Understanding Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb — Causes, Prevalence, and Treatment Options- A HAND THERAPIST'S PERSPECTIVE

​Trigger finger or trigger thumb can affect anyone, from office workers to athletes or tradesmen and even young children.
The condition occurs when the flexor tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, causing it to thicken or form a nodule. This restricts its ability to glide easily through the tendon sheath, leading to a painful “catching” or “locking” sensation most commonly when people make a full fist.

How common is trigger finger?

​Trigger finger is one of the most frequent causes of hand pain and dysfunction. It is more common in:

• People aged 40–60
• Women more than men
• Individuals with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
• Those performing repetitive gripping tasks
• The thumb, ring, and middle fingers are most commonly affected.

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What does a trigger finger feel like?

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A painful clicking or locking sensation when bending or straightening the finger or thumb

• Tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb


• Stiffness, especially in the morning


• A catching/ snapping or locking feeling when moving the digit.


• In more advanced cases, the finger or thumb may become stuck in a bent position

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What can a hand therapist do to help for trigger finger?

​At Camberwell Hand Rehab, we guide clients through both the conservative and medical treatment pathways:
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• Splinting is often the first step in management. A custom-made splint reduces some of the movement in  the affected finger or thumb, this reduces the irritation by allowing the tendon to rest and heal. Splints can significantly reduce pain and improve movement, especially when worn at night.​​

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• Activity modification: We help identify and reduce repetitive gripping or forceful use.
• Soft tissue therapy: Gentle massage and stretching techniques to relieve tendon irritation.
• Therapeutic exercises: To improve tendon gliding and reduce stiffness.
• Anti-inflammatories medications
• Many cases improve significantly with hand therapy alone.

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What are the medical treatment options for trigger finger?

​💉 Corticosteroid Injections
If symptoms persist, corticosteroid injections into the sheath of the tendon can help reduce inflammation and restore smooth tendon movement. These are used if conservative care is not sufficient or symptoms are severe.
🛠️ Surgery
When conservative measures are not successful, surgery may be recommended. This minor procedure releases the tight part of the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to glide freely again. This can usually be done under local anaesthetic and has a high success rate.

Don’t ignore that click or catch in your finger.  With early assessment and intervention from a qualified hand therapist, most people experience excellent outcomes and a quick return to normal hand function.
If you’re noticing clicking, pain, or stiffness in your fingers or thumb, a hand therapy assessment can help you find the right treatment pathway early.
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Click this link to the Australian Hand Therapy Association's downloadable information sheet on trigger finger: ​

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