Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger: What You Should Know
If you’ve ever woken up with a stiff finger that clicks, locks, or feels stuck in a bent position, you may be dealing with a condition called Trigger Finger. It’s surprisingly common—and treatable.
What is Trigger Finger?
Trigger Finger (also known as stenosing tenosynovitis) is a condition where one of your fingers or thumbs catches or locks when you try to bend or straighten it. It often starts with discomfort or stiffness in the morning and can progress to painful snapping or even becoming locked in position.
It’s caused by inflammation and thickening of the tendon sheath in your palm or finger. When the tendon can’t glide smoothly, it catches—like a rope getting stuck in a pulley.
Who Gets It?
Anyone can develop Trigger Finger, but it’s more common if you:
Use your hands heavily at work or home
Have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Are in your 40s–60s (though children can get a version called congenital trigger thumb - this paediatric form is different)
Symptoms to Look For
A painful clicking sensation when moving your finger
A nodule or bump in the palm
Finger locking in a bent position, often needing help to straighten
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Treatment Options
Many patients try non-surgical treatments first, especially early on. These include:
Splinting (especially at night)
Anti-inflammatory medications
Steroid injections (these can reduce swelling and restore movement in many cases)
However, if the problem keeps coming back—or the finger is persistently locking—surgery may be the best option.
Trigger Finger Release Surgery
This is a simple, effective procedure. A small incision (about 1-1.5 cm) is used to release the tight sheath that’s preventing the tendon from gliding freely.
It is often done as a day surgery, and many people can start using their hand gently that same day.
What to Expect:
Surgery time: 15–30 minutes
Anaesthetic: Local or general
Scarring: Minimal, small incision in the palm
Pain relief: Usually manageable with Panadol or anti-inflammatories
Return to work: Depends on your job—many people can return to light duties within a few days
Recovery & Post-Op Plan
Immediately After Surgery:
Keep your hand elevated to reduce swelling
Move your fingers regularly (gentle motion is encouraged from day one)
Leave your small dressing intact until your first review, but after 3-4 days you may remove and bulky dressing around your hand/wrist
1–2 Weeks:
Sutures (if any) are removed (Naveen usually uses absorbable sutures)
Swelling and discomfort generally settle
Gradual return to light activities
3–4 Weeks:
Most people are back to normal hand use
Any residual tenderness should improve with time
6+ Weeks:
You should have full, pain-free movement
Recurrence after surgery is rare
When to Get It Checked
If your finger is locking regularly, painful, or interfering with daily activities, it’s worth getting assessed. While it may seem like a small problem, it can lead to significant stiffness and functional issues if left untreated.