Treating Trigger Finger

Your treatment may be nonsurgical or surgical, depending on how severe your condition is. Your doctor can talk to you about the best option for you.

Nonsurgical Treatment

If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may have you rest the finger or thumb and take oral anti-inflammatory medication, such as aspirin. If this does not reduce the swelling, your doctor may give you injections of an anti-inflammatory, such as cortisone, in the base of the finger or thumb.

The tendon sheath is opened to release the tendon. Once the tendon can move freely again, the finger can bend and straighten more normally.

Surgery

If other treatments don't relieve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery. The sheath that surrounds the tendon is opened to enlarge the space and release the swollen tendon. This allows the finger to bend and straighten normally again. Surgery takes about 20 minutes, and can often be done under a local anesthetic. You can usually go home the same day. Your hand will be wrapped in a soft bandage, and you may wear a plaster splint for a short time to keep the finger stable and more comfortable. The stitches will be removed in about 2 weeks. Your doctor will discuss the risks and possible complications of surgery with you.