So, which home remedies for trigger finger actually work—and which are just wishful thinking? Let’s break it down.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon that controls finger movement becomes irritated and inflamed, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through its sheath. This causes stiffness, locking, pain, or a popping sensation when trying to straighten the finger.

It’s more common in women, people with diabetes, and those who perform repetitive hand movements (e.g. typing, gardening, gripping tools) [Gil et al, 2020; Giugale & Fowler, 2015; Currie et al, 2022].

Home Remedies That Work

These remedies are backed by either medical professionals or strong anecdotal evidence. While they may not cure the condition entirely, they can offer relief and even help slow progression.

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Why it works: Overuse is a major trigger and giving your hand a break allows inflammation to subside.

• According to a systematic review by Huisstede et al., conservative treatments like activity modification and splinting are commonly used and can be effective in managing symptoms of trigger finger [Huisstede et al, 2018].

How to do it:

• Avoid repetitive gripping or grasping.
• Take frequent breaks from tasks that strain the hands.
• Modify your activities—use padded grips, ergonomic tools, or voice dictation if typing aggravates symptoms.

Listen to your pain. If a task worsens the stiffness or popping, it’s time to pause.

2. Stretching and Finger Exercises

Why it works: Gentle motion can help maintain flexibility and prevent the tendon from stiffening further.

• Ultrasonography studies demonstrated that isometric contraction of the flexor tendon can expand the space under the A1 pulley, supporting the effectiveness of pulley stretch exercises [Tanaka et al, 2021; Yamazaki et al, 2020].[2-3]

Try these simple exercises:

• Finger Lifts: Place your hand flat on a table and lift each finger one at a time.
• Tendon Gliding: Make a fist, then slowly open your hand, spreading your fingers wide.
• Thumb-to-Finger Touches: Touch your thumb to each fingertip, one at a time.

3. Splinting

Why it works: Immobilizing the affected finger allows the tendon to rest and heal.

• A randomized controlled trial by Atthakomol et al. found that splinting alone was as effective as steroid injection alone in terms of pain reduction and functional improvement over a one-year period [Atthakomol et al, 2023]. This study involved 120 patients and showed no clinically important differences between the treatment groups.
• A systematic review by Leong et al. also supports the use of orthotic interventions, including splints, for managing trigger finger in both adults and children. The review reported statistically significant improvements in pain and functional outcomes with splinting [Leong et al, 2023].
• Additionally, a retrospective review by Valdes demonstrated an 87% success rate with orthotic intervention, showing significant reductions in pain and stagesof stenosing tenosynovitis [Valdes, 2012].

How to do it:

• Use a soft splint or custom brace to keep the finger straight, especially while sleeping.
• Wear for 6–8 hours per night or as recommended.

Important: Avoid splinting 24/7 —it can lead to stiffness.

4. Topical Anti-Inflammatories

Why it works: Gentle massage can reduce tension around the tendon. Topical NSAIDs (like diclofenac) help decrease localized inflammation.

• According to a systematic review by the American College of Physicians, topical NSAIDs are effective for symptom relief in various musculoskeletal conditions, including trigger finger [Busse et al, 2020].

How to do it:

• Massage the palm and affected finger with light pressure using a warming ointment.
• Apply topical NSAIDs twice a day if approved by your doctor.
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Home Remedies That Are NOT Supported by the Evidence (Or Could Be Harmful)

Not all home remedies are created equal. Here are a few that either lack evidence or could make things worse.

1. Aggressive Stretching or “Snapping” the Finger

Some people try to force the finger to straighten by pulling it—this is a big no-no. It can worsen inflammation and possibly tear tissue. Studies do not advocate for aggressive stretching or snapping, but rather controlled and measured stretching exercises.

2. Essential Oils

While oils like lavender or frankincense may provide temporary comfort when used in massage, they’re not a cure or standalone treatment. There is no evidence in the medical literature for the use of essential oils alone in the treatment of trigger finger and relying solely on them delays effective management.

3. Ice (Used Incorrectly)

While cold therapy can reduce swelling, it may also stiffen the tendon if overused. Based on the current literature, there is no evidence to support the use of ice as a treatment for trigger finger. If you choose to use ice, do so sparingly—no more than 10 minutes at a time, and always follow with gentle movement.

4. “Miracle” Gadgets or Finger Trainers

Avoid expensive gimmicky devices that promise fast results. But often there is no evidence supporting their effectiveness for treating trigger finger.

5. Warm Compresses

Heat increases blood flow and can loosen up stiff joints and tendons, but there is no evidence for the effectiveness of warm compresses in the treatment of trigger finger.

6. Massage

Gentle massage can reduce tension around the tendon has limited direct evidence supporting its efficacy.

7. Epsom Salt Soaks

Magnesium sulfate in Epsom salt has anti-inflammatory properties and can soothe aching hands, but systematic reviews and clinical studies do not mention Epsom salt soaks as a treatment modality for this condition and not recommended as a treatment for trigger finger based on current evidence.

Conclusion:

Trigger finger can be annoying, painful, and limiting—but you don’t have to suffer. With smart, safe home remedies and a little consistency, many people see real improvement without ever stepping foot in a doctor’s office.

If you’re not seeing progress, learn more about next steps in management:

(781) 591-7855

info@BSBortho.com

20 Walnut St

Suite 14

Wellesley MA 02481

References

• Atthakomol P, Wangtrakunchai V, Chanthana P, Phinyo P, Manosroi W. Are There Differences in Pain Reduction and Functional Improvement Among Splint Alone, Steroid Alone, and Combination for the Treatment of Adults With Trigger Finger? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2023 Nov 1;481(11):2281-2294.
  
• Busse JW, Sadeghirad B, Oparin Y, Chen E, Goshua A, May C, Hong PJ, Agarwal A, Chang Y, Ross SA, Emary P, Florez ID, Noor ST, Yao W, Lok A, Ali SH, Craigie S, Couban R, Morgan RL, Culig K, Brar S, Akbari-Kelachayeh K, Pozdnyakov A, Shergill Y, Sivananthan L, Zihayat B, Das A, Guyatt GH. Management of Acute Pain From Non-Low Back, Musculoskeletal Injuries : A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. Ann Intern Med. 2020 Nov 3;173(9):730-738.
  
• Currie KB, Tadisina KK, Mackinnon SE. Common Hand Conditions: A Review. JAMA. 2022 Jun 28;327(24):2434-2445.
• Gil JA, Hresko AM, Weiss AC. Current Concepts in the Management of Trigger Finger in Adults. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2020 Aug 1;28(15):e642-e650.
  
• Giugale JM, Fowler JR. Trigger Finger: Adult and Pediatric Treatment Strategies. Orthop Clin North Am. 2015 Oct;46(4):561-9.
  
• Huisstede BM, Gladdines S, Randsdorp MS, Koes BW. Effectiveness of Conservative, Surgical, and Postsurgical Interventions for Trigger Finger, Dupuytren Disease, and De Quervain Disease: A Systematic Review. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2018 Aug;99(8):1635-1649.e21.
  
• Leong L, Chai SC, Howell JW, Hirth MJ. Orthotic intervention options to non-surgically manage adult and pediatric trigger finger: A systematic review. J Hand Ther. 2023 Apr-Jun;36(2):302-315.
• Tanaka S, Uehara K, Sugimura R, Miura T, Ohe T, Tanaka S, Morizaki Y. Evaluation of the first annular pulley stretch effect under isometric contraction of the flexor tendon in healthy volunteers and trigger finger patients using ultrasonography. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2021 May 6;22(1):421.
  
• Valdes K. A retrospective review to determine the long-term efficacy of orthotic devices for trigger finger. J Hand Ther. 2012 Jan-Mar;25(1):89-95; quiz 96.
  
• Yamazaki A, Matsuura Y, Kuniyoshi K, Suzuki T, Akasaka T, Ozone E, Matsuyama Y, Mukai M, Yamazaki T, Ohara T, Sasho T, Ohtori S. A1 pulley stretching treats trigger finger: A1 pulley luminal region under digital flexor tendon traction. Clin Biomech (Bristol). 2020 Feb;72:136-140.