Trigger Finger FAQs

Expert Answers from Certified Hand Therapist Chen Li: Everything You Need To Know

If you’ve been diagnosed with trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) or suspect your finger might be catching or locking, you likely have questions about treatment and recovery.

In this FAQ, our accredited hand therapist, Chen Li, draws on over 10 years of clinical experience to answer the most common patient questions. You’ll learn what causes trigger finger, how long it takes to heal, and the best non-surgical treatment options available.

Last updated: 27 October 2025
Medically reviewed by Chen Li, Accredited Hand Therapist

About Trigger Finger

What is trigger finger and how does it develop?

This is a hand condition where the finger clicks or locks. It is developed from swelling in the finger A1 pulley and flexor tendon, limiting tendon glide when making a fist or straightening the finger.

What causes this finger-locking condition?

Stenosing tenosynovitis can be caused by overuse or repetitive gripping. Diabetes, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome also increase the risk of developing trigger finger.

Where do symptoms usually occur?

You may feel a palpable lump or nodule in your palm at the base of the affected finger. Your finger may become stuck in a bent position or make a clicking sound when you try to straighten it.

What does it feel like when your finger locks or clicks?

The finger may feel like it catches or gets stuck. It may also be painful when you try to straighten your finger from a locked position.

What’s the difference between trigger finger and trigger thumb?

The condition is essentially the same, but trigger thumb affects the thumb, while trigger finger affects the other four fingers on your hand. Anatomically speaking, trigger thumb involves the flexor pollicis longus tendon, whereas trigger finger involves the flexor digitorum superficialis or flexor digitorum profundus tendons.

Who is most at risk of developing this condition?

Stenosing tenosynovitis commonly occurs in individuals aged between 40 and 60 years old. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men.

Can this tendon problem affect more than one finger?

Yes, if you have diabetes, there’s a higher risk that this condition can occur in more than one finger.

Can trigger finger happen in children?

Yes, stenosing tenosynovitis can occur in children or teenagers. Babies can also be born with the condition, although the cause of this is often unknown.

Recovery And Duration

How long does it usually take to recover from trigger finger?

Depending on the stage and severity, it can take 6 to 12 weeks to recover.

Is this condition permanent?

The condition is less likely to be permanent if treated early. Book your appointment with us if you have any concerns.

Can it come back once it has healed?

Yes, stenosing tenosynovitis may occasionally recur, especially without addressing underlying risk factors.

Can I still use my hand during recovery?

Most people can still do their job while they have trigger finger, but they will need to consider making some changes to their workspace, such as taking on fewer gripping tasks and using tools that fit more comfortably in their hands. Make sure you speak with your trigger finger specialist (hand therapist) who will tailor a plan to better manage your condition at work.

Treatment & Relief

How Is Trigger Finger Treated Without Surgery?

Non-surgical treatment includes wearing a finger splint, hand therapy exercises, activity modification, and anti-inflammatory measures. The treatment period typically ranges from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on severity.

What can I do at home to relieve my symptoms?

You can massage the swollen area or A1 pulley nodule and take anti-inflammatories if recommended by your doctor.

What are the fastest ways to reduce pain and stiffness?

The fastest way to reduce finger pain is to wear the splint as advised by your hand therapist. Stiffness will improve once you gradually reduce splint use.

Is it safe to stretch or massage a finger that keeps locking?

Massage is safe, as long as it doesn’t worsen the inflammation or pain. Stretching can be safe if done correctly. Consult with your hand therapist before starting any stretches.

Can physiotherapy or hand therapy fix this problem?

Yes, hand therapy or hand physiotherapy can effectively treat stenosing tenosynovitis. Success rates depend on the severity of your condition, any underlying medical conditions, and your age.

When is surgery considered for more severe cases?

Surgery is indicated if the finger is fixed in a bent position or if conservative management has failed.

Do steroid injections work for trigger finger?

Steroid injections may be used to treat the condition. They can relieve the triggering symptoms, but these may recur in some cases.

When should I see a hand therapist for assessment?

We recommend you see a hand therapist as soon as you develop signs and symptoms of the condition. Early treatment for stenosing tenosynovitis increases the likelihood of success from conservative management.

What activities should I avoid while recovering?

Try to avoid any activities that demand frequent or repetitive gripping, such as gardening, cleaning, or carrying heavy items, as these can aggravate your condition.

Should I use heat or ice to ease finger stiffness?

We do not recommend heat in the early stages, as it may worsen flexor tendon inflammation. Ice can help reduce discomfort in the early stages.

Bracing, Strapping & Supports

What type of splint is used to treat Stenosing tenosynovitis?

A finger splint or thumb splint is usually used to treat the condition.

How long should I wear a finger splint or brace?

You will be required to wear the splint full-time for 4 weeks.

Should I keep the splint on while sleeping?

Yes, it should be worn while sleeping to prevent your finger from locking.

How do I know if my splint fits correctly?

The splint should not cause any red marks or an increase in swelling. Contact your hand therapist if you’re concerned about your splint fit.

Common Myths About Trigger Finger

Only older adults get trigger finger: No, it can also occur in younger adults, children, and babies.
Hand arthritis may increase the risk of developing trigger finger: No. Although arthritis can increase your risk of developing stenosing tenosynovitis, it’s not the primary cause.
Surgery is needed to fix the problem: No, surgery isn’t always needed. The condition can often be treated successfully with splinting and/or cortisone injections.
A brace alone is enough to cure the problem: Unfortunately, no. You will also need tendon gliding exercises during different stages of rehabilitation.
Rest and anti-inflammatory medication will completely heal stenosing tenosynovitis: Unfortunately, no. However, these are best used in combination with splinting and finger exercises.
This condition always comes back once you’ve had it: Not true. If treated properly, recurrence can be prevented.

Still have questions?

Get your tailored trigger finger treatment plan by calling 1300 33 HAND or book a consultation!

About The Author

Chen Li is an Accredited Hand Therapist based in Sydney’s North Shore, with over 10 years of experience in assessing and treating conditions of the hand, wrist, and elbow.

She has extensive expertise, offering effective and conservative hand therapy treatment while supporting patients through post-surgical rehabilitation.

Trigger Finger FAQs

Expert Answers from Certified Hand Therapist Chen Li: Everything You Need To Know

Table of Contents

About Trigger Finger

What is trigger finger and how does it develop?

What causes this finger-locking condition?

Where do symptoms usually occur?

What does it feel like when your finger locks or clicks?

What’s the difference between trigger finger and trigger thumb?

Who is most at risk of developing this condition?

Can this tendon problem affect more than one finger?

Can trigger finger happen in children?

Recovery And Duration

How long does it usually take to recover from trigger finger?

Is this condition permanent?

Can it come back once it has healed?

Can I still use my hand during recovery?

Treatment & Relief

How Is Trigger Finger Treated Without Surgery?

What can I do at home to relieve my symptoms?

What are the fastest ways to reduce pain and stiffness?

Is it safe to stretch or massage a finger that keeps locking?

Can physiotherapy or hand therapy fix this problem?

When is surgery considered for more severe cases?

Do steroid injections work for trigger finger?

When should I see a hand therapist for assessment?

What activities should I avoid while recovering?

Should I use heat or ice to ease finger stiffness?

Bracing, Strapping & Supports

What type of splint is used to treat Stenosing tenosynovitis?

How long should I wear a finger splint or brace?

Should I keep the splint on while sleeping?

How do I know if my splint fits correctly?

Common Myths About Trigger Finger

Still have questions?

About The Author