Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is a common hand condition that causes one or more fingers to become painful, stiff, or locked in a bent position. At Tran Plastic Surgery, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment for trigger finger, helping patients in Huntington Beach and surrounding Orange County areas restore comfort, mobility, and hand function.

If you are struggling with pain, stiffness, or catching in your fingers, Dr. Tuan Tran, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in hand surgery, offers both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your needs.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger develops when the sheath surrounding a finger tendon becomes inflamed, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly. This leads to painful “catching” or “locking” sensations when bending and straightening the finger.

Although the condition can affect any finger, it most commonly occurs in the ring finger and thumb. In advanced cases, the finger may remain locked in a bent position and require manual assistance to straighten.

Causes and Risk Factors

Trigger finger is caused by irritation and inflammation of the tendon sheath, which narrows the passageway and disrupts normal tendon movement. Over time, nodules may form along the tendon, worsening stiffness and pain.

Several risk factors increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger:

Repetitive hand use – Activities requiring frequent gripping or pressure on the hands (e.g., using tools, typing, or heavy smartphone use) contribute to inflammation.
Medical conditions – Diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis are strongly linked to higher incidence.
Gender – Women are more likely to develop trigger finger than men.
Post-surgical complication – It may appear in patients within six months of carpal tunnel surgery. (Learn more about carpal tunnel syndrome).

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger symptoms usually start gradually and worsen over time. Common signs include:

Morning stiffness – Difficulty moving the finger after rest.
Tender lump – A palpable nodule at the base of the finger on the palm side.
Clicking or popping – Sensation when bending or straightening the finger.
Locking or catching – Finger may suddenly lock in a bent position before popping straight.
Persistent bent finger – Severe cases prevent the finger from fully straightening.

If you notice these symptoms, it’s important to seek early evaluation. Without treatment, inflammation may worsen and lead to permanent stiffness.

Diagnosis

Trigger finger is typically diagnosed through a clinical examination. Imaging tests such as X-rays are rarely needed. During the exam, Dr. Tran will:

Check for tenderness over the tendon sheath in your palm.
Palpate for thickening or nodules near the affected finger.
Observe for locking, catching, or stiffness during finger movement.

A timely diagnosis ensures the most effective treatment plan and prevents long-term complications.

Treatment Options for Trigger Finger

At Tran Plastic Surgery, treatment is individualized depending on the severity of your condition. Options include both non-surgical and surgical approaches:

Non-Surgical Treatments

Rest & activity modification – Avoiding repetitive gripping or hand strain may help mild cases.
Splinting – Wearing a splint at night can keep the finger straight and reduce stiffness.
Hand exercises – Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises restore flexibility.
NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory medications) – Over-the-counter options such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.
Steroid injections – A powerful anti-inflammatory medication can be injected directly into the tendon sheath. Many patients experience immediate relief, though results vary. Patients with diabetes should closely monitor blood sugar after injections.

Dr. Tran has extensive experience performing in-office steroid injections for trigger finger, providing many patients with long-lasting relief.

Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatments fail or the finger remains locked, surgery may be the best option.

The procedure, known as trigger finger release (tenolysis), involves making a small incision in the A1 pulley to enlarge the tendon sheath and restore smooth tendon movement.

Benefits – Restores range of motion, reduces pain, and prevents permanent stiffness.
Recovery – Most patients can move their fingers immediately after surgery. Incision healing typically occurs within 2–3 weeks, though complete recovery from swelling and stiffness may take 3–6 months.
Risks – As with any surgery, risks include infection, stiffness, nerve injury, or recurrence, though complications are rare under expert care.

Patients generally experience excellent outcomes, with significant improvements in pain and function.

Why Choose Tran Plastic Surgery?

Choosing the right surgeon is critical for hand health. At Tran Plastic Surgery, patients benefit from:

Specialized expertise – Dr. Tuan Tran is a fellowship-trained, board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in complex hand and wrist conditions.
Comprehensive care – From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, our team offers personalized care tailored to your lifestyle and health needs.
Advanced techniques – Minimally invasive approaches are prioritized to reduce downtime and optimize recovery.
Local care in Huntington Beach – Conveniently located for patients across Orange County.

Learn more about Dr. Tuan Tran and his commitment to restoring mobility and quality of life for his patients.

Related Conditions

Because trigger finger often occurs alongside other hand conditions, our practice provides treatment for a range of concerns, including:

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – Nerve compression in the wrist causing numbness, tingling, and weakness.
Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Injury – Wrist cartilage injury leading to pain and instability.

Our integrated approach ensures that your care addresses all contributing factors.

Patient Education and Prevention Tips

While not all cases of trigger finger can be prevented, patients can reduce risk by:

Taking frequent breaks during repetitive hand activities.
Practicing ergonomic hand positioning when typing, using tools, or playing instruments.
Maintaining good hand health through stretching exercises.
Seeking early medical attention when symptoms first appear.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are experiencing finger stiffness, pain, or locking, don’t wait until the condition worsens. Early treatment can prevent long-term complications and restore full hand function.

📞 Call us today at 714-839-8000 or schedule an appointment online through our contact page.

Trust your care to the experts at Tran Plastic Surgery, your partner in restoring hand health and function.

>>>Click to Watch Video of Trigger Finger Injection in our Office<<<

*References:

✍️ Bates, T., & Dunn, J. (2020, April 13). Trigger Finger. Orthobullets. https://www.orthobullets.com/hand/6027/trigger-finger

✍️ Mayo Clinic. (2021). Trigger finger. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100

✍️ Norton Healthcare. (2020) Trigger finger treatment without surgery. [Photograph]. https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/trigger-finger-treatment-without-surgery/

✍️ OrthoInfo. (2020). Diseases & conditions: Smartphone tendinitis – an emerging problem. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/ortho-pinion-smartphone-tendinitis/

✍️ OrthoInfo. (2020). Diseases & conditions: Trigger finger. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/trigger-finger/