Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition where your finger or thumb catches or locks when you bend it. It’s due to inflammation and a narrow tendon sheath. It’s also called stenosing tenosynovitis. 

Trigger finger usually affects the ring finger or thumb (called trigger thumb). It can also affect any finger, and sometimes more than one finger or both hands at the same time.

What causes trigger finger?

In most people, there’s not a clear cause for trigger finger, although repetitive hand and finger movements may contribute. The condition develops when the tendon that bends your finger becomes irritated and can’t glide smoothly through its sheath (protective covering). 

Each of your fingers has a tendon at its base that helps it bend toward your palm. Each tendon is inside a sheath. With trigger finger, the tendon gets inflamed, the sheath swells and a nodule or lump forms in the tendon. 

This new nodule struggles against the sheath and catches or locks the finger into place. If the tendon is inflamed for a long time, the finger can get stiff and won’t fully flex into a fist. 

Risk factors for trigger finger

• Repeatedly gripping or using your hand, especially in jobs or hobbies like gardening, playing musical instruments or racquet sports
• Diabetes
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Being age 40 to 60
• Being female
• Other medical conditions including gout, hypothyroidism, amyloidosis, sarcoidosis, carpal tunnel syndrome, kidney disease and osteoarthritis 

Trigger finger symptoms include: 

• Finger stiffness, especially in the morning, that may loosen up as you start moving your hand during the day 
• A clicking or popping sensation when you flex the finger 
• A finger that gets locked in a bent position 
• Pain or tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb 
• A small lump (nodule) in your palm 
• Swelling of the finger or thumb that has the symptoms 
• Warmth or soreness in the palm 
• Less range of motion 
• Needing to use your other hand to straighten your finger or thumb 

Contact a health care professional for:  

• A finger that is locking or getting stuck and can’t be straightened without help 
• Pain that doesn’t get better 
• Difficulty using your hand 
• Symptoms that get worse over time 
• Symptoms in a child, especially in a thumb 
• Trigger finger along with other hand problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, Dupuytren’s contracture or de Quervain’s tendonitis 

Early treatment can help keep your finger from being permanently stiff or hard to move.

Diagnosis is usually based on a physical exam. Your provider may: 

• Check how your finger moves 
• Feel your finger for tenderness or nodules 
• Observe how your finger locks or catches to make sure you don’t have a joint issue or another tendon issue 
• Look for swelling or thickening 

Most people don’t need imaging, but your provider may order ultrasound or X-rays to look for tendon thickening or nodules or to rule out a fracture or arthritis. 

Trigger finger often gets better without surgery, especially when you get care early.

Non-surgical treatment

• Rest 
• Modifying your activities
• Splinting your finger or taping it to a finger alongside it, to limit how much it moves
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Hand therapy exercises
• Stretching, heat and massage
• Protecting your hand during daily tasks

Injections

Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation often help with symptoms, especially when you get treatment early. If you have diabetes, steroid injections might not work as well. These injections can also raise your blood sugar levels, so talk to your provider about monitoring your blood sugar after an injection. 

Trigger finger release surgery

Trigger finger release surgery is a simple outpatient procedure. Your surgeon numbs your hand and uses a needle or a small incision in the palm to release the tendon sheath. After surgery and hand therapy or exercises, you should have smooth tendon movement again.

Most people don’t have any complications from surgery but it’s possible to have infection, nerve irritation or stiffness. 

Most people get better quickly with treatment and get full motion back in their finger. Recovery from surgery is usually short. It’s possible for trigger finger to come back but that doesn’t usually happen.

These steps can help you prevent trigger finger: 

• Avoid repetitive strain when possible 
• Take breaks during activities where you use your hands a lot 
• Use ergonomic tools to lower strain on your hands and fingers 
• Manage conditions like diabetes 

Trigger finger is a common condition that causes your finger or thumb to catch or lock when you’re moving it. With easy early treatment options, you’re likely to get smooth motion back in your finger and return to your daily activities without pain.

If you have trigger finger symptoms, turn to Banner Health for:

• Experienced hand and wrist specialists
• Effective non-surgical and surgical treatment options
• Personalized treatment plans
• Access to hand therapy services 

What does trigger finger feel like?

It often feels like your finger catches, clicks or locks when you try to move it.

Can trigger finger go away on its own?

Mild cases may improve but ongoing symptoms often need treatment.

What is the best treatment for trigger finger?

Treatment may include splinting, injections or a simple surgical release, depending on how severe it is.

How long does trigger finger last?

Without treatment, symptoms can persist or worsen over time. 

If finger pain or locking is affecting your daily activities, schedule an evaluation with a Banner Health specialist.