Question 1

What is trigger finger?

Accepted Answer

Trigger finger happens when the tendon that bends your finger becomes inflamed or develops a nodule, and catches on the tunnel (sheath) it passes through. This causes your finger to catch, click, or lock when you bend it, then suddenly snap straight - like pulling and releasing a trigger. It's not dangerous but can be painful and frustrating. The medical name is stenosing tenosynovitis, which means narrowing (stenosis) and inflammation (tenosynovitis) of the tendon sheath.

Question 2

Which fingers are most commonly affected?

Accepted Answer

Trigger finger most commonly affects the ring finger and thumb, but can affect any finger. You can have trigger finger in multiple fingers at once - about 20-30% of people develop it in more than one finger. It can affect one or both hands.

Question 3

Should I try a steroid injection or go straight to surgery?

Accepted Answer

Most doctors recommend trying a steroid injection first unless your finger is permanently stuck. Injections cure 60-70% of cases without surgery, are quick, low-risk, and you can return to activities immediately. If the injection doesn't work or symptoms return, you can still have surgery. Surgery is more definitive (95%+ cure rate) but is a surgical procedure. If you have diabetes, injection success is lower (40-50%), so some people prefer to go directly to surgery.

Question 4

Will trigger finger go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes mild trigger finger improves with rest and splinting, but most cases don't resolve without treatment. Trigger finger typically gets gradually worse over time if left untreated. Early, mild cases have the best chance of improving with non-surgical treatment. Once the finger is locking regularly or stuck, treatment (injection or surgery) is usually needed.

Question 5

Why is trigger finger more common in people with diabetes?

Accepted Answer

People with diabetes have higher rates of trigger finger (about 30% of diabetics develop it) due to changes in collagen and increased inflammation in tendons. Unfortunately, steroid injections are also less successful in diabetics (40-50% success vs 70% in non-diabetics). The good news is that surgery works equally well in diabetics and non-diabetics.

Medical Disclaimer

Trigger Finger

📖What is Trigger Finger?

🔬What Causes It?

⚠️Risk Factors

You may be at higher risk if:

🛡️Prevention