a splint, exercise plan, injection, or another option suit my findings? What should I do if the finger locks?