From the Research
Trigger finger treatment should start with conservative measures, including rest, avoiding activities that cause pain, and gentle stretching exercises, followed by a corticosteroid injection, specifically 20mg of triamcinolone acetonide, as it has been shown to have a higher rate of clinical effectiveness at 6-month follow-up 1. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and improve finger function. Conservative measures can be effective in mild cases, but for more severe cases, a corticosteroid injection is often necessary.
- Rest and avoiding activities that cause pain can help reduce inflammation and discomfort
- Gentle stretching exercises can help improve finger mobility and reduce stiffness
- Wearing a splint at night for 6-8 weeks can help keep the affected finger in a straight position, preventing it from locking while sleeping
- Corticosteroid injections, specifically 20mg of triamcinolone acetonide, have been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation and relieving pain, with about 79% of patients experiencing long-term improvement at 6-month follow-up 1 For persistent cases, surgical release of the A1 pulley (trigger finger release) is a definitive treatment option with a high success rate and can be performed as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.
- Surgery is particularly recommended for cases that have failed multiple steroid injections or when the finger is permanently locked
- Trigger finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the tendon sheath, causing the tendon to catch or lock when the finger bends and straightens, so treatments aim to reduce this inflammation or eliminate the mechanical obstruction Other treatment options, such as physical therapies, including external shock wave therapy (ESWT) and ultrasound therapy (UST), have also been shown to be effective in reducing pain and improving functional level and quality of life 2. However, the most recent and highest quality study recommends a 20mg dose of triamcinolone acetonide as the most effective treatment option 1.