Trigger finger release

The aim is to allow your finger to move freely.

Simple stretching in the early stages can ease the symptoms. Non-steroidal tablets such as ibuprofen may also help.

A splint may be used at night to stop the finger bending over.

A steroid injection around the base of your finger can treat the problem in up to 6 in 10 people. However, you may need more than one injection. If one or two injections fail surgery may be considered.

Symptoms may improve if there is an underlying cause that is treated.

If treatment with steroid injections has failed, you will probably not be able to move your finger normally and your finger may continue to jam or be stiff. Sometimes your finger may jam and not release even when you pull it.

The operation can usually be performed under a local anaesthetic and usually takes about 20 minutes.

Your surgeon will make a small cut on the palm of your hand at the base of your finger. They will cut open the roof of the fibrous tunnel that is causing the trigger finger. This allows the tendon to glide freely through the tunnel.

If you smoke, stopping smoking now may reduce your risk of developing complications and will improve your long-term health.

Try to maintain a healthy weight. You have a higher risk of developing complications if you are overweight.

Regular exercise should help to prepare you for the operation, help you to recover and improve your long-term health. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

The healthcare team will try to reduce the risk of complications.

Any numbers which relate to risk are from studies of people who have had this operation. Your doctor may be able to tell you if the risk of a complication is higher or lower for you.

Some complications can be serious.

General complications of any operation

• bleeding during or after the operation
• infection of the surgical site (wound)
• allergic reaction to the equipment, materials or medication

Specific complications of this operation

• Numbness in your finger caused by damage to a nerve. This can be permanent.
• Tenderness of the scar. This usually gets better but can be a permanent problem.
• Bowstringing. This happens if important pulleys have been released as this causes the tendon to move away from the bone. This stops you being able to fully straighten your finger.
• Severe pain, stiffness and loss of use of your hand. Your hand can take months or years to improve. Sometimes there is permanent pain and stiffness.
• Failure of the operation to improve your symptoms.

Consequences of this procedure

• pain
• scarring of your skin

You should be able to go home the same day.

Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to normal activities.

Keep your hand raised and bandaged for 2 days. It is important to gently exercise your fingers, elbow and shoulder to prevent stiffness.

Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.

If your finger was stiff before the operation, it can take several months before you can move your finger normally.

Trigger finger is a condition where your finger jams or gets stiff. If treatment with steroid injections has failed, surgery should allow your finger to move freely.