If one of your fingers locks, catches, or “snaps” when you bend or straighten it, you may be experiencing a condition known as Trigger Finger, medically called Stenosing Tenosynovitis.
This condition occurs when the tendon sheath in the finger becomes inflamed, restricting smooth tendon movement and causing painful clicking or locking sensations.
Trigger Finger can affect any finger, including the thumb, and may involve one or multiple digits. It is especially common in individuals who perform repetitive gripping or grasping motions.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for Trigger Finger, helping patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas restore normal hand function and comfort.
Tendons are fibrous cords that connect muscles in your forearm to the bones in your fingers. Each tendon passes through a tunnel of connective tissue called a tendon sheath, which keeps it aligned and lubricated during movement.
When inflammation develops within this sheath, the tendon can swell and no longer glide smoothly. The tendon may momentarily “catch” before releasing, causing a snapping or popping motion — similar to pulling and releasing a trigger, hence the name Trigger Finger.
Over time, chronic inflammation can form small nodules on the tendon, further restricting motion and increasing pain.
Trigger Finger results from repeated irritation or strain on the tendons that flex the fingers. While anyone can develop it, certain occupations, health conditions, and repetitive tasks make it more likely.
Common causes and contributing factors include:
- Repetitive gripping: Frequent use of hand tools, musical instruments, or heavy equipment
- Occupational strain: Mechanics, factory workers, and office employees who use keyboards extensively
- Overuse injuries: Repetitive motion in hobbies or sports like golf, tennis, or sewing
- Inflammatory diseases: Rheumatoid arthritis and gout can inflame tendons and their sheaths
- Diabetes: Individuals with diabetes are at significantly higher risk of developing Trigger Finger
- Age and gender: More common in adults between 40 and 60 years old, and slightly more prevalent in women
While repetitive strain is the most frequent cause, sometimes no specific injury is identified — the condition simply results from gradual wear and tear on the tendon system.
Trigger Finger typically begins with mild stiffness or soreness and gradually progresses to locking or pain during finger movement. Symptoms may worsen in the morning or after activities involving gripping.
Common symptoms include:
- Tenderness or a small lump (nodule) at the base of the affected finger or thumb
- A clicking, popping, or snapping sound when moving the finger
- Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
- Finger locking in a bent position that suddenly straightens with a “snap”
- Pain that radiates into the palm or up the finger
- Difficulty gripping objects or performing fine hand tasks
In more advanced cases, the finger may remain stuck in a bent position and require manual assistance to straighten.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, diagnosis begins with a careful physical examination by Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in upper extremity conditions.
Diagnosis involves:
- Medical history review: Identifying risk factors such as repetitive motion, chronic conditions, or previous hand injuries.
- Physical examination: Palpation of the palm and fingers to locate nodules, tenderness, or restricted motion.
- Movement testing: Observing locking, clicking, or pain during flexion and extension.
- Ultrasound imaging: In persistent or complex cases, imaging can reveal inflammation or thickening of the tendon sheath.
In most cases, Trigger Finger is diagnosed through clinical evaluation alone — imaging is rarely needed unless other conditions are suspected.
The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, restore smooth tendon motion, and relieve pain. Early treatment often prevents the need for surgery and helps preserve finger flexibility.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Activity modification: Reducing repetitive gripping and allowing the hand to rest prevents further irritation.
- Splinting: Immobilizing the affected finger or thumb temporarily helps the tendon sheath heal.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Over-the-counter or prescribed medications reduce swelling and pain.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises guided by an orthopedic specialist improve mobility and prevent recurrence.
- Corticosteroid or PRP injections: Targeted injections decrease tendon inflammation and can provide long-term relief for many patients.
Surgical Treatments
If non-surgical care does not relieve symptoms, Trigger Finger Release Surgery may be recommended.
This outpatient procedure involves carefully opening the constricted section of the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to glide freely again. Surgery typically results in immediate improvement in finger motion and long-term relief from locking.
Recovery depends on the severity of inflammation and the chosen treatment method.
- Non-surgical recovery: Patients often see improvement within days or weeks after rest, splinting, or injections.
- Post-surgical recovery: After surgery, light finger movement begins almost immediately to prevent stiffness, with most patients regaining full use within 4–6 weeks.
To prevent recurrence:
- Avoid prolonged gripping or repetitive hand use.
- Perform regular hand stretches, especially before activity.
- Maintain healthy blood sugar levels if diabetic.
- Use ergonomic tools or padding to reduce pressure on the palm.
Physical therapy plays a vital role in restoring hand strength and coordination after both surgical and non-surgical treatment.
You should seek orthopedic evaluation if:
- Finger pain or stiffness persists for more than a week
- You experience clicking, snapping, or locking during finger movement
- The finger becomes stuck in a bent position
- Symptoms interfere with daily function or sleep
- Swelling or tenderness develops at the base of the finger
Early diagnosis allows for more conservative treatment and faster recovery, preventing long-term tendon thickening or joint stiffness.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
Trigger Finger may start as a minor annoyance, but if untreated, it can progress into a disabling condition. The sooner it is evaluated, the more options are available for effective recovery.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide compassionate, evidence-based care for hand and wrist conditions. Our goal is to restore pain-free motion, strength, and confidence in your daily activities.
We proudly serve patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas with trusted orthopedic expertise.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hand and wrist conditions.
