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.