Introduction

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in the fingers and thumb. It causes pain, stiffness, and locking of the affected digit, making movement difficult. It commonly results from repetitive hand movements and can significantly impact daily activities. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and available treatment options for trigger finger, drawing insights from recent medical literature.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger occurs due to inflammation and narrowing of the flexor tendon sheath, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly. The primary causes include:

• Repetitive Motion: Activities that require repeated gripping or grasping motions, such as typing, playing musical instruments, or manual labor, can lead to tendon irritation [Moore, 2000; Jeanmonod et al, 2025].
  
• Medical Conditions: Certain health conditions, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and thyroid disorders, increase the risk of developing trigger finger [Ryzewicz & Wolf, 2006].
• Anatomical Anomalies: Some individuals may have structural abnormalities, such as lumbrical insertion into the A1 pulley, that predispose them to trigger finger.
• Age and Gender: The condition is more common in individuals aged 40–50 years and is more prevalent in women than in men [Saldana, 2021].

What are the Symptoms of Trigger Finger?

The most characteristic symptoms of trigger finger include:

• Pain and Tenderness: Discomfort at the base of the affected finger or thumb, often exacerbated by movement.
• Clicking or Snapping Sensation: A noticeable popping or snapping when flexing or extending the finger.
• Locking of the Finger: In severe cases, the finger may become stuck in a bent position and require manual assistance to straighten.
• Stiffness, Particularly in the Morning: The affected finger may feel stiff after periods of inactivity [Bianchi et al, 2019; Currie et al, 2022; Moore, 2000]..

What are the Common Treatment Options for Trigger Fingers?

Effective management of trigger finger depends on the severity of symptoms and begins with an accurate diagnosis to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options include:

Non-Surgical Treatments

1. Rest and Activity Modification

• Avoiding repetitive hand motions can help reduce strain on the tendons.

Splinting

• Wearing a splint keeps the affected finger in an extended position, reducing inflammation and promoting healing [Atthakomol et al, 2023].

Steroid Injections

• Corticosteroid injections into the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms, though recurrence may occur [Atthakomol et al, 2023; Gil et al, 2020].

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)

• ESWT has been found to be effective for pain control and functional improvement in trigger finger [Ferrara et al, 2020; Donati et al, 2024].

Physical Therapy and Exercises

• Stretching and strengthening exercises can improve tendon mobility and reduce stiffness [Yanko et al, 2025].

What are the Surgical Treatments for Trigger Finger?

For cases that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary, particularly when the finger becomes permanently locked, severely impacts daily activities, or fails to improve with steroid injections and splinting.

1. Percutaneous Release

• A minimally invasive procedure using a needle to release the constricted tendon sheath [LEARN MORE HERE].

Conclusion

Trigger finger is a common but treatable condition that can significantly affect hand function. Treatment options such as splinting, steroid injections, and, in severe cases, surgical intervention can help restore mobility and reduce discomfort.

Early diagnosis and intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and improve quality of life. Patients experiencing persistent finger pain or locking should seek medical evaluation to explore appropriate treatment options.

References

1. 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 Treatmentof Adults With Trigger Finger? Clin OrthopRelat Res. 2023 Nov 1;481(11):2281-2294.
   
2. Bianchi S, Gitto S, Draghi F. Ultrasound Features of Trigger Finger: Review of the Literature. J Ultrasound Med. 2019 Dec;38(12):3141-3154. doi: 10.1002/jum.15025. Epub 2019 May 20.
   
3. Currie KB, Tadisina KK, Mackinnon SE. Common Hand Conditions: A Review. JAMA. 2022 Jun 28;327(24):2434-2445.
   
4. Donati D, Ricci V, Boccolari P, Origlio F, Vita F, Naňka O, Catani F, Tarallo L. From diagnosis to rehabilitation of trigger finger: a narrative review. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024 Dec 23;25(1):1061.
5. Ferrara PE, Codazza S, Cerulli S, Maccauro G, Ferriero G, Ronconi G. Physical modalities for the conservative treatment of wrist and hand's tenosynovitis: A systematic review. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2020 Dec;50(6):1280-1290.
   
6. 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.
7. Jeanmonod R, Harberger S, Tiwari V, Waseem M. Trigger Finger - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health. Published January 2025. Updated February 5, 2024. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459310/.
8. Kim HR, Lee SH. Ultrasonographic assessment of clinically diagnosed trigger fingers. Rheumatol Int. 2010 Sep;30(11):1455-8.
   
9. Moore JS. Flexor tendon entrapment of the digits (trigger finger and trigger thumb). J Occup Environ Med. 2000 May;42(5):526-45.
   
10. Ryzewicz M, Wolf JM. Trigger digits: principles, management, and complications. J Hand Surg Am. 2006 Jan;31(1):135-46.
    
11. Saldana MJ. Trigger digits: diagnosis and treatment. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2001 Jul-Aug;9(4):246-52.
12. Sato J, Ishii Y, Noguchi H, Takeda M. Sonographic appearance of the flexor tendon, volar plate, and A1 pulley with respect to the severity of trigger finger. J Hand Surg Am. 2012 Oct;37(10):2012-20.
    
13. Yanko E, Thomson C, Bourassa R, Gasmo C, Le T, Crockett K. A collaborative interdisciplinary approach for trigger finger management. J Hand Ther. 2025 Jan 15:S0894-1130(24)00169-8.
    

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