Trigger finger got you down? These 5 groups should pay attention! A complete guide to causes, symptoms, and treatments

What is trigger finger? Can trigger finger get better? Can scrolling on your phone for too long really cause trigger finger? This article helps you understand the causes and symptoms of trigger finger, and also shares 2 ways to relieve it and 3 main treatment options to help you get rid of the trouble of finger locking so your life won’t get stuck anymore!

1. What is trigger finger? Why do people get trigger finger?

(1) Introduction to trigger finger

Trigger finger is a common hand condition caused by inflammation of the finger tendon. When the fingers are overused, the tendons and surrounding ligaments rub against each other excessively, leading to tendon inflammation, swelling, and narrowing. This causes the finger to get stuck when bending and then straightening, often with a snapping sound, like pulling a trigger, hence the name.

(Image source: freepik)

(2) Why do people get trigger finger? 4 common causes

Trigger finger often affects the thumb and ring finger of the dominant hand. So why does trigger finger happen? The most common causes are actually these 4:

• Overuse of the fingers or prolonged, repetitive bending and straightening causes excessive friction between the finger flexor tendon and the pulley ligament, leading to inflammation and swelling of the tendon sheath.

• Degenerative changes, such as tendon or ligament degeneration caused by aging.

• Inflammatory factors, including rheumatic diseases and other immune system disorders.

• Local trauma or repeated pressure on the base of the finger.

2. What are the symptoms of trigger finger?

• When straightening the finger, it may feel stuck and may not straighten on its own, requiring help from the other hand.

• Swelling and pain at the base of the finger (palm side), with a hard lump or nodule that can be felt.

• Finger stiffness and reduced mobility when waking up in the morning.

• A snapping sound during finger movement, especially noticeable when bending or straightening.

3. Who is more likely to get trigger finger?

1. Middle-aged adults aged 40 to 60.

2. Women going through menopause or pregnancy.

3. People who use their smartphones for long periods.

4. Workers who use their hands for long periods: office workers, writers, chefs, hairstylists, surgeons, etc.

5. People with certain conditions: diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome.

4. A complete look at daily ways to relieve trigger finger pain!

(1) Physical relief

• Warm compress: Apply a warm towel to the base of the affected finger for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

• Massage: Gently massage the base of the affected finger with the other hand to promote blood circulation.

• Rest: Avoid repetitive finger-bending movements.

(2) Stretching exercises

• Finger stretch: Gently pull the affected finger backward and hold for 10–15 seconds.

• Fist exercise: Slowly make a fist and then open the hand, repeating 10 times.

• Wrist exercise: Rotate the wrist up, down, left, and right to relax the entire hand.

5. Which department should you visit for trigger finger? What treatment options are available?

(1) Which department can you see for trigger finger?

In the early stage, a doctor will assess the condition and create an appropriate treatment plan. If symptoms are mild, you can try conservative treatment in rehabilitation medicine. If symptoms do not improve significantly after conservative treatment, you can be referred to orthopedics for further treatment or surgery. You can also visit pain medicine. Pain medicine uses ultrasound to accurately diagnose the inflamed area and provide interventional treatments, such as proliferative therapy or steroid injections, to avoid the need for surgery. For particularly severe cases, a minimally invasive release procedure is also available.

(2) 3 major treatment options for trigger finger

Conservative treatment

[Physical therapy]

Uses ultrasound, laser, electrical therapy, and more to promote tendon repair and relieve symptoms.

[Splint or brace immobilization]

Worn at night to limit finger flexion and allow rest.

[Finger stretching and strength-training exercises]

Exercises such as fingertip stretching and palm-side stretching can help relieve trigger finger symptoms and prevent recurrence, but they should be performed slowly to avoid worsening pain and under professional guidance.

Medication injection

[Steroid injection]

Reduces local inflammation and improves symptoms.

[Proliferative therapy]

Using ultrasound guidance, low-concentration glucose solution or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is injected between the inflamed and swollen tendon and ligament to relieve pain and swelling and promote soft tissue repair.

Surgical treatment

[Minimally invasive ligament release]

Under ultrasound guidance, the adhered ligament is cut to restore tendon gliding space. The wound is small and recovery is fast.

[Traditional surgery]

Under local anesthesia, a small incision is made in the palm, and the ligament limiting tendon gliding is cut to restore finger extension function.

[Percutaneous release surgery]

Uses a needle under local anesthesia to release the tendon sheath without the need for stitches, resulting in a short recovery period.

6. Not sure which treatment for trigger finger to choose? Let a comprehensive treatment clinic help improve the problem!

After reading the introduction above, are you still unsure about the cause of your trigger finger or which department to visit? Come to “Xi Yi Clinic” and you won’t have to worry about choosing anymore—let the professional team tailor the most suitable treatment plan for you!

Xi Yi Clinic upholds the philosophy of “more than treatment, it’s companionship.” From diagnosis to follow-up, every patient is made to feel cared for and professionally looked after.

👉 Further reading:

• What should you do about wrist pain? A complete roundup of the 7 common causes, pain locations, and ways to relieve wrist pain

• What does scapular pain mean? Causes, symptoms, and ways to relieve the dull upper back pain at a glance

• What should you do about a stiff neck? Which department should you see? The 7 major causes and 5 relief methods for neck stiffness 

References: Health Medical Net, Taoyuan Armed Forces General Hospital, Taipei Trigger Finger Center