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What causes trigger finger?

A small nodule at the flexor tendon sheath contributes to clicking and locking of the fingers when making a fist

What are the symptoms?

  • Tenderness in palm and middle knuckle of finger
  • Crepitus, clicking or locking when bending and straightening finger or thumb
  • With increasing severity, the thumb or finger may lock into the palm requiring passive extension with the other hand

How is trigger finger treated?

People with mild symptoms will respond well to hand therapy, including splints, massage, exercise and joint protection strategies.  Some people find their finger locks into a fist and they need to use their other hand to straighten the digit. In this instance, they might require a hand surgical review for either steroid injection or surgical release.

Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your treatment may include:

Splinting

Massage and exercise

Your hand therapist will create a unique treatment plan to address and help relieve your current symptoms. The goal is always to both give you relief from any pain and discomfort, create optimal conditions for the tissues to recover, and then teach you how to put the right measures in place to reduce the likelihood of your condition recurring.