Treating Trigger Finger

Orthopedics

Trigger finger occurs when the tissue inside your finger or thumb becomes inflamed. Mild cases can be treated without surgery. If the problem is severe, surgery may be needed. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about your choices.

Nonsurgical treatment

For mild symptoms, your healthcare provider may have you rest the finger or thumb. You may also be told to take anti-inflammatory medicines. These include ibuprofen or aspirin. You may be given an injection of medicine in the base of the finger or thumb. This typically is a steroid, such as cortisone. Cortisone is a powerful anti-inflammatory.

Surgery

If nonsurgical treatments don’t ease your symptoms, you may need surgery. A tendon is a cord-like fiber that attaches muscle to bone and allows joints to bend. The tendon is surrounded by a protective cover called a sheath. During surgery, the sheath in your finger or thumb is opened to enlarge the space and release the swollen tendon. This allows the finger or thumb to bend and straighten normally. Surgery takes about 20 minutes. It can often be done using a local anesthetic. You may also be sedated. You will likely be able to go home the same day. Your hand will be wrapped in a soft bandage. You may need to wear a plaster splint for a short time to keep the finger or thumb still as it heals. The stitches will be removed in about 2 weeks. Your healthcare provider will talk with you about the risks and benefits of surgery.

Palm view of hand showing cut tendon sheath repair of trigger finger.