Trigger finger release

Trigger finger is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers or thumb, making it difficult or painful to move them freely. It occurs when the tendon sheath — the protective tunnel around the tendon — becomes irritated or thickened, making it harder for the tendon to glide smoothly. This can cause the finger to catch, lock, or remain in a curved position before suddenly releasing. 

While the condition can affect anyone, it's more common in people who perform repetitive gripping tasks or have underlying conditions like diabetes or arthritis. 

What is trigger finger release? 

Trigger finger release is a minor surgical procedure designed to improve finger movement and reduce discomfort. It releases the tight part of the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to move more freely.

Signs of needing trigger finger release

Trigger finger release surgery may be appropriate if your symptoms are persistent, getting worse, or interfering with daily activities. While mild cases can often improve with non-surgical treatments, surgery may be recommended for long-term relief. 

Signs that you may need surgical treatment include:

• A tender lump at the base of the affected finger or thumb (on the palm side)
• Difficulty gripping objects or straightening the finger fully
• Pain and tenderness when bending or straightening the finger
• Stiffness and a clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger, often worse in the morning
• The finger becoming temporarily locked in a bent position, or permanently locked
• Worsening symptoms despite rest, splinting, or steroid injections 

Is trigger finger release right for you? 

This depends on how severe your symptoms are, how much they affect daily life, and any underlying conditions you may have, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Though trigger finger is often mild initially, it can lead to permanent bending if left untreated. 

Surgery is usually considered when options like splinting or steroid injections haven’t worked. It’s generally safe, effective, and has a low recurrence rate. However, if you've had multiple steroid injections in the same finger, success rates may be slightly reduced. 

Alternative treatments to trigger finger release 

Surgery isn’t always necessary to treat trigger finger. Mild symptoms may improve with rest, lifestyle changes, splinting (especially at night), and gentle hand exercises. 

If there's no improvement after a few weeks, a steroid injection near the inflamed tendon is often recommended. This can temporarily ease symptoms. You may need more injections in the future. 

Your doctor will help you decide on the most appropriate treatment based on your symptoms and situation.

Open trigger finger release surgery 

Under local anaesthetic, a small incision is made in your palm to access and release the tight part of the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to glide freely again. The incision is closed with stitches and covered with a bandage.

Percutaneous trigger finger release surgery 

After numbing your hand, a fine needle is inserted at the base of the affected finger to release the tight ligament blocking tendon movement.

As there’s no incision, there’s no wound or visible scar. This technique isn't suitable for everyone, and your consultant will advise if it’s right for you.

Trigger finger release is a straightforward procedure, often done under local anaesthetic. Most patients go home the same day. Knowing what to expect before and during your hospital visit can help you prepare for your procedure.

Before the procedure 

Here’s how to prepare in the days leading up to your surgery:

Bathing

You may be asked to shower or bathe the night before or the morning of your procedure to reduce the risk of infection.

Jewellery and nail polish

Remove all rings, bracelets, nail polish, and false nails before you arrive.

Medication

Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter and herbal remedies. You may need to stop or adjust these before surgery.

Smoking

Try to stop smoking before your surgery. Smoking can slow down healing and increase your risk of complications.

Food and drink

If your procedure is under local anaesthetic, you may not need to fast (ie not eating or drinking anything other than water), but follow your care team’s instructions. For general anaesthesia, you’ll likely be asked to fast for a certain period before surgery.

On the day of your surgery

We’ll confirm your personal and medical details on arrival, and carry out some routine health checks. You’ll be asked about your allergies and any medication you’re taking.

Your surgical team will go over the procedure and answer any questions you have. Surgery is usually a day case and you’ll be monitored afterwards to ensure it’s safe for you to go home.

Who will be involved?

Your surgery will be performed by a specialist consultant. Your care team will include nurses and an anaesthetist.

The procedure

How long does a trigger finger release take?

The procedure takes 10–20 minutes.

Anaesthetic choices

Trigger finger release is usually performed as a day case procedure under local anaesthesia, meaning your hand will be numb but you’ll remain awake. Local anaesthetic is injected into the area to block pain, but you may still feel pressure.

In some cases, general anaesthesia is used, where you’ll be asleep during the operation. The choice of anaesthetic will be discussed with you in advance to determine the best option for you.

Pain during and after trigger finger release surgery

Trigger finger release surgery is usually performed under a long-acting local anaesthetic, which effectively blocks pain during the procedure and for several hours afterwards.

After surgery, it may take a few hours for sensation to return to your hand and wrist. As the anaesthetic wears off, some discomfort, swelling, or stiffness is normal, and your surgical team may recommend over-the-counter or prescribed pain relief.

Most people find the pain manageable and notice improvement in symptoms quickly. If your pain worsens after surgery, contact your healthcare provider in case of infection.

What to expect after trigger finger release surgery

Your surgeon will stitch the incision if you had open release surgery and apply a dressing to protect the wound. You’ll be taken to the recovery area for monitoring. Keep your hand elevated in a sling and gently move your fingers to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness. You will be offered pain relief if needed.

Your hospital stay

You can usually go home the same day as your procedure. However, if you’ve had sedation or a general anaesthetic, you’ll need someone to take you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours.

Recovery after trigger finger release is usually straightforward, and you’ll be given advice on what to expect. 

Immediately after surgery 

Keep your hand elevated in a sling for the first few days and gently move your fingers, elbow, and shoulder to reduce swelling and prevent stiffness.

Your hand will remain bandaged, and it's important to keep the dressing dry and clean until the stitches are removed.

Stitches and wound care 

Stitches usually dissolve within 7–10 days. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed after 10–14 days during an outpatient appointment. Keep the wound dry and avoid soaking your hand in water. You can shower, but you should try to keep your dressing dry. 

Returning to work and activities 

Most people can return to light activities and gentle gripping within a few days. If you have a job that doesn’t involve using your hand, you may not need any time off, however if your role involves manual labour you may need to allow up to 4 weeks. 

You can return to driving when you can perform an emergency stop. If you had general anaesthetic you should not drive for 24 hours.

If your wound has healed and you can grip comfortably, you may be able to resume sports and other activities after 2–3 weeks. 

Pain and scarring 

Mild pain, swelling, and tenderness are common and can be managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Scars from open surgery may appear red or raised at first but typically fade over time. Gently massaging your scar can help to reduce discomfort and improve appearance. 

Diet 

You can eat normally but aim for a high-fibre diet to avoid constipation. Avoid alcohol while taking pain medication. 

Smoking 

If you smoke, this is a good opportunity to quit, as smoking increases the risk of infection and delays wound healing.

Trigger finger release is a low-risk, routine procedure, and most patients recover without complications. However, as with any surgery, there are some risks to be aware of.

Common and minor risks 

• Bruising and swelling — common and typically settle within a few weeks
• Scar discomfort — mild pain or sensitivity around the scar may last for several weeks
• Tenderness or lumpiness at the wound site — normal in the early stages and usually improves over time
• Temporary stiffness or reduced grip strength — often improves with movement and healing
• Numbness near the incision site — usually short-term but can occasionally persist 

Rare risks 

• Excessive scarring or thickened scar tissue
• Loss of finger strength or ongoing stiffness
• Persistent triggering
• Wound infection

When to seek urgent care 

Seek urgent care if you experience any of the following: 

• Fever or chills
• Redness, tenderness, or discharge from the wound
• Sudden chest pain or shortness of breath
• Swelling, redness, warmth, or pain in your leg
• Worsening pain while resting 

Risks of general anaesthetic 

Serious complications from general anaesthesia are extremely rare, and for most people, the benefits far outweigh any risks. If you’ve had a previous reaction to anaesthetic, make sure you tell your anaesthetist.

Trigger finger release surgery typically has high success rates with minimal complications, often leading to significant pain relief and improved hand function.

Preventing trigger finger 

While trigger finger can’t always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk or prevent it from coming back after treatment. 

Avoid repetitive gripping or forceful hand movements when possible, and take regular breaks during tasks that strain your hands. Stretching exercises may also help.

If you’ve had surgery, following your aftercare plan and gradually easing back into activities can lower the risk of recurrence.