You go to grip your toothbrush in the morning, and your finger won’t quite cooperate. It feels stiff, and maybe even clicks painfully as you try to straighten it. Some mornings, it’s stuck bent until you use your other hand to nudge it open. Sound familiar?
This is often how trigger finger starts. A sense of tightness, a bit of discomfort, which is usually worse after sleep. Over time, that stiffness can turn into a noticeable catch or lock when you move your finger or thumb. For some people, it’s just a click. For others, the digit gets stuck and won’t budge without help.
At The Hand Clinic, we see many patients with trigger finger each year, and we know how something small can quickly become disruptive. It might start as just an odd sensation, but it can easily get in the way of typing, gripping tools, cooking, or going about your day.
The good news is that there are several effective ways to manage it, ranging from gentle, non-invasive approaches to long-term surgical solutions.
What Causes Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger happens when the tendon that helps bend your finger becomes irritated or inflamed. Normally, tendons glide smoothly through a sheath, but with trigger finger, this movement becomes restricted. A small nodule can form, or the sheath itself can thicken, making it harder for the tendon to move freely. This is what causes the finger to catch, click, or lock.
Certain conditions, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, can increase the risk of developing trigger finger. Repetitive use or gripping activities may also contribute.
Treatment Option 1: Night splinting
If your symptoms are still mild, the first thing we often recommend is a simple night splint. It’s a small brace that keeps your finger straight while you sleep. By giving the tendon a break overnight, the brace helps calm the inflammation and can slowly ease the catching or stiffness.
For people in the early stages of trigger finger, splinting can be a gentle and effective starting point. It’s low-risk, doesn’t involve needles or procedures, and suits anyone who prefers to start with the least invasive option.
That said, it’s a slow fix. Some people notice improvement in a few weeks, while others may need months before things start to feel easier. And if the finger is already locking regularly or feeling quite painful, splinting alone may not be enough to turn things around.
Treatment Option 2: Steroid injection
The next option is a corticosteroid injection into the area around the tendon. This reduces swelling and allows the tendon to move more easily again. The procedure is quick, and the injection itself usually takes just a few minutes to administer.
Many people experience relief within a few days. For those without diabetes and with symptoms that have only recently started, the success rate is high. Around 70 to 80 percent of these patients report a significant improvement after just one injection.
In people with diabetes, the success rate is slightly lower, at around 50 percent. This is due to the way diabetes can affect tissue healing and inflammation. Even so, for many patients, the benefits are worth exploring.
It’s also important to be aware that, even if the injection works well, there is a chance that symptoms could return. On average, about half of all patients who experience relief from a steroid injection will eventually have a recurrence. If that happens, the injection can be repeated, or a more permanent solution can be considered.
Treatment Option 3: Surgical release
If your trigger finger isn’t improving, or if it’s been locking up badly from the start, surgery might be the most effective way forward. At The Hand Clinic, we offer two types of procedures depending on what’s right for you.
The most common is called an open release. It’s a quick procedure done under local anaesthetic, usually in under half an hour. We make a small incision in the palm to release the tight part of the tendon sheath, giving your tendon the space it needs to glide smoothly again. Most people go home the same day and start feeling relief not long after.
In select cases, we may perform a percutaneous release. This involves using a fine needle inserted through the skin to release the tight sheath, without making a full incision. While not suitable for everyone, this method can be a good fit for certain patients with less complicated cases.
Surgery offers a long-term solution for trigger finger and has a high success rate. Most people regain full movement and return to normal activities within a few weeks. Our team will provide guidance on exercises and follow-up care to ensure the best possible recovery.
Choosing the right option for you
At The Hand Clinic, we take the time to listen and assess your individual situation. Your treatment plan will depend on several factors, including how long you’ve had symptoms, the severity of your condition, your daily activities, and any underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
Trigger finger can be managed effectively, especially when addressed early. Whether your symptoms are just starting or have been ongoing for some time, we are here to help you find the best path forward. Our goal is always to restore comfortable, functional movement so that you can get back to doing what you love without discomfort or interruption.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or have questions about treatment, we invite you to contact us directly to arrange a consultation.
