From the Research
Trigger finger treatment should begin with rest, avoiding activities that worsen symptoms, and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (220-440mg twice daily with food) for pain and inflammation, as these measures are often effective in reducing symptoms and improving quality of life 1. When considering the treatment of trigger finger, it is essential to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as the primary outcomes. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2024, found that a 20-mg dose of triamcinolone acetonide was more effective than 5-mg and 10-mg doses in treating trigger finger, with a significantly higher rate of clinical effectiveness at 6-month follow-up 2. Some key points to consider when treating trigger finger include:
- Rest and avoiding activities that worsen symptoms
- Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen or naproxen for pain and inflammation
- Splinting the affected finger in a straight position, especially at night, to reduce symptoms
- Considering a corticosteroid injection into the tendon sheath if conservative measures do not provide relief within 2-4 weeks
- Surgical release of the constricted tendon sheath (trigger finger release) as a highly effective option for persistent cases, which can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia 3. It is also important to note that the choice of corticosteroid solution can affect outcomes, with triamcinolone demonstrating a higher rate of additional injections compared to dexamethasone and methylprednisolone, and methylprednisolone resulting in earlier and more frequent surgical intervention 4. In terms of specific treatment protocols, the following may be considered:
- Ibuprofen (400-800mg three times daily with food) or naproxen (220-440mg twice daily with food) for pain and inflammation
- A 20-mg dose of triamcinolone acetonide for corticosteroid injection
- Surgical release of the constricted tendon sheath (trigger finger release) for persistent cases. Overall, the treatment of trigger finger should prioritize a step-wise approach, starting with conservative measures and progressing to more invasive options as needed, with a focus on improving quality of life and reducing morbidity and mortality.