Trigger Finger and Trigger Thumb: Why Your Finger Keeps Clicking,Catching or Getting Stuck
If your finger or thumb has started catching, clicking or locking when you bend or straighten it — especially first thing in the morning — you may have trigger finger or trigger thumb.
It's a common and treatable condition, but it can be alarming the first time your finger gets stuck and won't straighten.
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendon that bends your finger or thumb becomes irritated and swollen, or the pulley that holds the tendon close to the bone becomes thickened or narrowed.
The tendon then has difficulty gliding smoothly through the pulley. Instead of bending and straightening freely, it can catch as it moves. In more advanced cases, the finger or thumb may lock in a bent position and release with a painful click or pop.
Trigger finger most commonly affects the thumb, ring finger or middle finger, but any digit can be
involved, and more than one finger can be affected at the same time.
Clicking finger, locking finger, finger getting stuck — is this trigger finger?
If you've been searching “why does my finger click?”, “why is my finger locking?” or “why does my finger get stuck?”, trigger finger is one possible cause.
In simple terms, the tendon that bends your finger or thumb is not gliding smoothly through the pulley near the base of the digit. This can cause catching, clicking or locking as you move.
What does trigger finger feel like?
Common symptoms include:
A catching or clicking sensation when bending or straightening the finger or thumb
The finger or thumb locking in a bent position, sometimes needing to be manually straightened
A painful pop or snap as the digit releases
Stiffness, particularly first thing in the morning or after gripping
A tender lump or nodule at the base of the thumb or finger in the palm
Pain at the base of the finger or thumb, sometimes extending into the palm
In more advanced cases, a finger or thumb that becomes stuck and difficult or impossible to
straighten
What causes trigger finger?
Trigger finger can occur without an obvious cause, but it is more common in people with:
Repetitive or forceful gripping — including tools, steering wheels, sports equipment or musical
instruments
Diabetes
Rheumatoid arthritis and some other inflammatory conditions
Certain occupations or activities involving repetitive hand use
Increasing age, with trigger finger more common in adults and particularly between the ages of 40 and 60
Sometimes, no clear cause at all
How is trigger finger diagnosed?
Trigger finger is usually diagnosed through a clinical assessment.
Your hand therapist will ask about your symptoms and assess how your finger or thumb moves.
They may feel for tenderness or a nodule at the base of the digit and assess whether the tendon is catching as you bend and straighten it.
Imaging is not usually required to diagnose trigger finger. However, if your symptoms are unclear or another condition needs to be ruled out, your therapist or doctor may recommend further assessment, which may include an ultrasound.
How is trigger finger treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your symptoms, how long you've had them and whether the finger or thumb is locking.
Treatment may include:
Splinting — a small custom-made splint can help rest the affected tendon and pulley and
reduce irritation. Different splinting options are available, from soft neoprene to thermoplastic. Your therapist can recommend the most appropriate option based on your symptoms, lifestyle and daily activities
Activity modification — reducing repetitive or forceful gripping and modifying how you use tools or equipment. Increasing the diameter of a handle or grip can reduce how far the finger needs to bend, which may help reduce triggering
Exercises — gentle exercises may be recommended to maintain movement and encourage
comfortable tendon movement
Corticosteroid injection — can be an effective treatment for many people, particularly when
symptoms are relatively recent. Your hand therapist can help assess whether an injection may be appropriate and liaise with your doctor where required
Surgery (trigger finger release) — may be recommended when symptoms persist despite
appropriate conservative treatment, or when the finger or thumb remains significantly locked. The procedure releases the tight pulley, allowing the tendon to glide more freely
Do I need hand therapy for trigger finger?
A hand therapist can play an important role in assessing trigger finger and guiding treatment, whether you are managing the condition without surgery or recovering after a procedure.
Before surgery — or instead of surgery
Your hand therapist can help with:
Assessment of your finger or thumb and symptoms
Custom-made splinting to rest the affected tendon and reduce irritation
Swelling management
Activity modification to reduce repetitive or forceful gripping
Advice about appropriate exercises and movement
Monitoring your progress and helping determine whether further medical treatment, such as a
corticosteroid injection or surgical opinion, may be appropriate
The aim is to settle your symptoms, improve comfortable movement and prevent the condition from
interfering with your everyday activities.
After surgery
Hand therapy may be useful following trigger finger or trigger thumb release, particularly if you have stiffness, swelling, scar sensitivity or difficulty returning to normal activities.
Treatment may include:
Scar management to reduce sensitivity and improve tissue mobility
Range-of-motion exercises to restore comfortable bending and straightening
Swelling management
Guidance on gradually returning to work, hobbies and gripping activities
Exercises to rebuild hand function where required
How long does trigger finger take to resolve?
Recovery varies depending on how severe your symptoms are and which treatment you have.
Some mild cases improve over several weeks with appropriate splinting and activity modification.
A corticosteroid injection can provide significant relief for many people, although symptoms can sometimes return and a repeat injection or other treatment may be considered.
After surgery, the catching or locking caused by the tight pulley is generally relieved, but it is normal to have some soreness, swelling or scar sensitivity while the area heals. Most people gradually return to normal hand use over the following weeks to a few months, depending on their individual recovery.
When should I get trigger finger checked?
If your finger or thumb is catching, clicking or locking, it's worth having it assessed rather than waiting for it to become permanently stuck.
Early assessment allows your hand therapist to determine the severity of the condition and discuss
appropriate treatment options. In many cases, conservative treatment such as splinting and activity
modification can be tried before considering an injection or surgery.
Book a hand therapy appointment
If your finger or thumb has started catching, clicking or locking, our hand therapists can assess what's happening and help guide you towards the most appropriate treatment.
We can provide custom-made splints, activity modification advice and rehabilitation, and work with your doctor or specialist if a corticosteroid injection or surgical opinion may be appropriate.
Whether you're looking for help managing trigger finger without surgery or recovering after trigger finger or trigger thumb release, we're here to help.
Not sure whether hand therapy is right for you? Contact us and we can help you understand the
next step.
Important information
This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for individual medical
assessment or advice. The appropriate treatment and timing of rehabilitation will vary depending
on your injury and individual circumstances. If you have an acute wrist injury, significant pain,
swelling, deformity, numbness or other concerning symptoms, seek appropriate medical
assessment.
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