What are the treatment options for trigger finger?

Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when a flexor tendon does not glide smoothly through its pulley. This can cause tenderness near the base of the finger, clicking, or locking during bending and straightening. A clinician checks the finger's movement and may consider other causes of hand pain.

Reduce activities that repeatedly grip, pinch, or vibrate the hand, while keeping comfortable movement. [Splinting](/treatments/trauma-and-fracture-care/splinting/) can hold the finger in a helpful position, often during rest. A [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) may calm inflammation around the tendon sheath. If catching continues, [Trigger Finger Release](/treatments/reconstructive-orthopedic-surgery/trigger-finger-release/) widens the tight pulley so the tendon can move more freely. Follow wound, movement, and hand-use instructions after a procedure.

Arrange an assessment if the finger repeatedly locks, cannot fully straighten, or interferes with work, sleep, or daily tasks. Seek prompt help for marked redness, warmth, drainage, fever, rapidly increasing swelling, or a finger that becomes pale, blue, or numb.

Ask which tendon or pulley is involved, how long to try a splint, whether an injection suits your medical history, and what hand use is safe after release surgery.