Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a condition in which a finger catches or locks in a bent position due to inflammation of the tendon sheath, then may snap straight.

A catching, popping or locking sensation when bending or straightening the finger, tenderness at the base of the finger, and stiffness that is often worse in the morning.

Thickening of the tendon sheath (A1 pulley) restricts smooth gliding of the flexor tendon. More common with repetitive gripping, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis.

See a hand surgeon if the finger locks and needs to be manually straightened, or if symptoms do not improve with rest and splinting.

Diagnosis is clinical: palpating a tender nodule at the base of the finger and observing catching during active motion.

Usually a clinical diagnosis; imaging is not typically required unless another condition is suspected.

Activity modification, splinting the finger in extension, and corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath, which is effective in most early cases.

Surgery is considered when the finger remains locked, or when injections fail to provide lasting relief after one or two attempts.

Trigger finger release (A1 pulley release) divides the constricted portion of the tendon sheath to allow the tendon to glide freely, performed as a short day-case procedure under local anaesthesia.

Most patients move the finger immediately after surgery, with full recovery of grip and motion within two to four weeks.

Surgical release is highly effective and recurrence is uncommon.

Infection, scar tenderness, stiffness, and rarely incomplete release or nerve injury.