Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTreatmentExercise and RehabilitationMobility EffectsTreatment Timeline
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Treatment
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Mobility Effects
Treatment Timeline
Trigger finger (also calledstenosingtenosynovitis) is a condition that occurs when inflammation causes the flexortendonthat bends a finger to get stuck in the tendon sheath that helps keep it in place.
This condition ranges in severity. In mild cases, pain might be the only symptom. The finger can become locked in a straight or bent position in severe cases.
This article discusses trigger finger treatment and will help you identify treatments to try at home and signs to look for that require medical attention.
RUNSTUDIO / Getty Images
Trigger Finger Anatomy
As the condition progresses, the flexor tendon can also develop a bump called a nodule. Triggering of the finger occurs when the nodule on the tendon catches as it passes underneath the inflamed pulley.
Trigger Finger Treatment
Trigger finger treatment varies based on the severity of the condition. It can involve noninvasive approaches such as splinting to stabilize the joint or over-the-counter (OTC) medications to relieve pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, you may need surgery.
At-Home, Nondrug Treatments
Conservative treatment for trigger fingeraims to decrease pressure on the affected tendon to help reduce swelling and inflammation, such as avoiding activities that worsen symptoms.
Splinting the fingerin a straight position also decreases pressure on the flexor tendon.However, keeping a finger straight can make daily tasks difficult. Many people with trigger finger opt to wear these splints while sleeping.
At-Home Medications
You can use various OTCnonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Aleve (naproxen), Advil/Motrin (ibuprofen), and aspirin to help decrease inflammation.
Tylenol (acetaminophen) can also help decrease pain or talk to a healthcare provider aboutprescription-strength, NSAIDs.
Healthcare providers often treat trigger finger withcorticosteroid injectionsdirectly into the affected structure.It can often take more than one injection for long-term symptom relief.
Surgery
If your trigger finger does not improve with conservative treatment, a healthcare provider may recommend surgery. Trigger finger release surgery is a standard outpatient procedure healthcare providers use to treat this condition.
The procedure involves cutting the affected structure—typically the A1 pulley—to allow the tendon to glide through the sheath without “catching.“This procedure can be done with a needle tip or with an open incision.
Sometimes, people need rehabilitation after trigger finger release, which acertified hand therapistoften directs. Treatment focuses on restoring normal finger range of motion and hand strength to improve function.
Gentle hand exercises and stretches can help maintain mobility and flexibility.
Wrist Stretch
Tendons that bend (flex) the fingers are connected to muscles in the forearms. To stretch these muscles:
Blocking Exercises
These exercises focus on bending specific joints in the finger rather than the largeknucklesthat cause the triggering to occur.Do them as follows:
If triggering occurs, stop the blocking exercises and consult a healthcare provider.
Mobility Effects During Trigger Finger Treatment
Trigger finger can affect thethumbor any other finger and develop in more than one finger at a time.Since this condition causes pain with finger bending and straightening, you may find yourself avoiding these movements. Unfortunately, limiting movement can lead to stiffness and decreased range of motion in the long run.
Gentle blocking exercises described in the previous section can help you maintain joint mobility while minimizing stress on the affected tendon.
Trigger Finger Treatment Timeline
Recovery from trigger finger varies based on the severity of the condition and the treatment path. In some cases, mild trigger finger can resolve independently without treatment.
Splinting for trigger finger can take around six to nine weeks before symptoms completely resolve. Cortisone injections usually work more quickly, decreasing pain within a few days and resolving the triggering within a few weeks.
Summary
Trigger finger occurs when a tendon in the palm “catches” as a finger bends and straightens. The severity of this condition ranges from mild to severe. Mild cases sometimes resolve on their own, without treatment. Conservative treatment can include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, splinting, and corticosteroid injections. In severe cases, surgery might be required.
Hand therapy rehabilitation can be helpful for both conservative and postoperative treatment for trigger finger. Interventions include tips for adapting daily tasks, splinting, range of motion exercises, and when appropriate, strengthening exercises.
5 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Trigger finger.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Trigger finger.Kaiser Permanente.Trigger finger (finger tenosynovitis).Dardas AZ, VandenBerg J, Shen T, Gelberman RH, Calfee RP.Long-term effectiveness of repeat corticosteroid injections for trigger finger.J Hand Surg Am. 2017;42(4):227-235. doi:10.1016%2Fj.jhsa.2017.02.001Merry SP, O’Grady JS, Boswell CL.Trigger finger? Just shoot!.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720943345. doi:10.1177%2F2150132720943345
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Trigger finger.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Trigger finger.Kaiser Permanente.Trigger finger (finger tenosynovitis).Dardas AZ, VandenBerg J, Shen T, Gelberman RH, Calfee RP.Long-term effectiveness of repeat corticosteroid injections for trigger finger.J Hand Surg Am. 2017;42(4):227-235. doi:10.1016%2Fj.jhsa.2017.02.001Merry SP, O’Grady JS, Boswell CL.Trigger finger? Just shoot!.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720943345. doi:10.1177%2F2150132720943345
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Trigger finger.American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Trigger finger.Kaiser Permanente.Trigger finger (finger tenosynovitis).Dardas AZ, VandenBerg J, Shen T, Gelberman RH, Calfee RP.Long-term effectiveness of repeat corticosteroid injections for trigger finger.J Hand Surg Am. 2017;42(4):227-235. doi:10.1016%2Fj.jhsa.2017.02.001Merry SP, O’Grady JS, Boswell CL.Trigger finger? Just shoot!.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720943345. doi:10.1177%2F2150132720943345
American Society for Surgery of the Hand.Trigger finger.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.Trigger finger.
Kaiser Permanente.Trigger finger (finger tenosynovitis).
Dardas AZ, VandenBerg J, Shen T, Gelberman RH, Calfee RP.Long-term effectiveness of repeat corticosteroid injections for trigger finger.J Hand Surg Am. 2017;42(4):227-235. doi:10.1016%2Fj.jhsa.2017.02.001
Merry SP, O’Grady JS, Boswell CL.Trigger finger? Just shoot!.J Prim Care Community Health. 2020;11:2150132720943345. doi:10.1177%2F2150132720943345
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
