Trigger finger

What it is

Trigger finger happens when the tendon that bends a finger cannot glide smoothly through its sheath. The finger can click, catch, or lock in a bent position, sometimes with a tender lump in the palm. It is more common with diabetes.

Common symptoms

• Clicking or catching as you move the finger
• A finger that locks bent and needs easing straight
• A tender bump at the base of the finger in the palm
• Stiffness, often worse in the morning

What can help

• Resting from aggravating gripping, with gentle movement
• A night splint to rest the finger
• Simple pain relief

Where an injection fits

A corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath is the usual first treatment and works well for many people. Relief often appears within about a week, and roughly half to two-thirds of fingers settle with one or two injections. If a finger keeps locking after injections, a small day-surgery procedure to release the tendon is highly effective.

Home exercise program after your injection