Trigger finger
Also called trigger thumb, stenosing tenosynovitis, locking finger
Overview
Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when a tendon that bends a finger or the thumb cannot glide smoothly through its sheath, causing the finger to catch or lock when bent. It is more common in people with diabetes and some other medical conditions.
Symptoms
- A tender lump at the base of the finger or thumb on the palm side
- Catching, popping, or locking when bending or straightening the finger
- A finger that stays bent and must be straightened with the other hand
- Stiffness, often worse in the morning
Treatment
Treatment depends on your symptoms, examination and goals. Your clinician will talk through which options fit you.
Diagnosis is made from symptoms and an examination; imaging is usually not needed.
Non-operative treatment includes rest from activities that bring on symptoms, splinting, and a steroid injection into the tendon sheath, which relieves symptoms for many people.
If triggering continues or returns, a trigger finger release may be recommended. In this short outpatient procedure, the tight part of the tendon sheath is opened so the tendon can glide freely.
When to seek care
Make an appointment when a finger catches, locks, or is painful enough to affect daily tasks.
Seek prompt care for a finger that is locked and cannot be straightened, or for redness, warmth, and swelling along the finger, which can signal infection.
For a medical emergency, call 911.
This information is general patient education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace advice from a clinician who has examined you. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Schedule an appointment
Book a visit with Hand & Upper Extremity online through MyChart, or call us.
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Luminis Health providers and staff: on-call and scheduling information is in the provider hub. Provider login
For a medical emergency, call 911.