Trigger Finger

In Fort Worth, TX

When Bending a Finger Becomes Difficult.

Trigger Finger at New Leaf

Catching, locking, or tenderness can make ordinary hand movements uncomfortable. A consultation helps identify the cause and compare nonsurgical care with a release procedure when appropriate.

Trigger finger causes catching or locking as a flexor tendon moves through its sheath. Treatment may involve activity changes, splinting, injections, or release surgery. Persistent symptoms, finger stiffness, and response to earlier treatment help guide the next step.

Overview / Trigger Finger

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a hand condition that occurs when the flexor tendon that bends the finger has trouble gliding smoothly through its surrounding tunnel. The tendon normally moves through a series of pulleys in the palm and finger. When the tendon or tendon sheath becomes irritated, thickened, or inflamed, the tendon can catch as it moves.

This catching may cause the finger to click, pop, lock, or suddenly release. In more advanced cases, the finger may become stuck in a bent position and require the other hand to straighten it.

Thumb
Index finger
Middle finger
Ring finger
Small finger
More than one finger at the same time

Trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendon cannot glide smoothly through its pulley system, causing catching or locking.

Candidates / Trigger Finger

When Is Surgery Needed for Trigger Finger?

Surgery may be recommended when trigger finger symptoms are severe, persistent, recurrent, or do not improve with non-surgical treatment. It may also be recommended when the finger locks frequently or when hand function is significantly limited.

Trigger finger surgery is called trigger finger release . The procedure is designed to allow the tendon to glide more freely by releasing the tight portion of the tendon sheath.

The finger locks repeatedly
The finger becomes stuck in a bent position
Symptoms do not improve with conservative care
Triggering interferes with hand function
Pain affects daily activities
The tendon cannot glide smoothly
Symptoms return after injection or other treatment

Trigger finger release is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure.

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Options / Trigger Finger

Non-Surgical Trigger Finger Treatment

Not every patient with trigger finger needs surgery. Mild or early symptoms may improve with conservative care, especially when the finger is not locking severely.

Activity modification
Avoiding repetitive gripping when possible
Splinting
Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
Hand therapy in selected cases
Steroid injection to reduce inflammation around the tendon sheath

The best option depends on the severity of symptoms, how long the condition has been present, which finger is involved, whether the finger locks, and whether other medical conditions are contributing.

AAOS OrthoInfo notes that trigger finger treatment may include rest, splinting, medication, steroid injection, or surgery depending on severity.

Procedure / Trigger Finger

What Happens During Trigger Finger Release?

Trigger finger release is a surgical procedure that opens the tight pulley causing the tendon to catch. The goal is to restore smoother tendon motion and reduce painful locking or triggering.

During the procedure, Dr. Lovelace makes a small incision near the base of the affected finger or thumb. The tight portion of the tendon sheath is released so the tendon can move more freely. The incision is then closed and dressed.

The specific surgical plan depends on the affected finger, severity of symptoms, anatomy, and whether other hand conditions are present.

Recovery / Trigger Finger

Recovery After Trigger Finger Treatment

Recovery depends on whether treatment involves conservative care, injection, or surgical release. After trigger finger release, many patients are encouraged to begin gentle finger motion early to reduce stiffness and support function.

Keeping the incision clean and protected
Temporary soreness or swelling
Gentle finger movement as directed
Avoiding heavy gripping early in recovery
Follow-up visits to monitor healing
Hand therapy in selected cases
Gradual return to normal hand use

Many patients are relieved when the painful catching or locking improves. Some stiffness, tenderness, or swelling can persist temporarily as the hand heals.

Dr. Lovelace will explain expected downtime, incision care, hand use, and when you may return to normal activities based on your treatment plan.

Planning / Trigger Finger

Common Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger symptoms can range from mild stiffness to painful locking. Symptoms may develop gradually and are often worse in the morning, after repetitive hand use, or after gripping objects for long periods.

Finger clicking or popping
Finger catching when bending or straightening
Finger locking in a bent position
Pain at the base of the finger or thumb
Tenderness in the palm
A small lump or nodule near the base of the finger
Stiffness, especially in the morning
Difficulty fully straightening the finger
Weakness or discomfort with gripping
Needing the opposite hand to straighten the finger

Some patients describe the sensation as a snap or pop when the finger finally releases. Others mainly notice soreness at the base of the finger, even before obvious locking begins.

Before You Decide

Answers for your planning

Risks and Considerations

As with any treatment or procedure, trigger finger treatment has risks and considerations. These are reviewed during consultation so you understand what applies to your situation.

Swelling or bruising
Temporary soreness
Scarring
Infection
Stiffness
Tenderness at the incision site
Nerve or vessel injury
Incomplete relief of symptoms
Persistent pain
Recurrence
Need for additional treatment

Careful evaluation, proper treatment planning, and following post-treatment instructions help reduce risk and support better hand function.

What Results Can You Expect?

The goal of trigger finger treatment is to reduce pain, improve tendon gliding, and restore smoother finger motion. Many patients experience significant improvement in catching, locking, and hand function after appropriate treatment.

Reduced finger locking
Less clicking or catching
Improved finger motion
Reduced pain at the base of the finger
Better grip and hand use
Improved ability to complete daily tasks
Less frustration with repetitive hand movements

Results depend on the severity of the condition, how long symptoms have been present, whether stiffness is already present, and whether other hand conditions are involved.

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Your next step

Plan Your Visit in Fort Worth

Meet the practice

Dr. Candis Lovelace, MD, FACS is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Her practice includes cosmetic surgery of the breast, body, and face, as well as reconstructive care.

New Leaf Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
4400 Heritage Trace Parkway, Suite 200
Fort Worth, TX 76244
817-380-1087

The office welcomes patients from Fort Worth and nearby communities, including Keller and Southlake. Contact the practice to plan your visit.

Prepare for your consultation

Bring your goals, relevant medical history, medication list, and questions about alternatives, risks, recovery, and costs. Ask which options are appropriate for you and what help or follow-up you may need.