What it is

Trigger finger is the catching or locking of a finger or thumb as the flexor tendon moves through a tight pulley at the base of the finger. A small nodule and a narrowed pulley create a step that the tendon must cross, leading to a painful snap or lock.

Most cases improve with splinting, load change, and tendon gliding. Injections or a small release procedure are used when symptoms persist.

What happens when it occurs

The tendon thickens and the pulley stiffens. Repeated friction increases swelling and catching. Calming the area and restoring smooth glide reduces pain and locking.

Common causes and risk factors

  • Repetitive gripping and tool use
  • Diabetes and thyroid disease
  • Coexistence with carpal tunnel or De Quervain’s

Who is most affected

Adults in midlife and older. More common in women. The ring finger and thumb are frequent sites.

Typical symptoms

  • Painful catching when bending or straightening the finger
  • Locking that needs the other hand to release
  • Tender nodule at the base of the finger

When to seek care

If locking is frequent, painful, or interferes with work or sleep.

How we diagnose

History and examination with palpation over the A1 pulley and observation of catching. Ultrasound is used when needed.

Management

  • Night extension splint or relative motion splinting
  • Activity changes and tendon gliding exercises
  • Analgesics and image-guided steroid injection when indicated
  • Surgical release for persistent locking

Rehabilitation milestones

Phase 1 weeks 0 to 2: pain control, splinting, glide drills.

Phase 2 weeks 2 to 6: progressive loading and grip endurance.

Phase 3 weeks 6 to 12: return to complete work and hobbies.

Readiness to progress

  • Catching reduced and pain stable
  • Grip endurance within targets
  • Tasks completed without next-day soreness

Prevention

  • Manage gripping volumes and vary tools
  • Keep forearm endurance high
  • Address coexisting tendon or nerve issues

Australia snapshot

  • Common in primary care and hand clinics
  • More frequent in people with diabetes
  • Short procedures and guided injections are accessible in metropolitan areas.

Latest insights

Splinting at night and performing glide drills during the day can help reduce catching while adjusting to a new workload.

Treat coexisting nerve or tendon problems to improve results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mild cases can settle. Persistent catching responds to splinting, injection, or a minor release.

No. It is usually a short day procedure. Rehabilitation is focused on motion and light strength.

Yes, with breaks and grip changes while symptoms improve.