Will Trigger Finger Ever Go Away on Its Own?

Trigger finger 一 officially known as stenosing tenosynovitis 一 is when one or more fingers become stuck in a bent position but snap or pop straight when you try to move them. It is caused by inflammation or swelling of your tendon sheath, a connective tissue surrounding the affected finger's tendon.

Not only does your finger feel "stuck," but you likely experience finger stiffness, a popping sound, and the sensation that your finger is "catching." These uncomfortable symptoms can make it hard to perform daily tasks, such as typing, tying your shoes, or performing any task that requires finger dexterity. 

If you are experiencing trigger finger, you may wonder if it will go away without treatment. The short answer is that trigger finger can resolve without treatment, but it's uncommon.

In this article, our team of orthopedic specialists dives into this topic. 

Does trigger finger resolve on its own?

Not necessarily. According to a 2018 meta-analysis, only 16% of trigger fingers resolved spontaneously without treatment. This was especially true of individuals with trigger thumb. However, the vast majority of people with trigger finger require treatment 一 either conservative or surgical treatment 一 to experience a reprieve in symptoms. 

In other words, trigger finger requires treatment to resolve in most cases. 

Treatment options for trigger finger

The type of treatment needed depends on the severity of your condition.

Treatment for mild cases of trigger finger

Mild cases of trigger finger may be treated at home with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. You may also be advised to avoid activities that aggravate the affected finger and avoid repetitive movements. 

If these measures don't relieve, your Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services provider may recommend a splint or brace to immobilize your affected finger. We may also suggest physical therapy to help you stretch and strengthen the affected finger.

Treatment for severe cases of trigger finger

Our team may recommend a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation and swelling in the affected tendon sheath in more severe cases. This can provide significant relief and allow the condition to resolve without further treatment.

Our team also performs percutaneous release to treat trigger finger. Percutaneous release is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat trigger finger. It involves the insertion of a needle through your skin to release the tight tendon sheath and improve finger mobility. No incisions are made, and you won't need any stitches either.

If non-surgical treatments don't provide enough relief, open surgery may be necessary to release the affected tendon sheath. This is usually done as an outpatient procedure and has a high success rate.

Get help for your trigger finger

The bottom line is that you don’t have to suffer with a debilitating finger. From conservative treatments to minimally invasive percutaneous release to surgical relief, our team has the expertise and technique to help you find lasting relief.

Ready to explore your options? Call our Porterville, Reedley, or Visalia, California, office or book your appointment online.