Symptoms and evaluation
Symptoms often include tenderness at the base of the finger, morning stiffness, catching and sometimes a finger that becomes locked in a bent position. Several fingers can be affected, and symptoms may fluctuate over time.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on severity, duration and patient factors. Options can include observation, activity modification and corticosteroid injection. Persistent locking or symptoms that do not respond to nonsurgical care may be treated with release of the constricting pulley.
Recovery and return to activity
After a trigger-finger release, finger motion is typically encouraged early. Incision tenderness and swelling can take time to settle, and recovery recommendations vary according to the patient and procedure.
When to seek evaluation
Persistent pain, numbness, weakness, loss of motion, deformity or symptoms that interfere with sleep, work or daily activities are reasonable reasons to seek an orthopedic evaluation. Urgent injuries with severe deformity, open wounds or compromised circulation require prompt medical attention.
Common questions
Trigger finger is usually caused by a mismatch between the flexor tendon and the pulley through which it glides. The result can be painful clicking, catching or locking rather than a problem inside the finger joint itself.
Specialized upper-extremity care
Dr. Devin W. Collins is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in hand, upper-extremity and microvascular surgery. Treatment recommendations are individualized to the diagnosis, severity, goals and needs of each patient.