What Is Trigger Finger?

You wake up in the morning and your finger will not straighten. You try to open your hand and the finger stays bent, then suddenly snaps straight with a painful click. Or maybe your finger catches halfway when you try to make a fist, and you have to use your other hand to push it open.

That is trigger finger. Doctors call it stenosing tenosynovitis, but most people just call it trigger finger because the finger locks and then releases like pulling a trigger.

It usually affects the ring finger or the thumb, but it can happen in any finger. It often starts quietly. You might notice a little stiffness in the morning, or a tender spot at the base of your finger. Over weeks or months, the catching gets worse until the finger locks and will not move on its own.

The good news is that trigger finger is very treatable. Many people get better with physiotherapy alone, without surgery. The key is to start early, before the finger locks all the time.

At Renew Physiotherapy in Surrey, we see trigger finger often. This guide explains what causes it, who gets it, and how physiotherapy can help you get your finger moving freely again.

What Causes Trigger Finger?

To understand trigger finger, it helps to know how your finger moves.

Each finger has a tendon, a strong cord that connects the muscle in your forearm to the finger bone. When you bend your finger, the tendon slides back and forth through a tunnel. That tunnel is held in place by a series of small rings called pulleys. The pulleys keep the tendon close to the bone so it moves smoothly.

Trigger finger happens when the tendon or the pulley gets swollen. The tendon develops a small lump, called a nodule, and it no longer slides smoothly through the pulley. Instead, it catches. When you bend your finger, the nodule squeezes through the pulley. When you try to straighten it, the nodule gets stuck. You have to pull harder, and then it pops through with a click.

Several things can cause this swelling:

Repetitive gripping. If you use your hands for the same gripping motion over and over, the tendon can get irritated. This includes jobs like using tools, gardening, playing a musical instrument, or gripping a steering wheel for long hours.
Health conditions. People with diabetes are much more likely to get trigger finger. In fact, about 10 to 20 percent of people with diabetes develop it at some point. Rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions also raise the risk.
Age. Trigger finger is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old. As we age, the tendons lose some of their flexibility, and the pulleys can thicken.
Gender. Women are more likely to get trigger finger than men, especially after menopause.
Other hand injuries. A previous injury to the hand or wrist can sometimes lead to trigger finger later.

Sometimes there is no clear cause. The finger just starts catching one day, and no one knows exactly why.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger does not always start with pain. In the early stages, you might only notice:

A tender spot at the base of the affected finger, on the palm side of your hand

Stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning

A clicking or popping feeling when you bend or straighten the finger

The finger catching for a moment, then releasing on its own

As it gets worse, the symptoms become more obvious:

The finger locks in a bent position and you need your other hand to straighten it

The finger locks and will not straighten at all, even with help

Pain at the base of the finger, especially when you grip something

A small lump you can feel at the base of the finger

The finger feels swollen or warm

Trigger finger usually gets worse in the morning. After a night of rest, the tendon is stiff and swollen, so the catching is worse when you first wake up. It often loosens up a little as you use your hand during the day.

It is important to know that trigger finger can affect more than one finger at the same time. It is also common for it to affect both hands.

Stages of Trigger Finger

Physiotherapists and doctors often describe trigger finger in stages:

Stage 1: Pain and tenderness. You feel pain at the base of the finger, but the finger still moves smoothly. There may be a tender lump you can feel.
Stage 2: Catching. The finger catches when you bend or straighten it, but it still releases on its own. You hear or feel a click.
Stage 3: Locking. The finger locks in a bent position. You need your other hand to straighten it. It may take some effort, and it can be painful when it releases.
Stage 4: Fixed. The finger is stuck in a bent position and will not straighten, even with help from your other hand.

The earlier you start treatment, the better the outcome. Physiotherapy works best when the finger is still in Stage 1 or 2, when the catching has been present for less than four months. Even in later stages, physiotherapy can help, but it may take longer.

Who Is at Risk?

Anyone can get trigger finger, but some people are more likely to develop it:

People with diabetes. Diabetes is the biggest risk factor. High blood sugar can cause the tendons and pulleys to thicken, making them more likely to catch.
People aged 40 to 60. This is the most common age group.
Women. Women get trigger finger more often than men.
People who do repetitive hand work. Farmers, musicians, factory workers, carpenters, and anyone who grips tools or objects for long periods.
People with rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation from arthritis can affect the tendons.
People with gout or thyroid problems. These conditions can also affect the tendons.

If you have diabetes and you notice your finger catching, do not wait. See a physiotherapist early. People with diabetes are more likely to need more than one treatment, and the condition can come back after it seems better.

How Is Trigger Finger Diagnosed?

Trigger finger is usually diagnosed by a physical exam. Your physiotherapist or doctor will ask about your symptoms, look at your hand, and feel for a tender spot or lump at the base of the finger. They will ask you to bend and straighten the finger to see if it catches or locks.

No X-ray or scan is usually needed. The diagnosis is based on what you describe and what the clinician can feel and see.

However, it is important to rule out other problems that can cause similar symptoms:

Carpal tunnel syndrome. This causes numbness and tingling in the fingers, especially at night. It can happen along with trigger finger. If you have numbness in your thumb, index, or middle finger, let your physiotherapist know. You can read more about carpal tunnel in our guide to carpal tunnel treatment in Surrey.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis. This causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist, not at the base of the finger.
Dupuytren's contracture. This causes the finger to bend and stay bent, but it is not painful and there is no catching or clicking.
Arthritis in the finger joint. This causes pain and stiffness in the joint itself, not at the base of the finger.

Red Flags: When to Get Help Quickly

Most trigger finger is not an emergency, but you should see a physiotherapist or doctor soon if:

The finger is locked and will not straighten, even with help

You cannot use the finger for daily tasks like holding a cup or buttoning a shirt

The pain is getting worse instead of better

The finger is hot, red, or swollen, which could mean infection

You have diabetes and the finger is getting worse quickly

You have numbness or tingling along with the catching

Do not try to force the finger straight if it is locked. You can damage the tendon. See a physiotherapist who can show you safe ways to move it.

How Physiotherapy Helps Trigger Finger

Physiotherapy is the first line of treatment for trigger finger. It works best when started early, but it can help at any stage.

Here is what physiotherapy for trigger finger usually includes:

Splinting

Your physiotherapist may make or recommend a small splint that holds the finger straight, usually at night. The splint rests the tendon and prevents it from catching while you sleep. This gives the inflammation a chance to settle.

You usually wear the splint at night for 6 to 8 weeks. Some people also wear it during the day when they are doing activities that make the finger catch.

Splinting alone can be enough for mild trigger finger. It works best when the catching has been present for less than a few months.

Tendon Gliding Exercises

These are gentle exercises that help the tendon slide smoothly through the pulley again. They are designed to move the tendon through its full range without forcing it.

Your physiotherapist will teach you the exercises and make sure you are doing them correctly. The exercises are simple and you can do them at home.

Manual Therapy

Your physiotherapist may use hands-on techniques to gently mobilise the finger joints and the soft tissues around the tendon. This can reduce stiffness and improve how the tendon glides.

Manual therapy is always gentle. Your physiotherapist will not force the finger if it is locked.

Activity Modification

This is one of the most important parts of treatment. Your physiotherapist will help you figure out which activities make the finger worse, and show you ways to change how you do them.

For example, if gripping a tool makes it worse, you might use a padded grip, take more breaks, or use your other hand for some tasks. If typing makes it worse, you might adjust your keyboard position or take regular breaks to stretch your fingers.

The goal is not to stop using your hand. It is to use it in a way that does not keep irritating the tendon.

Heat and Ice

Heat can help loosen a stiff finger in the morning. Ice can reduce pain and swelling after activity. Your physiotherapist will advise you on which to use and when.

Education

Your physiotherapist will explain what is happening in your finger, what to expect, and how long recovery might take. This helps you understand your condition and feel more in control.

Most people who do physiotherapy for trigger finger see improvement in 6 to 8 weeks. Some need longer, especially if the finger has been locking for a long time or if they have diabetes.

5 Safe Home Exercises for Trigger Finger

These exercises are safe for most people with trigger finger. Do them gently. If an exercise causes sharp pain, stop and tell your physiotherapist.

1. Tendon Gliding

Hold your hand up with your fingers straight. Slowly bend your fingers into a hook fist, where the fingertips touch the top of your palm but the knuckles stay straight. Hold for 5 seconds, then straighten. Next, make a full fist. Hold for 5 seconds, then straighten. Finally, make a straight fist, where your fingers bend at the knuckles but the fingertips stay straight. Hold for 5 seconds, then straighten. Repeat the whole sequence 5 times, 2 to 3 times a day.

2. Finger Extension Stretch

Hold the affected finger with your other hand. Gently straighten the finger until you feel a mild stretch. Hold for 10 seconds. Do not force it if the finger is locked. Repeat 5 times, 2 to 3 times a day.

3. Finger Spreads

Place your hand flat on a table, palm down. Spread your fingers apart as wide as you can. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times, 2 to 3 times a day.

4. Fist and Release

Make a gentle fist, then slowly open your hand as wide as you can, spreading your fingers. Hold the open position for 5 seconds. Repeat 10 times, 2 to 3 times a day.

5. Thumb Circles (if the thumb is affected)

If your thumb is the affected finger, hold your hand up and make slow circles with your thumb. Do 10 circles in each direction, 2 to 3 times a day.

Do these exercises every day, even when the finger feels better. Consistency is what makes them work.

What to Avoid with Trigger Finger

Some things can make trigger finger worse:

Forcing the finger straight. If the finger locks, do not yank it straight. This can damage the tendon. Instead, gently massage the base of the finger and slowly try to straighten it.
Tight gripping. Avoid holding tools, phones, or steering wheels in a tight grip for long periods. Use a looser grip when you can.
Repetitive finger movements. If a specific activity makes the finger catch, take breaks or find a different way to do it.
Sleeping with your hand in a fist. Try to sleep with your hand open and relaxed. A night splint can help with this.
Ignoring it. Trigger finger does not usually go away on its own. The longer you wait, the harder it is to treat.

When Is Injection or Surgery Discussed?

If physiotherapy does not fully resolve the problem after 6 to 8 weeks, your doctor may discuss other options.

Corticosteroid Injection

A corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath can reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide more freely. Research shows that a single injection works for about 50 to 70 percent of people. It works best when the triggering has been present for less than four months.

The injection is done by a doctor, not a physiotherapist. It is a quick procedure done in the clinic. You may feel some soreness for a day or two after.

People with diabetes should know that a steroid injection can temporarily raise blood sugar levels. Your doctor will discuss this with you.

Surgery

Surgery is considered when physiotherapy and injection have not worked, or when the finger has been locked for a long time.

The surgery is called a trigger finger release. The surgeon makes a small cut in the palm and releases the pulley that is catching the tendon. This allows the tendon to slide freely again.

It is usually done as a day procedure under local anaesthetic. You can go home the same day. After surgery, you will need physiotherapy to help the finger regain full movement and strength.

Most people recover well after surgery, but it is always better to try physiotherapy first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can trigger finger heal on its own?

Sometimes mild trigger finger gets better on its own, especially if you rest the finger and avoid the activities that irritate it. But in most cases, it gets worse over time if you do nothing. Physiotherapy can help it heal faster and prevent it from coming back.

Is trigger finger the same as carpal tunnel syndrome?

No. Trigger finger affects the tendon at the base of the finger, causing catching and locking. Carpal tunnel syndrome affects a nerve in the wrist, causing numbness and tingling in the thumb, index, and middle fingers. You can have both at the same time. If you have numbness along with catching, tell your physiotherapist. You can learn more in our carpal tunnel treatment guide.

How long does physiotherapy take to work for trigger finger?

Most people see improvement in 6 to 8 weeks of regular physiotherapy and home exercises. Some people feel better in 2 to 3 weeks. If the finger has been locking for a long time, or if you have diabetes, it may take longer.

Can I still use my hand if I have trigger finger?

Yes, you can still use your hand, but you should avoid activities that make the finger catch or lock. Your physiotherapist will show you how to modify your activities so you can keep using your hand without making the problem worse.

Will trigger finger come back after treatment?

It can come back, especially if you have diabetes or if you go back to the same repetitive activities that caused it. Your physiotherapist will teach you exercises and habits to reduce the risk of it coming back. If it does come back, physiotherapy can help again.

Get Help for Trigger Finger in Surrey

If your finger is catching, locking, or painful, do not wait for it to get worse. Early treatment works best.

At Renew Physiotherapy in Surrey, our physiotherapists will assess your finger, explain what is happening, and create a treatment plan that fits your life. We will show you exercises you can do at home, help you modify your daily activities, and guide you through recovery step by step.

We are located at 5722 176a Street, Surrey, BC V3S 4H2. Call us at (236) 450-0171 or email Info@renewclinics.ca to book an appointment.

You can also read our guides on wrist pain treatment in Surrey and carpal tunnel treatment in Surrey if you have other hand or wrist symptoms.

Your fingers should move freely. Let us help you get there.