What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger happens when your finger is hard to straighten after bending. You might notice a pop or clicking feeling as you bend your finger. Your finger may also feel stiff. In severe cases a trigger finger will get locked or stuck after flexing and may then ‘snap back’ to straight.
Trigger finger is caused by an inflamed tendon. This stops the finger from bending as it should. In most cases, the cause of the inflamed tendon is unclear.
Sometimes, people with diabetes, arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome, may get trigger finger. It can also happen in people who use their hand for tasks like screwing and twisting.
What will my GP do now about my trigger finger?
Your GP will talk to you about treatment options. Common treatments include rest, medication and surgery.
They may advise you to rest your hand to let any pain or swelling to settle. To help you do this, they may put your finger in a splint for a few weeks. Your GP may also give you some gentle exercises to do.
What will my GP do in the future about my trigger finger?
If your finger does not improve with rest and gentle exercises, your GP may inject a steroid medicine into your finger. You may need to have a finger splint for a few days after this.
You may need surgery if your trigger finger impacts on your daily life. Your GP will refer you to a hand surgeon to if this is the right option for you.