Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which a flexor tendon no longer glides freely through its sheath. The finger may catch, click, or lock in a bent position.

Narrowing of the tendon sheath makes it difficult for the tendon to pass smoothly. When the tendon moves through the tight area, the finger may release with a snap, similar to a trigger being pulled.

Symptoms may include pain or tenderness in the palm, clicking or catching during movement, stiffness, and locking in a bent position. Stiffness and locking are often worse after periods of inactivity, such as first thing in the morning.

Yes. In some cases, the finger remains bent and may need to be straightened with the other hand. In more severe cases, it may not be possible to extend the finger without medical help.

Trigger finger can affect anyone and often develops without a clear cause. It is more common in women and people with diabetes and may also be associated with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

There is little evidence that work alone directly causes trigger finger. However, repetitive gripping or pinching may be associated with symptoms, and intensive hand use can aggravate pain and triggering.

Diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms and examination of the hand, including checking for tenderness, thickening, catching, or locking during movement. X-rays and other tests are not usually required unless another condition is suspected.

Yes. Some mild cases may settle over several weeks, particularly when painful activities are temporarily reduced. Persistent pain, repeated locking, or loss of movement should be medically assessed.

Options may include activity modification, a night splint, gentle exercises, and pain or anti-inflammatory medication when clinically appropriate. A corticosteroid injection is another commonly used treatment.

Corticosteroid is injected near the narrowed area to reduce inflammation and help the tendon glide more freely. Improvement may begin within a few days but can take several weeks; symptoms may persist or return.

Corticosteroid injections may be less effective in people with diabetes. They can also cause a temporary rise in blood glucose, particularly in people using insulin, so monitoring should follow the usual medical advice.

Surgery may be considered when symptoms are severe, do not improve with other treatments, or when the finger remains locked and cannot be straightened. The decision depends on symptom severity, duration, and individual needs.

Surgery is performed through a small incision in the palm to release the sheath constricting the flexor tendons. It takes approximately 20 minutes, is carried out under local anaesthesia, and does not require a hospital stay.

The hand can generally be used without exertion from the following day, according to the instructions provided. The scar is on the palm and is approximately 1 to 2 cm long; it may remain tender or red for several weeks while it matures.

Risks include infection and bleeding and, rarely, injury to the digital nerves. Temporary pain, swelling, or stiffness may occur; recurrence after surgery is uncommon. Hand therapy may be recommended if stiffness or pain persists.