Trigger finger

Catching in the flexor tendon

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon that bends a finger has difficulty passing through its supporting tunnel. A band called the A1 pulley sits near the base of the finger in the palm. Thickening of the pulley or tendon can disrupt the tendon’s movement, producing a catch as the finger bends or straightens. The thumb can develop the same problem.

A painful spot in the palm may appear before obvious locking develops. The finger can feel stiff when you begin using the hand after rest. Understanding where the catching occurs helps distinguish a tendon problem from pain within a finger joint. Treatment depends on the motion, tenderness, and effect on the tasks you need to do.

Symptoms and finger motion

A click or a sudden release during straightening can signal trigger finger. The finger may remain bent until you help it straighten with the other hand. A locked finger can interfere with washing, dressing, or putting on gloves. Forcing the finger through a painful catch can increase soreness.

Loss of comfortable motion deserves attention. Tell the clinician whether the finger locks in a bent or straight position, whether the problem changes during the day, and whether other fingers are affected. Diabetes and inflammatory conditions can influence tendon symptoms and treatment decisions. An injury, swelling, or joint disease can also produce stiffness and should be considered during the examination.

Diagnosis at the visit

The diagnosis is based on your symptoms and the movement of the finger. The clinician feels the pulley area, checks tendon movement, and looks for tenderness or a small thickened area. The examination also checks whether the finger joints can fully straighten and whether the skin or deeper tissues are restricting motion.

Imaging is reserved for findings that suggest another cause or require clarification. Bring information about earlier injections, previous hand surgery, and the medications you take. A short recording of intermittent catching can help explain a symptom that disappears during the appointment. Describe the tools, instruments, or other objects that bring on pain so the treatment plan addresses your actual hand use.

Activity changes, splints, and injections

Reducing forceful gripping can help settle irritation around the tendon. A splint may limit the movement that provokes locking while the finger rests. The position and wearing schedule should be chosen for the affected finger and the demands of your day. Comfortable motion of the other joints helps preserve hand function.

A corticosteroid injection near the pulley can reduce swelling and improve tendon movement. Potential effects include soreness, skin color changes, and a temporary rise in blood glucose in people with diabetes. The response and the return of symptoms help guide subsequent treatment. Discuss prior injections and glucose monitoring with your clinician before choosing this option.

Trigger finger release

Surgery releases the tight A1 pulley so the tendon has room to glide. It may be considered for persistent catching, a finger that remains locked, or symptoms that continue after nonsurgical treatment. The surgeon checks tendon movement during the procedure and protects the nearby nerves and blood vessels.

The treatment discussion should address your finger's current stiffness and the effect that stiffness may have on recovery. Risks include infection, tender scarring, nerve injury, persistent catching, and incomplete return of motion. Releasing the pulley treats the restriction at that location. Joint stiffness or a separate tendon problem may require an additional plan, including hand therapy.

Hand use during recovery

Recovery focuses on wound healing and comfortable finger movement. Follow the specific instructions for dressings, washing, and lifting. Hand therapy may be recommended when stiffness limits progress or when your work requires careful rebuilding of grip. Ask how to handle tasks such as cooking, typing, or caring for a family member during the healing period.

A painful, red, swollen finger needs prompt assessment, especially when there is fever or pain with gentle straightening. Those symptoms can indicate infection and need a different response from routine trigger finger care. Arrange an examination for persistent locking or loss of motion. Bring a list of the activities you want to regain so the plan can be tailored to your goals.

Ask whether your finger can move through its full range after treatment and what exercises are appropriate. Persistent joint stiffness may need attention even when the catching has improved.