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Trigger finger treatment
Otherwise known as stenosing tenosynovitis, this condition causes your finger or thumb to lock. If steroid injections fail to treat the condition, a small operation can help.
Should it be called for, HCA UK can perform trigger release surgery for you.
- Appointments with specialist hand and wrist consultants confirmed within 24 hours
- We are Number One in London for private orthopaedic care
- We are rated very good or excellent by 97% of our orthopaedic patients
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful hand condition where your finger or thumb jams or locks.
The flexor tendons that move your fingers and thumbs glide through tunnels called tendon sheaths. These tendon sheaths consist of a series of five pulleys in each finger and two in each thumb.
If the pulley at the base of the finger or thumb becomes irritated and swollen, then it becomes more difficult for the tendon to glide through the sheath. They can sometimes form a small lump of tissue called a nodule, making it even harder for them to glide smoothly. The digit the tendons control becomes difficult to bend or straighten, can become painful, and can experience clicking sensations when you move it.
What is trigger finger release surgery?
Trigger finger surgery is a minor operation that allows your finger or thumb to move freely again.
A surgeon makes a small cut in the palm at the base of the affected finger and creates an opening in the soft tissue to access the tendon sheath tunnel underneath. The roof of the tunnel, the pulley, is divided. It might also be necessary to gently lift out the tendons and remove any rough areas or nodules that have developed.
They then check that the tendons can glide freely through the sheath again by pulling on them to move the finger. They might also ask you to flex and extend the affected finger. If you can do this, then the trigger finger or thumb has been released.
Do I need trigger finger surgery?
Whether you need trigger finger release surgery depends on the severity of your condition. There are several non-surgical treatments for trigger finger, including rest, medication, splinting and steroid injections. Your consultant will recommend you try these options first.
If non-surgical treatments fail to resolve your trigger finger, then your consultant might recommend this minor operation. They'll explain exactly what the procedure involves and make sure you understand all the risks so you can make an informed decision.
Trigger finger surgery FAQs
As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with having surgery for your trigger finger or thumb. These include:
- Pain and stiffness in the finger or thumb
- Infection at the incision site
- A tender scar at the incision site
- Nerve damage, meaning loss of sensation in the affected area
Your consultant will discuss all the possible complications of the surgery with you in detail. They'll answer any questions you might have so you can decide with full confidence.
Having an operation for your trigger finger is something that your consultant will only recommend if they think it's the most effective treatment. There are several non-surgical treatments that your consultant could recommend you try first, including:
- Rest: Your consultant could recommend you avoid activities that require you to grip objects repetitively or use vibrating machinery until your symptoms improve. This will prevent further irritation and give your hand time to heal.
- Splinting: Your consultant might recommend you strap your affected finger or thumb to a plastic splint, preventing it from moving so the affected segment of the tendon doesn't move into the painful position.
- Steroid injections: An injection near the base of the affected finger or thumb could reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide freely again. This is generally a safe and effective treatment with low risks.
Your consultant will take any health conditions you have into account when recommending a treatment. They'll discuss any possible side effects with you so you can make an informed decision.
On the day of surgery the procedure is performed in an operating theatre with local anaesthetic used to numb the surgical site. Some patients prefer using sedation in addition to local anaesthetic. The surgeon will perform the trigger finger surgery procedure described above to release the trigger finger or thumb. They'll then wash out the surgical site and close it up with stitches, surgical adhesive and bandaging. The operation typically takes around 30 minutes.
Your finger or thumb should be easier to move soon after your trigger finger release surgery. Your consultant will encourage you to start moving it as soon as you can to promote blood flow and prevent stiffness. You should be able to go home the same day, but you won't be able to drive, so will need someone to help you travel.
Your consultant will advise you to take simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They will advise you to keep your hand raised to prevent excessive swelling. You'll need to keep your hand bandaged for up to a week and you'll have your stitches removed 10 to 14 days after the surgery. They will recommend you do physiotherapy to help relieve swelling, pain and stiffness and restore movement of the finger or thumb. Surgery for trigger finger is typically successful and it's rare for the condition to return.
It could take you up to a month or two to fully recover from trigger finger or thumb surgery.
You should be able to move the affected finger immediately after the operation, but you'll need a few weeks of recovery before you can move it with full freedom again. Returning to desk-based work is usually after a week or two. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before you can return to intense activities such as sports or hard physical labour. Your recovery period may be longer if you've had surgery on more than one digit.
Your consultant will let you know when you can expect your finger or thumb to return to its usual flexibility, range of motion and strength. They'll let you know when you're safe to return to regular activities such as driving and working following your trigger finger or thumb release surgery.
Paying for medical treatment
You don't need medical insurance to have fast access to our top consultants, extensive range of treatments, diagnostic tests and surgical procedures at our world-class facilities.
Why choose HCA UK for trigger finger treatment?
- Fast access: We'll confirm your appointment with a specialist hand consultant within 24 hours. You can get any imaging you need on the same day as your appointment, minimising the impact on your schedule.
- Advanced imaging: Our diagnostic centres are fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Our musculoskeletal radiologists report on all images and scans
- Outstanding ratings: Out of all private hospital groups in the UK, we have the highest proportion of leading ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
- Leaders in orthopaedics: We treat the most orthopaedic cases in London, earning us the number-one ranking for private orthopaedics based on data from the Private Healthcare Information Network. Our experience dealing with orthopaedic conditions such as trigger finger helps us recommend the most effective treatments.
- Trusted by patients: Our 2023 patient satisfaction survey found that 99% of orthopaedic patients would recommend us to their family and friends.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Our hand & wrist locations
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way B15 2FQ Birmingham
The Wilmslow Hospital
52-54 Alderley Road Wilmslow SK9 1NY Cheshire
Request a hand and wrist appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced hand and wrist consultants. They will discuss your condition and whether trigger finger surgery would be the most effective treatment. We can also make imaging and outpatient hand therapist appointments for you.
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