Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a narrowing problem around a finger tendon that can make bending or straightening catch, click or lock.

Also called stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger occurs when the tendon does not glide freely through a pulley at the base of the finger. Thickening or irritation can make that glide uneven. It can affect one or more fingers and may involve the thumb. The condition is usually assessed by examining the hand and observing movement. A visible or tender lump at the palm-side base of the finger can occur where the tendon is rubbing.

Finger stiffness is a common presentation of trigger finger, especially after rest. Locking or catching finger is a very common presentation. A person may feel a click as the finger straightens, need the other hand to release it, or notice soreness at the base of the finger or in the palm. Symptoms can be worse in the morning and may make gripping, typing or opening containers difficult.

Pain, catching and stiffness can occur together, but their combination and intensity vary. Sudden injury, marked swelling, redness, warmth or loss of sensation suggests that another problem may also need assessment.

Trigger finger develops when the tendon and its surrounding sheath do not glide freely through the pulley. Repeated gripping may irritate the area, while swelling or thickening can reduce the available space. Sometimes no single cause is found. The condition is not caused by a finger being deliberately bent or used incorrectly.

Early symptoms may be occasional stiffness or clicking. Catching can become more frequent, and the finger may remain bent after locking. Some people improve with activity changes and support; others need an injection or a release procedure when symptoms persist or interfere with hand function. Persistent locking should be reviewed rather than forced straight.

Risk can be associated with repeated forceful gripping, hand strain, diabetes, inflammatory joint disease or previous hand problems. Age and hormonal changes may also be relevant for some people. A risk factor does not confirm that a catching finger is trigger finger, because tendon, joint and nerve conditions can feel similar.

Diagnosis is usually clinical. A clinician asks when catching occurs, checks tenderness and swelling, and watches the finger bend and straighten. They may examine nearby joints and nerves to exclude arthritis, tendon injury or nerve compression. Imaging is not always needed, but may be considered when the history or examination points to another cause.

Treatment depends on how often the finger catches, whether it locks, and how much hand use is affected. Rest from forceful gripping, gentle movement and a splint can reduce irritation while the area settles. A Cortisone Injection may be offered to reduce inflammation around the tendon. If locking persists or returns, Trigger Finger Release widens the tight pulley so the tendon can glide more freely. A clinician will discuss expected recovery and hand-use restrictions for the chosen option.

Use larger handles or loosen your grip where possible, alternate demanding tasks, and take breaks from repeated squeezing. Keep the finger moving gently within comfort, but do not pull forcefully against a lock. Follow any splint instructions and report increasing pain, swelling or reduced hand function.

Repeated locking can limit grip and may leave the finger stiff. A finger held bent for a long time can become harder to straighten. After treatment, infection, persistent stiffness or continued catching can occur and should be assessed if symptoms do not follow the expected recovery pattern.

Not every case can be prevented. Reduce repeated forceful gripping when practical, use tools that fit the hand, and build demanding hand activities gradually. Managing conditions that affect joints or tendons and seeking review when early catching persists may prevent prolonged loss of movement.

An orthopaedic or hand specialist can assess persistent catching, painful locking or a finger that cannot fully straighten. A physiotherapist or hand therapist may help with protected movement and activity changes. Bring information about which finger is affected, morning stiffness, triggers and any previous hand treatment.