Trigger finger treatment

You may benefit from trigger finger treatment if you're noticing any of the following: 

• A finger or thumb that catches, clicks or locks when you bend or straighten it
• Stiffness that's often worse in the morning
• A tender bump or nodule at the base of the affected finger
• Pain at the base of the finger or in the palm
• A finger that locks in a bent position and needs to be gently straightened by hand
• Symptoms affecting one finger or several fingers, including trigger thumb 

These symptoms tend to develop gradually and may worsen with repetitive gripping activities. Your care team can confirm a diagnosis with a physical exam and recommend the right next step.

Treatment for trigger finger depends on how severe and persistent your symptoms are. Options include: 

Nonsurgical

• Rest and activity changes: Avoiding repetitive gripping or adjusting how you use your hand to reduce strain on the tendon
• Splinting: Wearing a splint to keep the affected finger straight, especially at night, to give the tendon time to rest
• Trigger finger exercises: Gentle stretching and range of motion exercises to help maintain flexibility
• Trigger finger injection: A corticosteroid injection into the area around the tendon to reduce inflammation and swelling

Surgical 

Trigger finger release surgery is a procedure to widen the tunnel of tissue around the tendon so it can move freely, and is recommended when nonsurgical options haven't provided lasting relief.

Your physician will help you decide which approach fits your symptoms, how long you've had them and your daily needs.

Recovery depends on the type of treatment you receive. 

• After splinting or injection: Many patients notice improved movement within days to a few weeks. Symptoms can sometimes return, and additional treatment may be needed.
• After trigger finger release surgery: Most patients can move their finger right away and return to light activities within a few days. Full recovery, including reduced swelling and stiffness, typically continues over several weeks.
• Follow-up care: Your care team may recommend hand therapy or specific exercises to help restore strength and flexibility.
• Returning to activity: Your physician will guide you on when it's safe to resume typing, gripping tools or other hand-intensive tasks. 

Everyone heals at their own pace, and your care team will check in throughout your recovery to make sure you're progressing well. 

Most trigger finger treatments are safe and well tolerated, but like any treatment, they carry some considerations. 

• Corticosteroid injections may cause temporary discomfort at the injection site, and their effects can wear off over time.
• Trigger finger release surgery carries typical risks associated with minor procedures, including infection, stiffness or nerve irritation.
• Symptoms can occasionally return or affect another finger, even after successful treatment.

Your care team will walk you through the risks and benefits of each option and answer any questions before you begin treatment.