Trigger finger
Guided Injections.
What is a trigger finger?
Trigger finger is a painful condition in which the thumb or other fingers catch or lock in a bent position when trying to move them. The finger tendons are held down by sheaths that help facilitate the proper mechanics of the hands. When these tendons thicken, develop nodules, or become inflamed, they cannot glide smoothly through their sheaths, resulting in dysfunction. The thumb and index finger are most affected. The risk may increase if you have one or more of the following conditions: diabetes, RA, or gout. (Donati et al., 2024)
What are the common symptoms of this?
Painful locking and or catching of the thumb or other fingers in a bent position. You may also notice tenderness or small nodules around the impacted finger, popping sounds/ sensations with finger movement, or a locked finger abruptly popping into a straightened position. (Garcia, et al., 2024)
How is this diagnosed?
To assess your condition, your physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and conduct a physical examination, looking for the following:
- Range of movement quality/ ability to bend and straighten the fingers
- Observation of catching/locking with finger movements
- Any signs of pain, tenderness, or palpable nodules
- Strength in the hand and fingers
- Functional impact on daily activities and work-related tasks
Treatment options
Guided Corticosteroid Injections
For persistent pain, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide short-term relief.
Your Clinician
BSc Physiotherapy MSCP (Hons)
PGCert Independent Medical Prescriber
PGCert Soft Tissue and Joint Injection Therapist
PGCert Diagnostic Ultrasound
Donati, D., Ricci, V., Boccolari, P., Origlio, F., Vita, F., Naňka, O., … & Tarallo, L. (2024). From diagnosis to rehabilitation of trigger finger: a narrative review. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 25(1), 1061.
Garcia, H. R. P., Mund, E., & Romeiro, P. (2024). Ultrasound-guided vs. non-guided trigger finger release: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International orthopaedics, 48(9), 2429-2437.