What causes trigger finger?
It is caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath (pulley) at the base of the finger, often due to repetitive gripping, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment/Treatment Details
Trigger Finger Release
Relieve painful finger locking with Trigger Finger Release, a minimally invasive procedure that widens the A1 pulley. This quick outpatient surgery restores smooth finger movement and eliminates catching or locking symptoms.
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Relieving Tendon Entrapment
Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when a flexor tendon catches in its sheath at the A1 pulley, causing painful clicking or locking. When non-surgical treatments fail, Trigger Finger Release surgery (open or percutaneous) widens the A1 pulley, allowing free tendon glide. This hand surgery procedure offers quick and effective relief from mechanical finger symptoms and restores normal finger movement, addressing this common hand ailment with minimal disruption.
Explore Hand, Wrist & Elbow Conditions & Treatments
View all hand, wrist & elbow conditions and treatment options →Who Needs Trigger Finger Release?
- Patients with moderate to severe trigger finger or thumb causing painful clicking, popping, or locking
- Individuals unresponsive to conservative treatments (splints, injections)
- Those with tendon sheath thickening or nodules causing restricted finger movement
- Patients seeking to improve hand dexterity and relieve finger joint pain
- Individuals with symptoms significantly affecting daily activities
What Conditions does Trigger Finger Release Help Ease?
This procedure may help with:
The Trigger Finger Release Procedure
- Following consultation and diagnosis, this is typically an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia
- Open release uses a small palm incision to cut the A1 pulley
- Percutaneous release uses a needle or small instrument through a skin puncture, often with ultrasound guidance
- This ensures precise A1 pulley release and quick resolution of tendon entrapment
- The procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes with minimal discomfort
- This is a specialized form of hand tendon surgery with high success rates
Benefits of Trigger Finger Release
- Provides immediate relief from painful catching or locking of affected fingers or thumb
- Restores smooth, unrestricted tendon glide for improved hand function
- Minimally invasive approach with quick recovery and minimal scarring
- Improves grip strength and finger mobility, enhancing daily activity performance
- Definitive treatment for stenosing tenosynovitis with a high success rate
Recovery from Trigger Finger Release
Recovery Timeline: 2-4 Weeks for Full Activities
Recovery from Trigger Finger Release is generally rapid. Finger movement is encouraged immediately. Mild pain is managed with OTC relievers. Full activities, including gripping, usually resume within 2–4 weeks. This hand condition treatment has minimal downtime and promotes quick return to daily tasks, restoring normal hand mechanics and eliminating the locking sensation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the release performed?
The surgeon makes a small incision in the palm and cuts the A1 pulley. This opens the tunnel, allowing the tendon to glide freely without catching.
Can it come back?
Recurrence after surgical release is very rare. It is a highly definitive cure for the condition.
What is the recovery?
Hand use is allowed immediately for light tasks. The stitches are removed in 10-14 days. Grip strength returns fully in about 3 to 4 weeks.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Finger locking, clicking, or trigger finger symptoms? Start your recovery with expert orthopedic care. Schedule a consultation with Mountain Spine & Orthopedics.
Locations Offering Evaluation
Our board-certified specialists offer trigger finger release evaluation and treatment at locations across Florida, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Schedule a consultation at a clinic near you.
