Trigger finger treatment focuses on relieving pain, stiffness, and locking of the finger caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath. Treatment may include splinting, injections, or minimally invasive surgical release when symptoms persist.
At SCOS, our orthopedic and hand specialists provide comprehensive trigger finger treatment for patients throughout Orange County, including Irvine, Huntington Beach, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Costa Mesa, Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Yorba Linda, Placentia, and Anaheim.
If your finger catches, locks, or becomes painful when bending, early evaluation can help restore smooth movement and prevent worsening stiffness.
The ability to bend the fingers is governed by supportive tendons that connect muscles to the bones of the fingers. The tendons run along the length of the bone and are kept in place at intervals by tunnels of ligaments called pulleys. When the fingers bend, or are straightened, a slippery coating called tenosynovium helps the tendons smoothly glide through the ligaments with reduced friction.
What is Trigger Finger?
Inflammation in the tenosynovium leads to a condition called trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis or flexor tendonitis, where one of the fingers or thumb of the hand is caught in a bent position. The affected digit may straighten with a quick snap, like pulling and releasing the trigger on a gun, hence the name trigger finger.
Causes of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is caused by the inflammation of the tenosynovium. Inflammation forms a nodule and makes it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly within its sheath, causing "catching" of the finger in a bent position and then suddenly releasing the finger straight.
The other causes of trigger finger can include the following:
- Repetitive motion: Individuals who perform heavy, repetitive hand and wrist movements with prolonged gripping at work or play are believed to be at a high risk of developing trigger finger.
- Medical conditions: Conditions associated with developing trigger finger include hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes and certain infections such as tuberculosis.
- Gender: Trigger finger is more common in females than males.
Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Finger
The commonly reported symptoms associated with trigger finger include the following:
- Pain and tenderness over the inflamed tendon nodule
- Bent finger suddenly pops out and straightens
- “Popping” or “clicking” sound or sensation when the nodule moves through the pulley
- Finger feels stiff and sore
- Finger gets locked and are unable to straighten when the nodule grows large and gets stuck in the pulley
The symptoms are worse in the morning.
Impact of Trigger Finger
Long-term complications of untreated trigger finger can include permanent digit swelling and contracture, as well as tearing of the tendon or rupture.
Diagnosis of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger is diagnosed based on the medical history and a physical examination, without any special testing required.
Treatment for Trigger Finger
Your surgeon will recommend conservative treatment options to treat trigger finger symptoms. Treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Conservative treatment options may include the following:
- Treating any underlying medical conditions that may be causing the problem, such as diabetes or arthritis
- Resting the hand for 2-4 weeks or more by avoiding repetitive gripping actions
- Avoiding activities that tend to bring on the symptoms
- Performing strengthening and stretching exercises with the affected finger
- Occupational therapy including massage, heat, ice and exercises to improve the finger
- Applying ice over the affected finger over a towel for 5-15 min, 3-4 times daily
- Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation
- Administering steroid injections into the affected finger to reduce the inflammation
If conservative treatment options fail to resolve the condition and symptoms persist for 6 months or more and your quality of life is adversely affected, your surgeon may recommend a surgical procedure to release the tendon.
Percutaneous trigger finger release surgery is a minimally invasive procedure performed under local anesthesia. Your surgeon makes one small incision on the affected finger area, about an inch long and releases the tight portion of the flexor tendon sheath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can trigger finger go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest. However, persistent locking or pain often requires medical treatment.
How effective are steroid injections?
Corticosteroid injections are highly effective for many patients, especially in early stages.
Is trigger finger surgery painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia. Mild soreness afterward is common but manageable.
How long does trigger finger surgery take?
The procedure usually takes less than 30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis.
Why Choose SCOS for Trigger Finger Treatment in Orange County?
Our orthopedic hand specialists provide individualized treatment plans focused on relieving pain, restoring motion, and preventing recurrence. We offer both conservative management and minimally invasive surgical solutions when necessary.
Schedule an Evaluation
If you are experiencing finger locking, clicking, or persistent pain, early evaluation can prevent worsening stiffness and loss of motion. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation with an experienced orthopedic specialist serving Orange County.
