Trigger finger in fretting pinky

Give it a rest, if you have Natrium-Diclofenac as a lotion at hand use that and fix your finger in straight position while sleeping.

Still visit a doctor. It's most likely from a tendo vaginitis.

 

Get a Pinkieplasty.

 

I sometimes get trigger finger in mostly my right hand and start making weird gang signs at the worst possible moment on stage, what I've found what works for me is to drink even more water than I ever did before gigs to keep well hydrated.

 

That definitely sounds like a trigger finger.

The good news is that it's entirely treatable and rarely needs surgery. A few sessions with a Certified Hand Therapist can help, although in many states you'll have to see a doc first for an accurate diagnosis and prescription. If it's truly a trigger finger and you can still flex and extend it, it's worth trying some therapy first. Sometimes it takes an injection of cortisone-type medication to reduce the swelling/nodule in the tendon, which causes the triggering when it catches under the "pulley" that holds the tendon sheath to the bone. You'll want to be cautious about activities that increase symptoms, and try to avoid the triggering when you can, because it tends to irritate the tendon and make it swell more. Your therapist may want to watch you play your bass to look at posture/technique; sometimes making changes in hand position can take stress off an injured or inflamed tendon. It can also be useful to have an experienced teacher look at your technique for the same reason.

I'd suggest seeing a sports medicine, hand, or orthopedic physician (MD or DO) for an accurate diagnosis and to make sure it's nothing more serious.

You might also want to try icing after playing and practicing; that can help keep the tendon swelling to a minimum. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can help with pain or discomfort, but won't really take away the swelling.

Good luck -- hope you get it resolved soon!

 

It could also be Dupuytren's Contracture. I developed it and had surgery to release it (fretting pinky). Five years later it's back again. This time I will have a different treatment. There is an enzyme that can be injected into the tissue to soften it. A day after the injection, the doctor can manipulate the finger and straighten it out.