Trigger Finger

Trigger finger (also known as stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when the tendon that helps bend your finger becomes inflamed and can’t glide smoothly through its sheath. This causes the finger to:

• Catch or “pop” when moving
• Lock in a bent position
• Feel stiff, painful, or swollen at the base

It most often affects the ring finger or thumb, but any finger can be involved.

Common Causes and Risk Factors
While the exact cause isn’t always known, trigger finger is often linked to:

• Repetitive gripping or hand use
• Diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Inflammation from overuse
• Previous hand trauma or surgery
• More common in women and people over age 40

Symptoms to Watch For

• Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
• Pain or tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb
• A popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger
• Finger locking in a bent position, then suddenly straightening

How Is It Treated?
At Iowa Ortho, we begin with the most conservative approach first. Treatment options may include:

• Rest and activity modification
• Splinting to limit movement and reduce irritation
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Steroid injections to reduce swelling
• Surgical release if other treatments don’t provide relief

Hand Experts You Can Count On
Trigger finger can be more than just annoying, it can interfere with your work, hobbies, and sleep. Our fellowship-trained hand surgeons and hand therapy team work together to ensure the best outcome possible.