TRIGGER FINGER

Trigger finger (or trigger thumb when it affects the thumb) occurs when a finger becomes stuck in a bent position or straightens with a snapping sensation. Many patients in Singapore first notice stiffness in the morning, difficulty gripping objects, or discomfort during daily tasks like cooking, typing, or carrying groceries. 

This condition develops when inflammation narrows the tendon sheath, preventing smooth tendon movement. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen — affecting work, independence, and overall comfort. 

Trigger finger develops due to a mismatch between the size of the flexor tendon and the surrounding pulley system, typically caused by inflammation and tendon thickening. 

This condition develops when inflammation narrows the tendon sheath, preventing smooth tendon movement. Without treatment, symptoms may worsen — affecting work, independence, and overall comfort. 

Trigger finger symptoms can range from mild stiffness to complete finger locking that significantly impacts daily function. If your symptoms are persistent, worsening, or preventing normal hand use, it's best to have them assessed by a trigger finger specialist. 

• Clicking or Popping Sensation: You may notice a popping or clicking sound and feeling when moving the affected finger, especially when making a fist or gripping objects. This occurs as the swollen tendon catches on the pulley sheath. 
• Finger Locking or Catching: The affected finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position and may suddenly pop straight, or it might remain locked and require manual straightening with your other hand. This typically feels worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity. 
• Pain and Stiffness: Bending or straightening the finger causes discomfort or pain, particularly at the base of the finger near the palm. The finger may feel stiff, making it difficult to fully open or close your hand. 
• Difficulty Gripping Objects: You might find it hard to fully close your hand, affecting your ability to grip objects firmly. Simple tasks like holding a cup, using utensils, writing, or turning doorknobs become challenging or painful. 
• Tender Lump or Swelling: There may be a small, tender bump or nodule in your palm at the base of the affected finger where the tendon is inflamed. The area might feel warm and swollen to the touch. 

If your trigger finger is mild or recent, you may benefit from conservative treatments, including: 

• Rest and Self-Care: Let the affected finger rest and avoid activities that require repetitive gripping or hand movements. Applying cold compresses can reduce inflammation, and gentle stretching exercises may help maintain mobility during the healing process. 
• Splinting: Splints are worn to reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to recover by keeping the finger in a straight position. They're typically worn at night for a period of six to ten weeks, especially helpful if your fingers feel stiff or painful in the morning. 

If your symptoms do not improve or continue to interfere with movement, minimally invasive treatments can target the real source of pain without the need for open surgery. At Singapore Paincare, we offer precise procedures designed to relieve pain at its origin. 

Coreflex injection helps reduce inflammation and relieve pain quickly and effectively. It is usually given up to three times a year to avoid potential weakening of tendons or bones. Coreflex injections are more effective than oral medication for providing targeted, localized relief directly at the site of inflammation. 

If non-surgical treatments haven't provided adequate relief or the condition keeps recurring despite injections and therapy, surgery may be considered.  

• Trigger Finger Release Surgery involves releasing the A1 pulley to allow the tendon to move more freely through its sheath. The procedure is usually performed as an outpatient treatment under local anaesthesia, which numbs only the affected area. Most patients can go home the same day after a short observation period. Since all surgeries carry some risks, potential complications, and recovery time, it may not be suitable for everyone. 

While trigger finger cannot always be completely prevented, these practices can help reduce your risk and prevent worsening: 

• Take regular breaks during activities that require gripping or repetitive finger movements, like typing, cooking, gardening, or using tools 
• Use ergonomic tools and utensils that reduce strain on your fingers and hands—choose tools with padded, wider grips when possible 
• Perform regular hand and finger stretches to keep tendons flexible and maintain range of motion 
• Warm up your hands before engaging in activities that stress your fingers—do simple flexing and extending exercises 
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle and control conditions like diabetes or gout that can increase your risk of developing trigger finger 
• If you feel pain or stiffness developing, give your fingers adequate rest rather than continuing to overwork them 
• Adjust your grip techniques—avoid gripping too tightly or holding objects in awkward positions for extended periods