Slocum Orthopedics evaluates and treats trigger finger for patients across Eugene, Springfield, and the southern Willamette Valley. Our hand and wrist specialists provide comprehensive care to relieve pain, restore smooth finger motion, and help patients return to everyday activities with confidence.
Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, also called tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendon that bends the finger or thumb becomes irritated and swollen.
Tendons are strong, rope-like tissues that connect muscles to bones and help move the fingers. Each tendon is covered by a smooth lining called the synovium, which allows it to glide through a protective tunnel known as the tendon sheath.
When the tendon and its lining become inflamed, they thicken and can no longer move smoothly within the tendon sheath. This creates tightness inside the sheath, causing the finger to catch, click, or lock when bending or straightening. In some cases, the finger may become temporarily stuck in a bent position before suddenly releasing, which is how trigger finger gets its name.
The exact cause of trigger finger is unknown, but it is commonly believed to be related to repetitive gripping over time. Repeated pressure on the tendon can cause it to become enlarged and inflamed, leading to problems with normal finger movement.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Pain is typically felt at the base of the affected finger or thumb where it joins the palm, especially during gripping activities. Patients with trigger finger commonly experience:
- Pain at the base of the finger or thumb
- Stiffness with finger movement
- Clicking or catching during motion
- Locking of the finger when bending or straightening
Diagnosis of Trigger Finger
Diagnosis begins with a physical examination of the hand and affected finger.
Your provider will evaluate your symptoms, examine the tendon during finger movement, and determine whether trigger finger is responsible for the clicking, catching, or locking you are experiencing.
Medical Management of Trigger Finger
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect daily hand use. Many patients improve with nonsurgical treatment.
Activity Modification
Avoiding excessive pressure on the inflamed tendon can help relieve pain and reduce irritation.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) may help reduce inflammation in the tendon and synovium, improving finger function.
Steroid Injections
A cortisone injection into the tendon sheath can reduce swelling and relieve trigger finger symptoms.
Splinting
A finger extension splint may be worn at night to help decrease swelling of the tendon and minimize triggering. The splint is worn on the palm side of the hand and keeps the affected finger straight while sleeping.
When Surgery is Considered
If nonsurgical treatments do not provide enough relief or symptoms continue to interfere with daily activities, trigger finger release may be recommended.
During this in-office procedure, a small portion of the tendon sheath is released to allow the inflamed tendon to glide freely and restore smooth finger motion.
Why Patients in Eugene Turn to Slocum for Hand & Wrist Care
For more than 80 years, Slocum Orthopedics has helped keep the Eugene–Springfield community moving. Our hand and wrist specialists provide comprehensive care for common and complex conditions affecting the fingers, hand, wrist, and upper extremity, supported by on-site imaging, therapy, and orthopedic surgical care.
