Hand Therapy – Trigger Finger

What is a Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition where one of your fingers can become stuck in a bent position. Your finger may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released.

Trigger finger can occur when swelling and inflammation develop within the tendon or sheath (a protective tendon covering). This means the tendon can no longer slide easily through the sheath and forms a small lump (nodule). If trigger finger is severe, your finger may become locked in a bent position.

What are the symptoms?

• Finger locking into a bent position.

•   Pain at the base of the finger.

•   Clicking.

Symptoms are often worse in the morning.

How can my trigger finger be treated?

• Exercises: these can help to keep your finger mobile and prevent stiffness developing.

• Splinting: splints can be worn at night to prevent the finger locking.

• Pain relief: over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol and ibuprofen or anti-inflammatory gels may help you to continue exercising.

• A steroid injection may be offered if pain/locking persists

• Surgery: if all other treatments are not successful.

What exercises should I do?

The exercises below can be carried out 4-5 times a day. They are to increase the range of movement in your finger and reduce the risk of stiffness or loss of function.

Start with your fingers straight (1) then hook them all forward, keeping the back knuckles straight (2). Bend the fingers down to make a full fist (3). Repeat x 10.

Start with your fingers straight (1) then bend them all forward at the knuckles only, like a flat table top (4). Keeping the fingertips straight, bend the fingers down towards to wrist (5). Repeat x 10.

How should I wear my splint?

Your hand therapist will provide you with a splint and this should be worn at night.

How do I care for my splint?

• Wear your splint as advised by your therapist. 

• Keep the splint clean and dry.

• DO NOT try to alter your splint.

• Keep away from sources of heat.

• You may clean the splint with baby wipes/a damp cloth.

Please be aware that wearing a splint continuously can cause irritation to the skin on your hand. If your skin becomes red, dry or blistered, or if you notice the splint rubbing or digging into your skin, please contact your Hand Therapist immediately.

How long will my trigger finger take to improve?

If you follow the advice and exercises on this leaflet, it is very likely that your symptoms will improve. However, this may take up to 12 weeks.

Contact Details:

Please contact Hand Therapy if you have any concerns or questions, or if your splint is rubbing or is uncomfortable.

Contact details are:

University Hospital of North Tees

Hardwick Road

Stockton-On-Tees

TS19 8PE

Hand Therapy

1^st Floor, North Wing

Telephone: 01429 522 471

University Hospital of Hartlepool

Holdforth Road

Hartlepool

TS24 9AH

Physiotherapy Outpatients Department

Ground Floor

Telephone: 01429 522 471

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Team is here to try to resolve your concerns. The office is based at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. Our contact details are:

Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617

Patient, Public and People with Lived Experience

We are looking for patients to share their experiences of healthcare and to join our Involvement Bank. Working with the patients, carers, families and the general population we support in making decisions about their care can lead to better health outcomes, increased patient satisfaction and a better overall experience. We want to listen and work with you in shaping the future of your healthcare services. To find out more about the Involvement Bank go to our website or contact us at:

Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
Email: [email protected]

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team at:

Email: [email protected]