Trigger finger

In this condition, a finger gets stuck in a bent position and may straighten suddenly with a snap. It happens most often in women over the age of 50.

Update Date: 25.06.2026

Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk factors
Complications
Diagnosis
Treatment
Preparing for an appointment

Overview

Trigger finger makes a finger get stuck in a bent position. It may straighten suddenly with a snap. The fingers most often affected are the ring finger and the thumb, but the condition can affect any finger. The condition also is known as stenosing tenosynovitis.

Trigger finger happens when the tendon that controls a finger can't glide smoothly in the tendon sheath that surrounds it. This can happen if part of the tendon sheath becomes swollen or if a small lump forms on the tendon itself.

The condition is most common in women over the age of 50. You may be at higher risk of trigger finger if you have diabetes, low thyroid function or rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment of trigger finger can include splinting, steroid injections or surgery.

Trigger finger

Trigger finger happens when the tendon that controls a finger can't glide smoothly in the sheath that surrounds it. This may occur if part of the tendon sheath becomes swollen or if a small lump forms. This lump is called a nodule.

Symptoms

Symptoms of trigger finger may progress from mild to severe and include:

  • Finger stiffness, particularly in the morning.
  • A popping or clicking feeling as the finger moves.
  • Tenderness or a bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
  • Finger catching or locking in a bent position, which suddenly pops straight.
  • Finger locked in a bent position.

Trigger finger can affect any finger, including the thumb. More than one finger may be affected at a time, and both hands might be involved. Triggering is usually worse in the morning.

Causes

Tendons are tough cords that attach muscle to bone. Each tendon is surrounded by a protective sheath. Trigger finger occurs when the affected finger's tendon sheath becomes irritated and swollen. This makes it harder for the tendon to glide through the sheath.

In most people, there's no explanation for why this irritation and swelling begins.

The constant back-and-forth irritation can cause a small lump of tissue to form on the tendon. This lump is called a nodule. The nodule can make it even harder for the tendon to glide smoothly.

Risk factors

Factors that put you at risk of developing trigger finger include:

  • Repeated gripping. Occupations and hobbies that involve repetitive hand use and prolonged gripping may increase the risk of trigger finger.
  • Certain health conditions. People who have diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis are at higher risk of developing trigger finger.
  • Your sex. Trigger finger is more common in women.

Complications

Trigger finger can make it harder to type, button a shirt or insert a key into a lock. It also can affect your ability to grip a steering wheel or grasp tools.

Diagnosis

To diagnose trigger finger, a healthcare professional does a physical exam may ask you to open and close your hand, checking for areas of pain, smoothness of motion and evidence of locking.

Treatment

Trigger finger treatment varies depending on how serious the symptoms are and how long they last.

Medications

Consider taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that you can buy without a prescription, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve). These medicines may help relieve pain and inflammation. Some types of these medicines can be delivered by creams or patches through the skin right where the problem is happening.

Therapy

Conservative treatments may include:

  • Rest. Avoid activities that require repetitive gripping, repeated grasping or the prolonged use of vibrating hand-held machinery until your symptoms improve. If you can't avoid these activities altogether, padded gloves may offer some protection.
  • A splint. Wearing a splint can help rest the tendon.
  • Stretching exercises. Gentle stretching exercises can help maintain mobility in your finger.

Surgery or other procedures

If your symptoms are serious or if conservative treatments haven't helped, your healthcare professional might suggest:

  • Steroid injection. An injection of a steroid near or into the tendon sheath may reduce swelling and allow the tendon to glide freely again. An injection is often effective for more than a year. Some people need more than one injection.
  • Needle procedure. After numbing your palm, a member of your care team inserts a sturdy needle into the tissue around your affected tendon. Moving the needle and your finger helps break apart the tissue that's blocking the smooth motion of the tendon. Using ultrasound to guide the procedure can improve results.
  • Surgery. Working through a small incision near the base of your affected finger, a surgeon cuts open the narrowed section of tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to glide freely again.

Preparing for an appointment

You'll probably start by seeing your primary healthcare professional to figure out what is causing your symptoms.

What you can do

Make sure to bring a list of all the medicines and supplements you take regularly. You also might want to write down some questions in advance. Examples include:

  • What's causing my symptoms?
  • Is this condition temporary or long lasting?
  • What treatments are available?
  • Are there complications associated with this condition or its treatments?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer these questions may allow more time to go over other important information.

Questions your provider might ask include:

  • What symptoms are you experiencing?
  • How long have you been experiencing these symptoms?
  • Do your symptoms seem to come and go, or do you always have them?
  • Does anything seem to make your symptoms better?
  • Does anything seem to make your symptoms worse?
  • Are your symptoms worse in the morning or at any particular time of the day?
  • Do you perform repetitive tasks on the job or for hobbies?
  • Have you recently experienced any injury to your hand?

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