Does Trigger Finger Require Surgery?

If you've experienced the frustrating sensation of your finger getting stuck in a bent position and then suddenly releasing with a snap, you might be familiar with trigger finger. 

Officially known as stenosing tenosynovitis, trigger finger occurs when the tendons in your finger become inflamed or irritated. It’s also difficult to straighten or bend your affected finger smoothly.

Need help managing your trigger finger? With two board-certified hand surgeons here at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services —  Dr. Jonathan Liu and Dr. Huey Yuan Tien — you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Liu and Dr. Tien are experts in diagnosing orthopedic hand conditions like trigger finger. 

Here’s how to tell if surgery is your best solution.

Does trigger finger require surgery?

The good news is that not all cases of trigger finger require surgery. Many people find relief from conservative treatments such as:

Rest and activity modification

Give your finger a break from repetitive gripping or grasping activities. The rest can help reduce inflammation and allow your tendon to heal.

Wear a splint

Clinical research published in the November 2023 volume of Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research shows that splinting alone is often the first defense against trigger finger.

A splint helps keep the affected finger in a straight position and relieves pressure on the tendon. Studies show that a night splint can help with both disability and pain for people who’ve had trigger finger symptoms for less than three months.

Medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce the pain and inflammation in your finger.

Please take all medications as directed and let us know if you take any other medications or have conditions that may interfere with NSAIDs.

Steroid injections

Corticosteroid injections into your tendon sheath (the thin layer of tissue surrounding your tendon) can significantly relieve inflammation. As inflammation decreases, your tendon can glide more smoothly.

Physical therapy

Physical therapy for trigger finger typically involves exercises that improve finger mobility, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and reduce inflammation. 

You might also benefit from physical therapy after trigger finger surgery.

When to consider surgery

While nonsurgical treatments are often effective, some cases of trigger finger may require surgical intervention, especially if conservative measures fail to provide relief. Surgery for trigger finger typically involves releasing the affected tendon to allow for smoother finger movement.

Your Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services provider may recommend surgery if:

• Conservative treatments have not improved symptoms after several months
• You’ve tried steroid injections twice without improvement
•  Your finger is locked in a bent position and can’t be straightened
• You have severe pain or dysfunction that significantly impacts daily activities

What happens during trigger finger surgery

What happens during surgery depends on which procedure you need. If you need a percutaneous release, we insert a needle (under ultrasound guidance) into the tissues that surround your affected tendon. The goal is to break up your tendon sheath's tightness (constriction) so your finger can move more easily. 

If you undergo trigger finger release surgery, we make a small incision in the palm of your hand near the affected finger and release your A1 pulley at the base of your finger. This release allows your tendon to move more freely. You can expect to have anywhere from two to three stitches. 

Trigger finger release surgery can relieve that bent, catching sensation and restore your hand's functionality. Open surgery has a 99% success rate, and percutaneous release has about a 94% success rate. Your Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services surgeon will review your options with you and suggest the best path for you.

Don’t brush off the pain (and annoyance) of trigger finger any longer. Help for trigger finger is just a call or click away.