Understanding Trigger Finger: Symptoms, Causes, and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Hello, my name is Douglas and I’m a senior physiotherapist at M Physio.

If you’ve ever felt your finger “lock” or “catch” when trying to move it, you may be experiencing a condition known as trigger finger.

As a physiotherapist specialising in both manual therapy and exercise management, I work with patients to address the pain and stiffness associated with trigger finger.

This article will help you understand what trigger finger is, common symptoms to look out for, and how physiotherapy can provide relief.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb, causing them to get “stuck” when bending or straightening.

Normally, tendons slide smoothly through a series of pulleys in the hand, but when the tendons or pulleys become inflamed or thickened, movement becomes restricted.

Trigger finger occurs when this inflammation or thickening interferes with the smooth gliding of the tendon, resulting in pain, stiffness, and locking.

This condition often affects people who perform repetitive hand movements, such as gripping tools, typing, or using a smartphone.

It can also occur as a result of certain medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

In fact, research shows that trigger finger is more common in people with diabetes, affecting around 10% of individuals with the condition (Akhtar et al., 2005).

Common Symptoms of Trigger Finger

While pain and locking are the hallmark symptoms of trigger finger, there are several other signs that people may overlook.

Here are five key symptoms to be aware of:

1. Finger Locking or Catching A common symptom of trigger finger is a catching or locking sensation when trying to bend or straighten the finger. This often occurs after prolonged inactivity, such as first thing in the morning. The finger may “snap” back into place after a delay, causing a sudden jerking movement. This locking is often worse after periods of rest and may improve with gentle movement throughout the day.
2. Pain in the Finger or Palm Pain at the base of the affected finger, especially near the palm, is another key symptom. This pain may be dull and constant or sharp and intense, particularly when trying to grip or press down with the finger. The discomfort can be persistent or may come and go depending on activity level.
3. Tenderness at the Base of the Finger Many people notice tenderness when pressing on the palm side of the hand at the base of the affected finger. This is usually where the tendon thickens or forms a small lump, known as a nodule. The tenderness can make it uncomfortable to perform daily tasks like holding a pen, grasping objects, or pressing buttons.
4. Reduced Range of Motion Stiffness and restricted range of motion are also common in trigger finger. Over time, inflammation can cause the tendon to tighten, making it more difficult to fully extend or flex the finger. This limited movement may worsen gradually and can become particularly frustrating, especially if it affects your dominant hand.
5. Swelling or a Small Bump in the Palm Some people with trigger finger develop a small, noticeable bump in the palm at the base of the affected finger. This bump is due to thickening of the tendon sheath and may feel tender when pressed. Swelling in the area may also occur, adding to the discomfort and making it more challenging to grip or hold objects comfortably.

How Physiotherapy Can Help with Trigger Finger

Physiotherapy offers effective, non-invasive options for managing trigger finger. Through a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and activity modification, physiotherapy can help reduce inflammation, improve finger mobility, and ease pain.

Here’s how:

1. Manual Therapy Manual therapy techniques, such as gentle massage and mobilisation of the hand and fingers, can help improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain. Targeted soft tissue release around the affected tendon helps reduce tension in the surrounding tissues, easing pressure on the inflamed tendon. By loosening up the tight structures in the palm, patients often experience relief from pain and improved range of motion.
2. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises Specific exercises for stretching and strengthening the hand muscles are essential for improving mobility and reducing stiffness in the finger. One common exercise involves stretching the affected finger by gently pulling it back, holding the position, and then releasing. Strengthening exercises, like gripping a soft ball or using resistance bands, can also help rebuild finger strength and prevent further issues. Working with a physiotherapist ensures these exercises are done safely and effectively, tailored to your specific needs and limitations.
3. Splinting In some cases, a splint can be helpful for immobilising the affected finger, particularly at night or during activities that strain the finger. Splinting keeps the finger in a resting position, allowing the tendon to heal and reducing irritation. Your physiotherapist can help you find the best splinting option for your lifestyle and daily activities.
4. Activity Modification Identifying and modifying activities that aggravate trigger finger can help prevent flare-ups. This may involve reducing repetitive movements, using ergonomically designed tools, or adjusting hand positions during activities. As a physiotherapist, I work with patients to make adjustments that help them continue their daily tasks while reducing strain on the tendons.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, seeking early intervention can make a big difference. Left untreated, the condition can worsen, leading to more pronounced locking and stiffness.

Physiotherapy is an effective first line of treatment for many cases, helping you avoid or delay the need for more invasive treatments, such as corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Trigger finger doesn’t have to disrupt your daily activities. Through a personalised physiotherapy program, you can find relief from pain, improve your finger mobility, and get back to doing what you love.

If you’re struggling with symptoms that match those described above, consider consulting one of our expert physiotherapists at M Physio to explore your treatment options.