Trigger Finger & Hand Therapy

Meet Sarah

Sarah, a 45-year-old marketing professional, began noticing discomfort and stiffness in her fingers after years of prolonged keyboard and phone use for work.

At first, it was a mild inconvenience—a finger locking occasionally when she bent it. But over time, the clicking sensation worsened, and she began waking up with her finger stuck in a bent position, requiring her other hand to straighten it.

Frustrated and worried about how it might affect her ability to work and enjoy hobbies like gardening, Sarah sought help. After being diagnosed with trigger finger, she started a tailored treatment plan at The Upper Hand Clinic, including splinting, targeted exercises, and activity modifications.

With consistent care, Sarah regained pain-free motion, allowing her to focus on her career and the activities she loves without interruption.

Understanding Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb, making it difficult to straighten them smoothly.

It can cause pain, stiffness, and a "locking" or "catching" sensation when you try to move your fingers. As hand therapists, we often see patients who are frustrated by how this impacts their daily activities - everything from gripping a cup to typing on a keyboard can become challenging.

Here, we’ll explore what causes trigger finger, the anatomy involved, and how hand therapy can help you recover

What causes trigger finger?

While the exact cause of trigger finger isn’t always clear, several factors can contribute to its development, including:

Repetitive hand movements

Jobs or activities that require frequent gripping, pinching, or holding objects for long periods can strain the tendons in your hand

Underlying health conditions

Conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are linked to a higher risk of developing trigger finger due to changes in the soft tissue and tendon structure.

Age and gender

Trigger finger is more common in people over the age of 40 and tends to occur more often in women than in men.

Trauma or Injury

Sometimes a direct injury to the hand can lead to inflammation in the tendons, contributing to the development of trigger finger

Anatomy of trigger finger

To understand how trigger finger develops, it helps to know a little about how your fingers move. Each finger has flexor tendons that run from your forearm to the tips of your fingers. These tendons glide through a series of protective sheaths or tunnels, helping your fingers bend smoothly.

Along the way, the tendons pass through small pulleys that keep them in place, close to the bone.When trigger finger occurs, one of these tendons becomes inflamed and swollen. This swelling makes it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly through the pulley system.

As a result, the tendon can catch or lock, particularly when you try to straighten your finger. Over time, this can lead to the characteristic "triggering" sensation or even complete locking in a bent position.

How hand therapists can help trigger finger

If you're experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, hand therapy can be a key part of your recovery process. The goal of therapy is to reduce pain and inflammation, restore smooth finger movement, and prevent the condition from worsening. Below are some of the common treatments we may use in our clinic:

Splinting

One of the first lines of treatment is a custom-made splint. The splint works by keeping your finger in a straightened position for several weeks, allowing the inflamed tendon to rest and heal.

This reduces the catching and locking sensation and can often lead to significant improvements in symptoms.

Massage & soft tissue techniqes

Hand therapists may use specialised massage techniques to improve circulation and reduce inflammation around the affected tendon.

This can also help break down any adhesions or tightness that may have developed in the soft tissue around the tendon.

Stretching & strengthening exercises

Exercises that promote flexibility and strength in the hand can also be beneficial.

For example:Tendon gliding exercises help maintain mobility by encouraging smooth movement of the tendons through the pulley system.

Grip-strengthening exercises using a soft ball or putty can help build strength and endurance in the hand, reducing stress on the tendons over time.

We’ll guide you through exercises specifically tailored to your condition, gradually increasing intensity as your symptoms improve.

Heat and cold therapy

Applying heat before stretching or massage can help relax the tissues and improve blood flow, while ice can reduce inflammation and pain after activity.

These are simple but effective techniques you can continue at home to manage your symptoms.

Collaboration with your doctor

If your symptoms are severe and do not improve with conservative treatment, we may work closely with your doctor to explore other options, such as steroid injections or, in rare cases, surgery.

However, most people see significant improvements with hand therapy alone.

Trigger finger can be frustrating, but it is a treatable condition.

Early intervention with hand therapy can prevent symptoms from worsening and help you regain full function of your hand.

If you're experiencing pain, stiffness, or locking in your fingers, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Our team is here to guide you through the recovery process, providing personalised treatment that suits your needs.

Frequently asked questions about trigger finger

What is the best way to fix a trigger finger?

The best treatment for trigger finger depends on the severity of your symptoms. In many cases, conservative treatments like splinting, hand therapy exercises, and activity modifications are effective in resolving symptoms.

A personalised hand therapy program can often lead to significant improvements without the need for more invasive treatments. If symptoms persist, corticosteroid injections or, as a last resort, surgery may be recommended.

Can trigger finger heal on it's own?

In some cases, mild trigger finger may improve on its own, especially if you avoid activities that aggravate it and give the tendon time to rest.

However, if the condition has progressed or symptoms are persistent, it’s unlikely to heal without intervention. Seeking early treatment, such as hand therapy, can prevent the condition from worsening and help you recover faster

Can you massage away trigger finger?

While massage alone won’t "fix" trigger finger, it can be a helpful part of your treatment plan. Massage techniques can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and relieve tightness in the surrounding tissues.

Your hand therapist may incorporate soft tissue massage into your treatment to support tendon healing, but it should be done carefully to avoid further irritation and cause further inflammation

Can you fix trigger finger without surgery?

Yes, many cases of trigger finger can be managed and even resolved without surgery. Conservative treatments like hand therapy, splinting, stretching, and activity modification are often effective.

Surgery is generally reserved for more severe or chronic cases where other treatments haven’t worked. By starting therapy early, you can often avoid the need for surgical intervention.