Summary

Trigger finger is a common hand condition affecting the tendons responsible for bending the fingers or thumb. It happens when a tendon is irritated or thickened, so the finger can’t move smoothly. This leads to finger stiffness, pain and a feeling of the finger catching or locking during movement.

In the general population, the lifetime risk of trigger finger development is between 2-3 %, but it rises to 10% for diabetics.

Trigger finger often develops gradually. It can interfere with everyday tasks and activities that involve gripping. With the proper treatment, most people experience significant improvement without surgery. 

The White House Clinic provides expert care and treatment for trigger finger in Chesterfield, Sheffield, and across multiple other of our 14 locations in South Yorkshire, North East Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

An overview of trigger finger

Each finger bends through the action of tendons that pass through small tunnels in the hand called pulleys. These pulleys keep the tendons close to the bone and enable finger movement.

Trigger finger develops when the tendon or pulley becomes thickened or irritated. As the tendon moves through the pulley, it may catch, causing the finger to lock before releasing. It is a painful condition that causes stiffness and reduced hand function. 

Trigger finger symptoms

Symptoms may affect one or more fingers and may worsen with movement. Symptoms of trigger finger can vary in severity but commonly include:

• Finger stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning
• A clicking/popping sensation when moving the finger
• A finger that locks or catches when bending or straightening
• Pain at the base of your finger or thumb
• Reduced grip comfort during everyday tasks

Causes of trigger finger

Repetitive or forceful gripping and prolonged hand use increase strain on the tendons and can cause trigger finger.

Repetitive work tasks and hobbies such as gardening and golf may aggravate symptoms, particularly if grip load increases suddenly or you don’t take enough rest between sessions. 

When to see someone for trigger finger

You should consider seeking professional advice if finger locking, pain or stiffness persists, worsens or interferes with daily activities. Early assessment can help prevent symptoms from worsening.

If you have finger pain or suspect trigger finger, you do not need a referral to book a physiotherapy appointment at the White House Clinic. Prompt treatment often leads to a quicker return to activities. 

What to do if you have trigger finger

If you have trigger finger, you may need to modify activities that increase pain or locking and avoid prolonged or forceful gripping. Maintain gentle finger movement and specific exercises. A physiotherapist can guide you through appropriate exercises and activity adjustments to support recovery.

Treatment for trigger finger

Treatment for trigger finger aims to reduce tendon irritation, improve finger movement and restore hand function. 

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy can help reduce pain and stiffness through targeted exercises, movement guidance and activity modification. Treatment focuses on improving tendon movement and reducing strain on the affected finger.

Hand therapy

Hand therapy provides specialist assessment and rehabilitation for finger and hand conditions. This may include specific exercises, splinting advice and strategies to support tendon healing.

Diagnostic ultrasound assessment

With modern ultrasound facilities, we can assess the affected tendon and surrounding structures in more detail, helping guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Who is affected by trigger finger?

Trigger finger can affect adults of all ages and is more common in people who regularly perform gripping or repetitive hand tasks at work or during hobbies. It may affect one or both hands and can involve multiple fingers.

Reducing the risk of trigger finger returning

Trigger finger impacts your daily life and hobbies. To prevent it from returning, you should follow your physiotherapist's guidance. This includes maintaining finger and hand mobility through exercise, ensuring recovery between repetitive tasks and gradually increasing load. 

With appropriate treatment and activity management, most people recover well from trigger finger and regain comfortable finger movement.

References

• ‍NCBI
• ‍NHS‍