Trigger Finger: Causes and Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Reviewed by the Physiotherapy Team at Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre 

Does one of your fingers catch, lock, or click when you try to bend or straighten it? You may have trigger finger, a common condition that affects the tendons in the hand. While it can make everyday activities frustrating, many people improve with conservative treatment and are able to avoid surgery. 

What Is Trigger Finger? 

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing flexor tenosynovitis, occurs when one of the tendons that bends the finger becomes irritated and swollen. As the tendon passes through a small tunnel (called a pulley) in the finger, the thickened tendon may no longer glide smoothly. This can cause the finger to catch, click, or lock during movement.

Trigger finger most commonly affects the thumb, ring finger, or middle finger, but it can occur in any finger and may affect more than one finger at a time. 

What Causes Trigger Finger? 

In many cases, there is no single identifiable cause. However, repeated irritation of the tendon can contribute to the condition. 

Potential contributing factors include: 

• Repetitive gripping or grasping activities 

• Frequent use of hand tools 

• Repetitive hand-intensive work 

• Gardening or racquet sports 

• Diabetes 

• Rheumatoid arthritis 

• Previous hand injuries

  
  

Trigger finger is more common in adults between 40 and 60 years of age and is diagnosed more frequently in women than men. 

Common Symptoms 

Symptoms often develop gradually and may include: 

• A clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger 

• Finger stiffness, especially in the morning 

• Pain or tenderness at the base of the affected finger or thumb 

• A finger that catches or locks during movement 

• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the finger 

• A small, tender lump in the palm near the base of the finger in some cases 

Symptoms may be mild at first but can worsen if the condition progresses. 

How Is Trigger Finger Diagnosed? 

Trigger finger is usually diagnosed through a physical examination and a discussion of your symptoms. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI are typically not necessary, unless another condition is suspected.

How Can Physiotherapy Help? 

Many people with mild to moderate trigger finger improve with conservative treatment. Physiotherapy focuses on reducing irritation, restoring tendon movement, and improving hand function. 

Your physiotherapist may recommend: 

Activity Modification 

Reducing repetitive gripping or forceful hand activities can allow the irritated tendon to settle while remaining as active as possible. 

Splinting 

A finger splint may temporarily limit painful movements and reduce irritation, particularly if symptoms are worse in the morning. 

Gentle Range of Motion Exercises 

Specific exercises may help maintain finger mobility and promote smooth tendon movement while minimizing stiffness. 

Tendon Gliding Exercises 

Tendon gliding exercises are commonly prescribed to encourage the tendon to move more freely through the pulley system and improve hand function. 

Education and Ergonomic Advice 

Learning strategies to reduce repetitive strain during work, sports, or household activities may help prevent symptoms from returning. 

Recovery and Healing Time 

Recovery depends on how long symptoms have been present and the severity of the condition. 

• Mild cases: Symptoms may improve within 4-8 weeks with activity modification, splinting, and exercise. 

• Moderate cases: Recovery often takes 2-3 months of consistent conservative treatment. 

• Persistent cases: Corticosteroid injections may be recommended if symptoms do not improve. Surgery is generally reserved for cases that continue to lock or cause significant functional limitations despite non-surgical treatment.

  
  

Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and may reduce the likelihood of requiring surgery. 

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider booking an assessment if you have: 

• A finger that catches, clicks, or locks 

• Pain or tenderness at the base of a finger or thumb 

• Finger stiffness that interferes with daily activities 

• Difficulty gripping objects 

• Symptoms that are not improving with rest 

  
  

Is your finger catching, clicking, or locking? The physiotherapists at Waterloo Sports Medicine Centre can assess your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to improve hand function and help you return to your daily activities comfortably.