Trigger finger is a common condition where a fingers catch, click or lock when we bend or straighten the finger. At first, it may appear as a small morning “click”, something we shake off without thinking. Over time, the finger may hesitate in a bent position and then suddenly release with a snap, or stay bent until we use the other hand to straighten it.
What exactly is Trigger Finger?
Each finger bends because flexor tendons run along the palm and pass through of pulleys—small tunnels that keep the tendon close to the bone, allowing smooth, efficient movement.
In trigger finger, the tendon or the sheath around it becomes:
- thicker
- irritated
- slightly swollen
- less able to glide smoothly through its pulley
The most affected area is usually the pulley near the base of the finger or thumb.
Common symptoms include:
- clicking or catching when bending or straightening a finger
- tenderness at the palm side of the finger base
- stiffness or locking in the morning
- a small nodule that moves when you bend the finger
- the finger temporarily stuck in flexion, requiring help to straighten
Although any finger can be affected, the thumb, middle finger and ring finger are the most common.
How Trigger Finger starts
Trigger finger often develops gradually, not suddenly. Early signs—like a single morning “click”—may go unnoticed. As time goes on, the tendon becomes more reactive.
Common contributing factors include:
Repetitive gripping
Tasks that involve strong or frequent grip, such as:
- lifting cookware
- wringing cloths
- gardening or pruning
- using tools
- frequent use of scissors, knives or cleaning equipment
can irritate the pulley system over time.
High-volume hand work
Caregiving, childcare, home-based tasks, manual work, or intense periods of typing and mouse use can all increase demand on the flexor tendons.
Health conditions
Trigger finger is more common in people with:
- diabetes
- rheumatoid arthritis
- gout
- metabolic or inflammatory conditions
These conditions make the tendon sheath more prone to thickening.
“One-off” overload
Occasionally, after an unusually heavy day of gripping, the area becomes irritated and never fully settles without intervention.
Left unaddressed, triggering can evolve from “rare and mild” to “frequent and bothersome”.
How Trigger Finger affects daily life
Although it involves only one finger, the impact can be surprisingly broad.
Everyday household activities
People may notice discomfort or hesitation when:
- opening jar lids
- holding a mug
- carrying grocery bags
- using knives or scissors
- wringing towels
The sudden catch can make the hand feel unreliable.
Work and productivity
Typing, writing, texting, tool use, cooking, cleaning or childcare may become uncomfortable. Some people avoid using the affected finger altogether, which strains the rest of the hand.
Confidence and safety
A finger that suddenly locks can make tasks like:
- gripping railings
- carrying hot items
- handling delicate objects
feel more uncertain.
The condition also affects sleep when stiff fingers in the morning need time to “warm up”.
Diagnosis: a clinical condition, not an imaging condition
Trigger finger is primarily diagnosed based on:
- your description of symptoms
- how the finger behaves during motion
- tenderness at the base of the finger
- presence of triggering during examination
Imaging such as X-rays often does not show the tendon or pulley changes responsible for the problem. Ultrasound may show thickening but is not always necessary.
Rest isn’t enough (but overuse isn’t helpful either)
People often fall into one of two extremes:
① Avoid the finger entirely
This reduces irritation but also leads to stiffness and reduced coordination.
② Push through every task
This often inflames the pulley further and delays recovery.
The most effective approach is usually a middle path:
- temporarily reducing the most aggravating tasks
- continuing comfortable movement
- gradually reintroducing load when symptoms settle
- pacing activities to avoid long periods of forceful gripping
This principle is similar to managing other tendon-related conditions such as tennis elbow or De Quervain’s.
Common conservative management approaches
Most trigger finger cases start with non-surgical care.
Activity modification
This includes adjusting:
- gripping style
- how you lift or carry items
- how long you sustain repetitive tasks
- how you use tools or devices
Small changes can reduce daily strain significantly.
Splinting
A finger or thumb splint (often a small, lightweight device) can limit the most aggravating motions and give the tendon sheath space to calm down.
Splints work best when:
- worn during heavy tasks or at night
- comfortable enough for regular use
- combined with activity modification
Gentle mobility
Maintaining comfortable range of motion reduces stiffness and helps prevent compensatory habits.
Medication or topical treatments
Doctors may recommend anti-inflammatory medication or gels to manage symptoms—but these do not fix the underlying mechanical catching.
Corticosteroid injection
For some people, a doctor may recommend an injection into the tendon sheath.
It can reduce inflammation and improve gliding, sometimes significantly.
However, effects vary:
- some get long relief
- some get short relief
- some do not respond
It is one tool—not a guarantee—and should be considered case by case.
When is surgery discussed?
Surgery is typically considered when:
- the finger is frequently locking
- daily activities are significantly affected
- conservative care has been tried over a reasonable period
- symptoms remain persistent or severe
The procedure, usually a release of the pulley, widens the tendon tunnel so the tendon slides smoothly. It is a small surgery but does require:
- wound care
- early gentle movement
- gradual return to load
- guidance from an OT or hand therapist if needed
Surgery addresses the mechanical catch, but long-term habits still matter to prevent overload elsewhere.
How Occupational Therapy supports Trigger Finger
Occupational therapy focuses on how trigger finger affects in real life, not just the tendon.
OT can help by:
Analysing hand use
Looking at how you:
- grip tools
- lift children
- handle objects
- type or use a mouse
- perform household or work tasks
and identifying patterns that strain the tendon.
Task and tool modification
OT may suggest:
- different ways to handle objects
- using two hands
- changing tools to larger handles
- reorganising workflow to reduce peak loads
Splint selection and guidance
Not all splints are equal. OT ensures:
- correct fit
- comfort
- realistic usage
- proper schedule based on your daily routine
Developing a graded activity plan
Instead of avoiding the finger or overusing it, OT helps you build a sustainable middle ground so your hand remains functional while symptoms settle.
When to seek timely medical advice
You should seek professional review if:
- the finger gets locked and won’t straighten
- there is significant swelling, redness or heat
- pain escalates suddenly after an injury
- symptoms interfere with essential tasks or work
- symptoms persist several weeks to months without improvement
Early intervention often prevents the condition from progressing to a severe locking stage.
A realistic and hopeful outlook
Trigger finger can be surprisingly disruptive despite involving a small area of the hand. It affects confidence, efficiency and comfort—but it is also a very understood, manageable condition.
With a thoughtful combination of:
- activity adjustment
- splinting where appropriate
- medical options when needed
- supportive, realistic occupational therapy guidance
many people regain comfortable, reliable hand use. The goal isn’t perfection but a hand you can trust again, without the daily surprise of a finger that suddenly catches or snaps.
This article is for general education and does not replace individual medical advice. For personalised assessment and recommendations, please consult your healthcare provider or rehabilitation team.
