What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when one of the tendons that bends the finger becomes inflamed and no longer glides smoothly through its sheath. The tendon catches at the mouth of the sheath in the palm, causing the finger to click, catch or lock as it bends — sometimes needing the other hand to straighten it.
It can affect any finger or the thumb, and is more common in people with diabetes or after repetitive gripping.
Common symptoms
- Clicking or catching when bending the finger
- A finger that locks down and must be straightened passively
- Tenderness or a small lump at the base of the finger in the palm
- Stiffness that is often worse first thing in the morning
Non-surgical treatment
- Splinting and activity modification for mild, early cases
- A corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath settles the majority of cases, particularly when symptoms are recent
Trigger finger release surgery
If triggering persists or recurs after injection, surgical release is a small, highly effective procedure:
- Performed as day surgery, usually under local anaesthesia
- A small incision in the palm opens the tight mouth of the tendon sheath
- The finger usually moves freely immediately
- Light hand use resumes straight away; the wound heals over about two weeks
Recovery
Most people return to normal activities within a few weeks, and complications are uncommon. Some patients benefit from hand therapy if stiffness has been long-standing.