Trigger Finger Treatment Overview

Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, is a hand condition where a finger or thumb becomes stuck in a bent position and then suddenly snaps straight, like pulling and releasing the trigger of a gun—hence the name. It occurs when the tendon that bends the finger thickens or develops inflammation, restricting smooth movement through the tendon sheath.

Resting hand splint to reduce inflammation and improve recovery

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger happens when the flexor tendon in the finger or thumb becomes irritated, swollen, or thickened, causing difficulty in bending or straightening the finger smoothly. This results in:

• Locking or catching sensation when moving the finger

• Finger may get stuck in a bent or straight position (“trigger lock”)

• Pain or tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb near the palm

• Stiffness especially in the morning or after inactivity

• Sometimes a nodule or bump can be felt on the palm side

Commonly affected digits include the ring finger, thumb (trigger thumb), and pinky finger.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

The main cause is irritation or inflammation of the tendon or its sheath, often due to:

• Repetitive gripping or grasping activities

• Occupational strain (manual labor, typing)

• Underlying medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

• Previous hand injuries

• Thickening of the spring ligament or thickened pulley at the tendon sheath

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

• Finger stiffness and locking, especially after inactivity

• Tenderness or a painful bump at the base of the affected finger

• Clicking, popping, or snapping sensation during finger movement

• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the finger

• Finger may suddenly pop straight with discomfort

Diagnosis and Tests for Trigger Finger

Diagnosis is mostly clinical:

• Patient history and physical exam

• Trigger finger test: Examining for locking and tenderness around the antecubital fossa or finger base

• Assessing range of motion and finger function

• Ultrasound or X-rays generally not required unless to rule out other causes

Trigger Finger Treatment: What Works?

1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatments

• Finger splint / thumb brace: Keeps the affected finger or thumb in a resting position to limit movement and inflammation

• Rest: Avoid repetitive gripping or grasping activities

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): For pain and inflammation

• Trigger finger exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can improve tendon gliding

• Steroid injection (trigger shot): Corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath reduce inflammation and improve symptoms for many patients

2. Surgical Treatment

• Trigger finger release surgery: If conservative methods fail after several months, surgery may be recommended

• The procedure involves cutting the A1 pulley at the base of the affected finger or thumb to free the tendon

• Surgery is usually outpatient, with short recovery times

• Post-surgical rehabilitation includes gentle finger exercises and splinting

Recovery After Trigger Finger Surgery

• Most patients regain full motion within weeks to months

• Finger stiffness or minor tenderness after surgery is common but improves with therapy

• Wearing a finger splint or resting hand splint may be recommended during early recovery

• Return to normal activities gradually, avoiding heavy gripping in early healing phase

Trigger Finger Exercises for Relief and Recovery

• Gentle finger flexion and extension stretches

• Tendon gliding exercises (moving fingers through different positions)

• Thumb extension and strengthening exercises for trigger thumb

• Avoid forceful gripping or repetitive triggering actions during recovery

When to See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if you experience:

• Finger locking that doesn’t improve

• Increasing pain or swelling

• Loss of finger motion or function

• Symptoms affecting daily tasks