Have you ever noticed your finger locking up or catching as you try to straighten it? Perhaps it clicks uncomfortably, or you wake up in the morning with a finger stuck in a bent position. If so, you may be experiencing trigger finger — a surprisingly common condition that can range from mildly annoying to genuinely debilitating.
What exactly is trigger finger?
Trigger finger, known medically as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath surrounding a finger’s tendon. When the tendon can no longer glide smoothly through the sheath, the finger may catch, lock, or click when you bend and straighten it — much like a trigger being pulled and released.
It most commonly affects the ring finger or thumb, though any finger can be affected. In more severe cases, the finger may become completely locked in a bent position and need to be gently straightened with the other hand.
What causes it?
Trigger finger tends to develop through repetitive gripping movements, prolonged use of vibrating tools, or simply through overuse of the hand. It is more common in women, in people aged between 40 and 60, and in those with certain health conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout. Sometimes it appears without any obvious cause at all.
What are the symptoms?
The most common signs of trigger finger include a painful clicking or snapping sensation when moving the finger, stiffness particularly in the morning, tenderness or a small bump at the base of the affected finger, and in more advanced cases, the finger becoming locked in a bent position.
How is trigger finger treated?
The good news is that trigger finger is very treatable, especially when caught early. At Prema Health, serving patients across Portsmouth and Hampshire, we offer a range of approaches depending on the severity of your symptoms.
For mild cases, rest, splinting, and gentle stretching exercises can often ease symptoms effectively. Anti-inflammatory medication may also help reduce swelling and discomfort. Where conservative measures haven’t provided enough relief, joint injections are a highly effective option. A corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath can significantly reduce inflammation and restore smooth movement — often with noticeable improvement within days. This is a straightforward procedure carried out in clinic, and many patients find lasting relief after just one or two injections.
When should you seek help?
If your finger is regularly locking, causing significant pain, or affecting your ability to carry out everyday tasks, it is worth getting it assessed sooner rather than later. Early treatment tends to produce the best results and can prevent the condition from worsening.
At Prema Health in Portsmouth, our team takes the time to understand your symptoms fully and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs — whether that’s simple exercises, joint injections, or onward referral if needed. You don’t have to put up with a finger that won’t cooperate.