Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb
A finger or thumb that catches, clicks or locks as you move it points to trigger finger. Caught early, it can settle with splinting and Hand Therapy, sparing injections or surgery.
- Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)
- Consultant Hand Therapist
- Hand, wrist & upper limb specialist
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger and trigger thumb, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occur when a pulley at the base of the digit becomes thickened and inflamed, causing the tendon to catch or lock as it passes through. It is one of the most common hand conditions, typically affecting adults aged 40 to 60 and more common in women.
Triggering is most common in the ring finger or thumb, and the condition is graded from 1 to 4 based on severity. Contributing factors include repetitive gripping, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and hypothyroidism. Left untreated, triggering tends to progress, and the digit can become fixed in a bent position that needs surgery earlier specialist treatment may have avoided.
What you might notice
- A catching, clicking or locking sensation when bending or straightening the finger or thumb
- Pain at the base of the finger or thumb in the palm, particularly on gripping
- A tender nodule palpable at the base of the affected finger or thumb in the palm
- Morning stiffness: the finger may be more locked in the morning and loosen during the day
- In severe cases, the digit becomes fixed in a bent position and cannot be straightened
Why it happens
- Repetitive gripping or pinching activities
- Rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory conditions
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Direct trauma to the palm
Trigger finger tends to progress when left untreated.
- Catching or clicking that is becoming more frequent
- A finger or thumb that locks and needs the other hand to straighten
- Pain at the base of the digit that is not improving
- Symptoms affecting your grip, work or daily activities
How it's treated
Treatment starts with grading how advanced the triggering is, then a custom splint and a tailored plan to settle the tendon and restore smooth, pain-free movement.
- Specialist diagnosis and grading
- Custom trigger finger or thumb splint
- Guided tendon-gliding exercises
- Activity modification and education
- Referral for ultrasound-guided injection or surgery for stubborn cases
People we've helped with this
“Michelle was able to provide a diagnosis of trigger finger, issues with my ulnar and median nerves and forearm muscles. I wasn't able to get this diagnosis elsewhere and Michelle made me very confident I would return to my sport without the need for steroid injections.
Caitriona DTrigger finger & nerve issues
“Thanks to the wonderful work done by Michelle I am now pain free and avoided going down the injection or surgery route. For anyone hoping to avoid injections or surgery I highly recommend her. She is amazing!
Kim MRSI & de Quervain's
“I was very impressed with my consultations with Michelle. Not only was the treatment thorough but it was delivered in a caring, empathetic and friendly manner. I appreciated the advice regarding the surgical procedure too.
Vivien KTrigger thumb
Common questions
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No. You can self-refer directly. No GP letter or consultant referral is needed. If you have existing imaging or referral letters, it is helpful to bring them along to your first appointment.
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An initial consultation with Ms Razo is £86 for 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are £66 for 45 minutes. If a custom splint is required, prices start from £15 depending on the type and size. Ms Razo is a registered provider with BUPA and H3.
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Yes. Ms Razo provides specialist trigger finger assessment and management via virtual appointments for patients who cannot attend in person. Grading, splint guidance, exercise prescription and ongoing rehabilitation can all be delivered remotely. Find out more about virtual Hand Therapy appointments.
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This depends on the grade of triggering and how early treatment begins. Many patients with Grade 1 or 2 triggering see a significant reduction in symptoms over a prescribed period of consistent splinting and activity modification. Ms Razo will give you a realistic assessment at your first appointment.
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Mild triggering can occasionally settle with rest and activity modification alone. However, without treatment it often persists or progresses. Splinting and Hand Therapy are effective non-operative management options.
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No. Many cases of triggering respond well to non-operative management including splinting, activity modification and Hand Therapy. Surgery is typically reserved for cases where non-operative measures have not been successful, or for fixed triggering that cannot be passively corrected.
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No. Trigger finger is a tendon condition, not a joint condition. It occurs when the A1 pulley at the base of the digit becomes thickened and inflamed, restricting tendon gliding. However, triggering is more common in people with rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
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Recurrence after Hand Therapy or corticosteroid injection is possible, particularly in patients with diabetes or multiple affected fingers. Recurrence after surgical A1 pulley release is uncommon. Ms Razo will advise on reducing the risk of recurrence.
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A1 pulley release is a minor surgical procedure in which the fibrous band at the base of the finger or thumb is divided to widen the tunnel through which the flexor tendon runs. This resolves the mechanical obstruction causing triggering. Ms Razo provides post-operative Hand Therapy following this procedure. Find out more about specialist rehabilitation after surgery.
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Clinically reviewed by Ms Michelle Razo CHT · May 2026