Osteoarthritis Clinic · Home exercise program

Trigger finger

Stenosing tenosynovitis

Gentle exercises and simple aftercare to follow at home after your corticosteroid injection. Start slowly, build up as comfort allows, and stop anything that causes sharp pain.

Corticosteroid injectionDepo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate)
About this conditionAll patient guides
Reviewed
Reviewed. The exercises, repetition counts, hold times, and order of the exercises on this sheet have been checked by Dr. Mahendira against the clinic's printed handout.
SMH Osteoarthritis Clinic · Trigger finger · Corticosteroid injection (Depo-Medrol (methylprednisolone acetate))
Reviewed by Dr. Mahendira against the clinic handout.

Your injection

A long-acting corticosteroid injected into the tendon sheath surrounding the flexor tendon at the A1 pulley. It reduces inflammation and swelling of the tendon and its sheath, so the tendon can glide smoothly again. It is not a pain reliever. It works by calming the inflammatory response that causes catching.

After your injection

What to expect

  • Mild soreness at the injection site in the palm is normal for 24 to 48 hours (a steroid flare).
  • The Depo-Medrol usually begins working within 3 to 7 days. Full effect may take 2 to 3 weeks.
  • Triggering and catching should gradually decrease as the tendon inflammation settles.
  • Success rate is roughly 60 to 70% with a single injection. Some people need a second.

First 24 hours

  • Rest the hand. Avoid gripping, squeezing, and repetitive finger movements.
  • Apply ice wrapped in a cloth for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours to the palm if sore.
  • Keep the injection site clean and dry.
  • Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed. Avoid NSAIDs for 24 hours unless directed.

Days 2 to 14

  • Gradually resume light daily activities as comfort allows.
  • Continue to avoid forceful gripping or repetitive hand tasks for at least 1 week.
  • Begin gentle tendon gliding exercises after 48 hours.
  • Wear your finger splint at night as directed to prevent locking during sleep.

Important reminders

Limit injections to 2 to 3 per affected finger. Repeated steroid injections near flexor tendons may weaken the tendon.

Your exercises

Begin gently after about 48 hours if you are comfortable. Move slowly and stay within a mild, pain-free range. The counts below are a guide for how much to do.

1

Tendon glide: straight to hook

Most important

Start with fingers fully extended (straight). Curl only the tips and middle joints to form a hook fist, keeping the large knuckles straight. Hold 5 seconds, then straighten fully.

2 sets of 10 reps, 3x daily

This is the single most important exercise for trigger finger.

2

Tendon glide: full fist to flat

Start with a full fist (all joints curled). Open to a flat hand with fingers straight and together. Then make a tabletop position (bend at the large knuckles only). Return to flat. Repeat.

2 sets of 8 reps, 2 to 3x daily

Move slowly. Avoid snapping through the catching point.

3

Finger spread (abduction)

Place your hand flat on a table. Spread all fingers apart as wide as comfortable, hold 5 seconds, then bring them back together. Focus on smooth, controlled movement.

2 sets of 10 reps, 2x daily

Helps maintain intrinsic muscle balance.

4

Isolated finger flexion

Using your opposite hand, gently stabilize the affected finger at the middle joint. Slowly bend and straighten only the tip joint (DIP). Then stabilize the base and bend the middle joint (PIP).

2 sets of 10 reps each joint, 2x daily

Isolating each joint improves tendon glide through the sheath.

5

Passive finger extension stretch

Using the opposite hand, gently press the affected finger into full extension (straight). Hold for 15 to 20 seconds. You should feel a mild stretch in the palm, not sharp pain.

3 reps of a 20 second hold, 3x daily

Especially helpful in the morning when stiffness is worst.

6

Wrist flexion and extension

Rest your forearm on a table with your wrist at the edge. Slowly bend your wrist up and down through full range. The flexor tendons pass through the wrist, so wrist mobility supports tendon glide.

2 sets of 10 reps, 2x daily

Keep the forearm still on the table.

7

Rubber band finger extension

Start after week 2

Place a rubber band around all five fingertips. Spread your fingers apart against the resistance, hold 3 seconds, then slowly release. Strengthens the extensor muscles that oppose triggering.

2 sets of 10 reps, 1 to 2x daily

Start after week 2. Use a light band first.

Exercise guidelines

  • Stop any exercise that causes sharp or increasing pain.
  • Soak your hand in warm water for 5 minutes before exercises to loosen the tendon.
  • Do not force the finger through a click or catch. Guide it gently.
  • Consistency matters more than intensity. Do exercises daily for best results.

Protecting the area every day

  • Avoid repetitive gripping, squeezing, and prolonged power-grip activities for at least 1 to 2 weeks.
  • Use ergonomic or padded-grip tools to reduce strain on the flexor tendons in your palm.
  • Take frequent breaks during tasks that need sustained gripping, such as writing, typing, or gardening.
  • Avoid forcefully curling the affected finger. Let it move gently through its natural range.
  • Use your whole hand or both hands to carry heavy objects instead of gripping with individual fingers.
  • Wear the finger splint as directed, usually at night, to keep the finger straight during sleep.
  • Apply gentle warmth, such as a warm water soak, before activity to loosen the tendon and reduce catching.
  • Manage underlying conditions. Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis can worsen trigger finger.

Finger extension splint

A small aluminum or thermoplastic splint may be provided to keep the MCP or PIP joint straight, especially at night. Wearing the splint prevents the finger from locking in a bent position.

Tracking your progress

Tick a box each day you complete your exercises, and circle how the area feels.

 MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Daily triggering episodes (circle one)
012345678910
0 = none10 = worst
!When to call your doctor. Contact the clinic or seek care if you notice any of the following: Increasing pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site in the palm lasting more than 48 hours; Fever above 38C (100.4F), which may signal infection at the tendon sheath. Seek care urgently; Numbness, tingling, or persistent loss of sensation in the affected finger or hand; The finger becomes completely locked in a bent position and you cannot straighten it; Skin changes near the injection site: lightening, thinning, or a depression in the palm; Symptoms of high blood sugar in people with diabetes: excessive thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision; No improvement in triggering, catching, or pain after 2 to 3 weeks.
This is general information, not medical advice. Your exercises and recovery depend on your own situation, and your clinician will guide you.

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