<s>[INST] Hi Dr. For several years when i have cleaned with bleach or ammonia my fingers or hands lock up. It used to only happen a few times a year at best. However, now my fingers lock up more often and my hands just ache...it is painful at times too...It doesn t seem to even need the bleach or ammonia these days to cause it....i am worried that it could be arthritic, or even RA. i also read that it could be related to an underactive thyroid, which i am convinced i have even though i have not been diagnosed with it...or possibly carpal tunnel although i don t think it is that, the pain is different from what i recall my one CTS episode was like (i felt it more in the thumb area that one time where this is the joints)...can you please help me? [/INST] Hi, Locking of one or two fingers occurs with deputies contracture phenomenon called as triggering of fingers. It is a gradually progressive condition characterized by roughening and pitting of Palmer skin along with burning sensation, most commonly involved is the ring finger followed in order by little and middle fingers. Arthritis causes deformities in fingers, but frank locking is not present. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  </s>