Hand Therapy – Trigger Thumb

What is a Trigger Thumb?

Trigger thumb is a condition where your thumb can become stuck in a bent position or occasionally stuck in a straight position.

Your thumb may bend or straighten with a snap — like a trigger being pulled and released.

Trigger thumb can occur when swelling and inflammation develop within the tendon (a flexible string of tissue attaching muscle to bone) or sheath (a protective tendon covering).

This means that the tendon can no longer slide easily through the sheath and a small lump (nodule) may form.

If trigger thumb is severe, your thumb may become locked.

What are the symptoms?

• Thumb locking into a bent position (or sometimes in a straight position).
• Pain at the base of the thumb.
• Clicking.
• Worse in the morning.

How can my trigger thumb be treat?

• Exercises: these can help to keep your thumb mobile and prevent stiffness developing.
• Splinting: splints can be worn at night to prevent the thumb 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 persist.
• Surgery if all other treatments are unsuccessful.

What exercises should I do?

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

1. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your little finger. Stroke down your little finger. Straighten up again each time.

2. Fix the thumb with your other hand, leaving the end joint free to move. Slowly bend and straighten the end joint.

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 thumb 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.

University Hospital of North Tees

Hardwick Road
Stockton-On-Tees
TS19 8PE

Hand Therapy
1st 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)

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Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
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Telephone: 01642 617617

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Website: www.nth.nhs.uk/about/community/people-with-lived-experience
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Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

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