Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb

What is trigger finger and thumb?

Trigger finger and trigger thumb happen when a finger or thumb catches, locks or “triggers” as it bends and straightens. Picture a piece of fishing line getting hung up as it passes through the rings on a fishing rod. The problem comes from a tight sheath around the tendon that keeps it from gliding smoothly, causing painful (or sometimes painless) snapping or locking. Many people notice symptoms most when gripping, making a fist or first waking up in the morning.

Your hand and wrist contain bones, arteries and tendons that can be impacted by overuse or injury.

A look at finger and thumb anatomy

Each finger and thumb has tendons that act like ropes, helping you bend and straighten the joints. These tendons run through a series of pulleys, or sheaths, that keep them close to the bone and guide smooth movement. When the sheath becomes too tight or the tendon becomes irritated and swollen, the tendon can catch as it slides, causing the finger or thumb to snap, click or lock.

Overview

Symptoms

Trigger finger symptoms often begin with soreness, tenderness or a small bump at the base of the finger or thumb in the palm. Over time, this may progress to:

Clicking or snapping when you bend or straighten the finger or thumb
Locking in a bent position that may suddenly “pop” straight
Stiffness, especially in the morning, with or without pain

Causes

Diagnosis

Your hand specialist will talk with you about your symptoms and medical history and carefully examine your hand. In most cases, this exam is enough to confirm a diagnosis, and additional imaging tests like MRI are rarely needed. We can often diagnose the problem in a single visit and start your treatment plan right away.

Why treatment matters

Getting the right treatment at the right time can relieve pain, restore smooth, natural movement and help you get back to the activities you enjoy with comfort and confidence.

Nonsurgical care

Many people improve with simple, nonsurgical treatments. Your care plan may include:

Activity changes to reduce repetitive or forceful gripping
Anti-inflammatory medications to ease pain and swelling
Night-time splinting to rest the affected finger or thumb
Steroid injection to reduce inflammation

Surgical care

When symptoms are severe, long-standing, or do not improve with nonsurgical care, a simple trigger finger surgery may help. Your care team uses local numbing medicine, sometimes combined with light sedation for comfort. Your surgeon makes a small incision in the palm at the base of the affected finger or thumb and carefully loosens the tight sheath so the tendon can glide freely again. This minimally invasive procedure typically takes only a few minutes and can provide lasting relief for most patients. Your hand specialist will guide you through recovery to help you regain strength and function.

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.