04/06/2026
๐ง๐ฅ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐๐ก๐๐๐ฅ: ๐ช๐๐๐ก ๐ฆ๐๐ข๐จ๐๐ ๐ฌ๐ข๐จ ๐ฆ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ฃ?
If your finger catches, locks or becomes painful when bending, it may be time to get specialist advice.
Trigger finger, stenosing tenosynovitis, also known as trigger thumb when it affects the thumb, is a condition where a finger or thumb can become painful, stiff, or difficult to straighten. In some cases, the finger may click, catch, or lock in a bent position before suddenly releasing. The NHS explains that trigger finger can cause pain, stiffness, clicking or locking, and may affect one or more fingers or thumbs.
WHAT CAUSES TRIGGER FINGER?
Trigger finger happens when the tendon that helps bend the finger becomes irritated or thickened, making it harder for the tendon to glide smoothly through its surrounding sheath. The British Society for Surgery of the Hand describes it as a problem where the tendon catches as it moves through the tunnel in the palm, causing clicking or locking. ([British Society for Surgery of the Hand][2])
COMMON SYMPTOMS CAN INCLUDE:
โข Pain at the base of the finger or thumb
โข Clicking or catching when bending or straightening
โข Stiffness, often worse in the morning
โข A finger or thumb locking in a bent position
โข Tenderness or a small lump in the palm
โข Difficulty gripping or using the hand normally
For some people, symptoms are mild and settle with time. For others, trigger finger can become painful, frustrating and disruptive, especially when it starts affecting work, sleep, driving, writing, using tools, lifting objects or everyday hand movements.
WHEN SHOULD YOU SEEK ADVICE?
The NHS advises seeing a GP if you think you have trigger finger and symptoms do not get better, or if symptoms stop you doing your usual daily activities.
You should also seek medical advice if:
โข Your finger regularly catches or locks
โข The pain is getting worse
โข You are struggling to straighten the finger
โข Your grip feels affected
โข Symptoms are interfering with work or daily life
โข You have diabetes or another condition that may affect tendons or healing
โข You are unsure whether the problem is trigger finger or something else
If your finger is locked in a bent position and you cannot straighten it, NHS patient guidance advises seeking urgent medical help.
CAN TRIGGER FINGER IMPROVE ON ITS OWN?
Sometimes, yes. Mild trigger finger can settle without treatment. Advice from the NHS and British Society for Surgery of the Hand includes avoiding activities that make symptoms worse where possible, resting the affected finger, and using pain relief such as ibuprofen if suitable for you.
Treatment options may include:
โข Activity modification
โข Splinting
โข Anti-inflammatory medication, where appropriate
โข Steroid injection
โข Surgery to release the tendon sheath, if symptoms persist or are severe
Northern Ireland Direct also lists rest, medication, splinting, corticosteroid injections and surgery as recognised treatment options for trigger finger.
At JACE Private Hospital, Mr Kieran Lappin, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, provides specialist assessment and treatment for hand, wrist and elbow conditions, including trigger finger.
A consultant assessment can help confirm the likely cause of your symptoms, explain your treatment options and guide you towards the most appropriate next step.
If your finger is catching, locking or painful when bending, do not ignore it.
Book a consultation with Mr Kieran Lappin at JACE Private Hospital.
๐ https://jaceprivatehospital.com/treatments-procedures/hand-wrist-elbow