Trigger Finger

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when the tendon sheath in the finger or thumb becomes inflamed, causing the tendon to catch as it glides through the sheath. This produces a locking, catching, or clicking sensation when bending or straightening the affected digit.

• A clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger or thumb
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• A tender bump at the base of the affected finger
• A finger that locks in a bent position and may need to be straightened manually

Trigger finger is more common in people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, and in those who perform repetitive gripping activities. It can affect one finger or several, and occurs in both hands in some patients.

Rest, splinting, and activity modification – Anti-inflammatory medication – Corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath – Trigger finger release surgery for cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment.

Many trigger finger releases can be performed as a quick, in-office or outpatient procedure using wide awake technique, minimizing downtime and getting you back to normal hand use quickly.