Trigger finger
What is it?
Trigger finger is a condition that affects the tendons that bend the fingers. When the tendon sheath is inflamed, it makes finger extension or flexion difficult. This can cause the fingers to lock or trigger suddenly. The medical term for it is tenosynovitis.
Prognosis
It is not common for trigger finger to spontaneously resolve. If it is not treated, it is likely to be a painful discomfort. If the finger gets trapped, it could cause permanent stiffness.
What are the symptoms?
Trigger finger symptoms may start with discomfort at the base of the finger, which could cause inflammation and swelling. The most common symptoms are:
- A small lump in the palm of the hand, normally around the trochlea.
- Inflammation.
- Finger joint pressure or paralysis.
- Pain when flexing or extending the finger.
Medical tests
The diagnosis can normally be made based on the patients’ medical history and symptoms. A physical exam is normally carried out to assess the stiffness and sensitivity of the affected fingers. The doctor may choose to do an ultrasound to check the swelling or they may carry out specific tests if they think it may be related to a different condition.
What causes it?
There is no clear cause for this condition, but it is thought to be related to rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes. It is more common in women and people aged between 40 and 60 years old. People who regularly carry out activities that require repetitive phalange flexion and extension for long periods of time, or put intense external pressure on a finger, are more likely to be affected by trigger finger.
How can it be prevented?
Tenosynovitis can only partially be prevented. If it is due to an underlying condition (rheumatoid arthritis for example) that causes thickening of the finger tendon sheaths and causes involuntary movements and pain, it should be treated before it causes trigger finger. It may also be caused by a tendon mechanical overload. Certain movements should be avoided, and exercises should be carried out to strengthen the tendons.
Recommendations include:
- Limit repetitive or forced finger activities
- Alternate activities
- Rest between tasks
- Try to not force movement
- Regularly exercise fingers and palm.
What is the treatment?
Trigger finger treatment normally involves alleviating tendon pressure and enabling finger movement without any discomfort. A splint or anti-inflammatory medications are often used. If these treatments don’t work, surgery may be resorted to.
What specialist should I see?
Orthopaedic specialists are devoted to preventing, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions such as trigger finger.


Your guide to trigger finger symptoms and treatment
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Trigger finger symptoms can vary from mild to very inconvenient. Mr Andrew Logan provides you with a thorough guide to how this condition happens, its symptoms, who are most at risk and what treatment options you may be offered. See more


Trigger finger: causes, symptoms and treatment
By Ms Anna Moon
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Trigger finger can lead to the fingers locking into a bent position, which can feel very tender and painful. We spoke to one of our top hand surgeons Ms Anna Moon all about the condition, from the symptoms and causes to treatment options. See more


The WALANT technique: the advantages of wide awake hand surgery
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The WALANT technique allows your surgeon to operate on your hand while you are fully awake. This safe method of hand surgery provides several advantages over more traditional means that require anaesthesia. Mr Philip Mathew, a hand and wrist orthopaedic surgeon, explains what it involves, its benefits, who can have it and its success rate. See more


Trigger finger surgery explained by a specialist
By Mr Stephen Lipscombe
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Sometimes, surgery is necessary to cure a trigger digit. Dr Stephen Lipscombe explains when surgery for trigger finger or trigger thumb is necessary, what to expect from the procedure and its success rate. See more
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Mr Kunal Hinduja
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hand surgery
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Hand injury
- Carpal tunnel surgery
- Trigger finger
- Ganglion cyst
-
Mr G Shyamalan (Shyam)
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Carpal tunnel surgery
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Trigger finger
- Hand surgery
- Ganglion cyst
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
-
Mr Andrew Logan
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dupuytren’s contracture
- Wrist surgery
- Trigger finger
- Hand arthritis
- Hand surgery
-
Mr Ravi Badge
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Cubital tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Thumb Osteoarthritis
- Epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
- Rotator cuff injury
-
Mr Stephen Lipscombe
Orthopaedic surgeryExpert in:
- Hand surgery
- Wrist surgery
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Fracture
- Arthroscopy of small joints
- See all

Total Orthopaedics
Total Orthopaedics
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Spire Little Aston Hospital
Spire Little Aston Hospital
Little Aston Hall Drive, Sutton Coldfield, B74 3UP
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