Restoring Smooth, Pain-Free Movement

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon in the finger becomes irritated and has trouble sliding smoothly through its surrounding sheath, causing the finger to catch, lock, or snap when bent or straightened. Because our team includes board-certified/eligible surgeons experienced in hand surgery, we treat trigger finger with the same precision that guides every procedure we perform.

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Recognizing Trigger Finger

Common signs of trigger finger include stiffness, a catching or locking sensation when bending or straightening a finger, and a tender lump at the base of the affected finger, usually where the finger meets the palm. Symptoms are often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, and tend to ease somewhat with movement throughout the day. In earlier stages, the catching sensation may be mild and occasional. Left unaddressed, it can progress to the point where the finger locks in a bent position and needs to be gently straightened by hand, which is often when patients decide it's time to seek treatment.

What Does Trigger Finger Treatment Involve?

Treatment for trigger finger depends on the severity of symptoms. Milder cases are often managed with rest, splinting, or an anti-inflammatory injection to reduce swelling around the tendon.

For cases that don't improve with these measures, a minor surgical release procedure can widen the tendon sheath, allowing the tendon to move freely again.

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What Happens Without Treatment

Untreated trigger finger typically doesn't resolve on its own. It often worsens over time, potentially progressing to a finger that locks in a bent position and becomes increasingly difficult to straighten. While not usually dangerous, it can significantly affect hand function and comfort if left unaddressed.

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The Trigger Finger Treatment Process What to Expect

1. Private Consultation

We evaluate your symptoms and the affected finger to determine the appropriate treatment approach.

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

We recommend rest, splinting, injection, or surgical release based on the severity of your symptoms.

3. Treatment Day

Nonsurgical treatments are typically completed in-office in minutes, while surgical release is a brief outpatient procedure.

4. Initial Healing Phase

We provide guidance on activity and hand use during initial recovery, whichever treatment approach is used.

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Your Trigger Finger Treatment Results and Recovery

Recovery depends on the treatment approach. Injections often provide relief within days to weeks, though symptoms can sometimes return and require additional treatment. 

Surgical release typically resolves the catching and locking sensation right away, with most patients returning to normal hand use within a few weeks as the incision heals.

Why Choose Plastic Surgery Associates of Mississippi?

Trigger finger treatment calls for a team that matches the approach to how significant your symptoms actually are.

  • Four Board-Certified Surgeons, One Standard: Every trigger finger treatment we provide reflects decades of refined surgical judgment and attention to function.
  • A Boutique Approach to Every Patient: We take the time to fully evaluate your symptoms before recommending the least invasive effective option.
  • Twenty-Five Years in Mississippi: Our team has been doing this work, together and separately, for a quarter-century, long enough to know what holds up over time.
  • A Partner From Diagnosis Through Recovery: Our involvement doesn't end after treatment. We stay with you through the full course of your recovery.
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Trigger Finger Treatment Frequently Asked Questions

What causes trigger finger?

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon sheath in the finger becomes irritated or thickened, restricting the tendon's ability to glide smoothly. Repetitive gripping motions and certain medical conditions can increase the risk.

Will trigger finger go away on its own?

It's uncommon for trigger finger to fully resolve without treatment, and symptoms often worsen gradually if left unaddressed.

Is trigger finger related to arthritis?

Trigger finger is a separate condition from arthritis, though some of the same repetitive strain and inflammation that contribute to arthritis can also play a role in trigger finger. Certain conditions, like diabetes, are also associated with a higher risk.

Can trigger finger come back after treatment?

Symptoms treated with an injection can sometimes return over time, which may lead to a second injection or a discussion about surgical release. A trigger finger that's been surgically released has a low likelihood of returning in that same finger.

Do I need surgery for trigger finger?

Not necessarily. Many cases improve with rest, splinting, or an injection. Surgery is typically reserved for cases that don't respond to these measures.

How long does recovery take after trigger finger release surgery?

Most patients notice immediate relief from the catching sensation, with full recovery from the incision itself taking a few weeks.

Can trigger finger affect more than one finger?

Yes, it's possible to experience trigger finger in more than one finger, either at the same time or at different points.

Does insurance cover trigger finger treatment?

Trigger finger treatment is generally considered medically necessary and is typically covered by insurance. We can help you understand what applies to your specific situation.

Is trigger finger surgery painful?

The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia, and most patients manage post-procedure discomfort well with over-the-counter pain relief.

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As founding partners and long-standing members of the local medical community, we have spent our careers dedicated to the health and well-being of our neighbors.

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