Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The condition that can lead to trigger finger is primarily due to an inflammatory process that causes an obstruction in the tendon sheath. Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the flexor tendon of a finger becomes inflamed, resulting in pain and difficulty in finger movement. This inflammation leads to thickening of the tendon sheath, which restricts the smooth gliding of the tendon, causing it to get stuck or "trap" when bending or extending.

Viewing this in the context of the other options, while tendinitis (often linked to overuse and inflammation of tendons) is related, it does not specifically address the obstruction aspect that is unique to trigger finger. Joint hypermobility may increase the risk for various musculoskeletal issues, but it does not directly cause the inflammatory changes that lead to trigger finger. As for carpal tunnel syndrome, it involves compression of the median nerve in the wrist and does not contribute to the condition of the flexor tendons associated with trigger finger.

Thus, the answer articulates the exact pathology involved in trigger finger, emphasizing the role of inflammation and obstruction in the tendon sheath that characterizes this specific condition.