From the Guidelines
Trigger finger is typically considered a primary care condition rather than an urgent care issue. You should first consult your primary care physician if you're experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, which include finger stiffness, a popping or clicking sensation when moving your finger, and a finger that gets stuck in a bent position. According to a study published in the American Family Physician in 2005 1, most patients with overuse tendinopathies, such as trigger finger, fully recover within three to six months with outpatient treatment consisting of relative rest, icing, and eccentric strengthening exercises. Primary care doctors can diagnose trigger finger through physical examination and provide initial treatments such as rest, splinting, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. If these conservative measures don't provide relief, your primary care doctor may administer a corticosteroid injection or refer you to a hand specialist for further evaluation. Some key points to consider when treating trigger finger include:
- Relative rest of the affected area
- Icing to reduce pain and inflammation
- Eccentric strengthening exercises to improve finger mobility
- Topical or systemic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for acute pain relief, as recommended by 1 While trigger finger can be painful and limiting, it rarely constitutes a medical emergency requiring urgent care unless there's severe pain, signs of infection, or complete inability to move the finger following an injury.
From the Research
Trigger Finger Classification
- Trigger finger is a common finger condition that can be treated through various methods, including non-surgical and surgical options 2, 3.
- The condition is characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the A1 pulley, causing pain, clicking, catching, and loss of motion in the affected finger 2.
Treatment Options
- Non-surgical treatment options include activity modification, splinting, and corticosteroid injections 3, 4, 5.
- Surgical treatment options include percutaneous A1 pulley release and open A1 pulley release 3.
- The choice of treatment depends on the severity and duration of symptoms, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences 2, 3.
Primary Care vs. Urgent Care
- Trigger finger is typically considered a primary care condition, as it can be treated through non-surgical and surgical options in an outpatient setting 2, 3.
- However, in some cases, trigger finger may require urgent care if the patient experiences severe pain, numbness, or tingling in the affected finger, or if the condition is causing significant impairment in daily activities 2.
Evidence-Based Treatment
- Corticosteroid injections are a common treatment for trigger finger, and studies have shown that they can be effective in reducing pain and improving function 4, 5.
- The optimal dosage of corticosteroid injection is still a topic of debate, but studies suggest that a 20-mg dose may be more effective than lower doses 5.
- Orthotic management, including splinting and immobilization, can also be an effective treatment for trigger finger, especially in the early stages of the condition 6.