Trigger Finger

A common, treatable condition where a finger catches or locks when you try to straighten it.

Side view of a finger showing the flexor tendon, pulley, and tenosynovium — The flexor tendon glides under a series of pulleys as the finger bends and straightens.

What is trigger finger?

The tendons that bend your fingers slide through a series of small tunnels called pulleys. In trigger finger, the first pulley at the base of the finger becomes thick and tight, and the tendon catches as it tries to glide through. The finger may click, lock, or snap straight suddenly, which is where the name comes from. Trigger finger can happen in any finger or the thumb.

Common symptoms

A catching, clicking, or popping feeling when you bend or straighten the finger
A tender bump or soreness in the palm at the base of the finger
The finger locks in a bent position and has to be forced straight
Stiffness that is often worse in the morning
Pain that can spread into the finger or the hand

Why does it happen?

Trigger finger is caused by inflammation and thickening of the pulley at the base of the finger. It is more common in women, in people between the ages of 40 and 60, and in people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disease. Repetitive gripping can make symptoms worse but is usually not the single cause.

Finger locked in a bent position because the tendon cannot slide past the thickened pulley — When the pulley becomes thick and tight, the tendon catches and the finger can lock in a bent position.

Treatment options

Non-surgical treatment

Activity changes and night splinting. A splint that holds the finger straight at night can let the pulley calm down. This works best for milder cases.
Steroid injection. A small injection of corticosteroid into the pulley reduces inflammation and is the most common first step. Many patients get long-lasting relief from one or two injections. Relief often begins within a week or two.

Surgical treatment

Trigger finger release. If injections do not work or the finger keeps locking, a small surgery opens the tight pulley so the tendon can glide freely. It is done in the office or operating room with local numbing, usually takes about 15 minutes, and is performed through a small incision in the palm. Most patients use the hand for light activity the same day.

What to expect at your visit

Dr. Barrera will ask about your symptoms, examine your hand, and in most cases the diagnosis is clear from the exam alone. Imaging is usually not needed. Together you will decide on the next step, which is most often a steroid injection or surgery depending on how long you have had symptoms and what you have already tried.

When to call the office sooner

Call us if your finger becomes locked and you cannot straighten it at all, if the hand becomes red, hot, or very swollen, or if you have a fever along with finger pain.

After trigger finger release: recovery guide

Questions?

Call your office location for non-urgent questions:

NYU Langone Laurelton · 646-501-4950
NYU Orthopedic, Woodside · 929-429-3222
NYU Orthopedic, Richmond Hill · 718-206-6923
Jamaica Hospital Ambulatory Care Center (ACC) · 718-301-0720

See our office contact information for addresses and fax numbers.