Trigger Finger

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger is a very common orthopedic condition. It is a painful (or sometimes painless) snapping or locking of the fingers or thumb. This occurs when the sheath around the tendon gets too tight and prevents the tendon from gliding smoothly with use. Picture fishing line getting hung up as it passes through the rings on a fishing rod.

There are many potential causes of trigger finger, but in most cases the direct cause is unknown. Some issues that have been associated with trigger finger include:

- Overuse, repetitive activities
- Inflammatory diseases (rheumatoid, gout)
- Diabetes

Illustration of a hand condition called trigger finger

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Overview

Symptoms

Trigger finger symptoms often starts with a soreness and swelling at the base of the finger in the palm. Over time, this may progress to clicking, or even locking up of the finger after making a fist. Occasionally there is bothersome clicking or locking without ever having pain.

Causes

Diagnosis

Why treatment matters

Nonoperative treatment:

Activity modification recommendations
Anti-inflammatory medication
Night-time splinting
Steroid injection

Operative treatment:

When symptoms are severe or long-standing and have failed nonoperative treatment, a simple trigger finger surgery can often significantly improve the symptoms of trigger finger. We perform local numbing with or without sedation and make a small incision in the palm at the base of the affected finger. The tight sheath around the tendon is loosened so that the tendon no longer catches.

Hand of a patient recovering from minimally invasive hand surgery.

Small incision after minimally invasive surgery for trigger finger

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.