Trigger finger release
Trigger finger is an uncomfortable condition in which a digit catches, clicks and becomes stiff and difficult to move. Trigger finger is painful and can affect the function of your hand.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
Treatment for the inflammation of tendons in the fingers
Treatment overview
Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis is a condition in which one or more of the tendons in the fingers or thumbs become inflamed.
They can't slide smoothly within their fibrous sheath, and it becomes progressively more difficult to move and bend the digit.
The thumb or finger can become stuck in the bent position, then suddenly pop free with a click.
The thumb, ring finger and little finger are more at risk of trigger finger. As the condition develops, it can restrict movement and make it difficult to use your hand effectively.
The London Clinic provides expert assessment of hand problems and the latest surgical techniques to reduce pain, release trigger finger and restore function.
The London Clinic’s specialist surgeons work in state-of-the-art operating theatres.
They are assisted by an expert multidisciplinary team to support you during treatment and throughout your rehabilitation.
Why choose The London Clinic
Excellence in one place
The London Clinic, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Supported by the latest treatments, expert guidance, and a comfortable recovery environment in our patient rooms, you'll have everything you need to regain your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. We’ll be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs, including healthy and delicious meals designed to support your recovery. We keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it’s your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve.
What's included in your package?
Choosing The London Clinic means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That’s why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our finance options here.
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you’re paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more here.
FAQs
Not everyone with trigger finger needs surgery. The condition can settle without treatment, and conservative treatments can also ease discomfort and free-up movement.
The London Clinic offers comprehensive care for trigger finger. Treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Rest and movement modification
- Splints to support the finger
- Steroid injections to decrease swelling and inflammation
The London Clinic provides expert assessment and investigation of your hand so that you can access the best treatment to resolve your symptoms.
Our experienced surgeons will assess and advise you in The London Clinic’s comfortable and well-equipped consulting rooms.
They will take a detailed medical history, examine your hand, and ask about the impact your symptoms have on your wellbeing and function.
They may arrange investigations in the cutting-edge imaging suite. These could include:
- X-ray
- Blood tests to look for other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
In consultation with you, they will then plan your surgery. They will take the time to answer all your questions and address any concerns.
Most people can go home on the day of surgery. The London Clinic's team will provide support as you recover and arrange follow-up to assess your progress.
Your consultant will tell you when it is safe to get back to work and normal activities. Most people with a non-physical, desk job can return to work straight away.
However, people who perform manual work may need four weeks to rest and recover.
Pain is usually minimal; taking regular over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve any discomfort.
The surgeon will monitor your progress and may recommend specialist physiotherapy, particularly if you had significant stiffness and movement restriction before surgery.
The London Clinic team will always be on hand if you have any problems or worries.
Yes, the condition can settle without surgery. Rest, anti-inflammatories, splints and steroid injections can help ease symptoms and reduce triggering.
All surgery has risks. The surgeons and The London Clinic team are dedicated to reducing complications and helping your recovery.
Problems with pain, bleeding, scarring, and infection can happen after any operation.
Specific issues with trigger finger surgery are uncommon. They include recurrence of the problem, nerve damage, stiffness and ongoing pain. Speak to your surgeon if you have any concerns.
They will always take time to discuss the pros and cons of the procedure and answer any questions.
Your surgeon will let you know when you can drive. In general, you can start when you feel it's safe.
Usually, this is 3 to 5 days after surgery. People who have had minimally-invasive surgery typically recover more quickly.