Trigger Finger Treatment

Hoag Orthopedic Institute Hand Surgeons are Experts at Treating Trigger Finger

Do I have Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a type of tendonitis in the fingers and the thumbs. It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in your finger and becomes too thick and the tendon cannot glide easily, causing the finger to catch or lock in a bent position.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger can arise in people who do repetitive gripping actions, like playing the guitar, tennis or racquetball. This condition is also more common in women or anyone with diabetes. If you are experiencing the symptoms listed below, please contact a hand doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute to schedule an appointment.

Pain and swelling in the base of the finger or thumb
Locking and popping sensation when you move the finger or thumb
A tender nodule at the base of the finger or thumb

Nonsurgical Trigger Finger Treatment

For mild cases of trigger finger, patients can undergo a guided ultrasound steroid injection to help fix the finger locked in flexion or extension. However, it is not advisable to have multiple injections as it may cause the tendon to rupture.

Surgical Trigger Finger Treatment

Prolonged trigger finger can cause an irreversible tendon tear; therefore, it is important to seek treatment immediately. If an injection did not fix your locked finger, or if your case is already moderate to severe, your hand surgeon may recommend you undergo trigger finger surgery to fix the finger or thumb locked in flexion or extension. This is a 15-minute procedure usually done under local anesthesia in your hand surgeon’s office with a success rate near 100%.

Find a Hand & Wrist Doctor

Why Choose Hoag Orthopedic Institute for Trigger Finger

If left untreated, trigger finger or trigger thumb can cause irreversible tendon damage. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified, fellowship-trained hand surgeons today.

Contact Hoag Orthopedic Institute to find an expert hand and wrist surgeon at (949) 890-0464 .

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Frequently Asked Questions

At your first visit, your orthopedic hand and wrist specialist will take time to understand your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. Expect a detailed conversation about when your symptoms began, what movements or activities make them worse, and what treatments you’ve already tried.
Your hand doctor may perform a physical exam and order advanced imaging, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, to help pinpoint the source of your pain or dysfunction. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, your specialist will walk you through all treatment options, from non-surgical care to potential procedures.
Most importantly, you’ll receive clear answers to your questions and a personalized plan designed to support your goals and restore hand and wrist function.
Scheduling an appointment with a qualified hand doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute is quick and easy. You can request a consultation online or call our scheduling team directly at (949) 890-0464 to speak with a team member. Our team will help match you with the right hand specialist for your condition, preferences, and availability.
From your very first visit, our team prioritizes clear communication and personalized care. Your orthopedic hand doctor will take the time to fully understand your needs as well as answer all your questions, explain your condition, and walk you through your treatment options.
Whether you need an initial diagnosis or a second opinion, you’ll have access to board-certified orthopedic hand surgeons, advanced diagnostic tools, and personalized care planning.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our expert hand doctors and orthopedic hand and wrist specialists provide a thorough evaluation to determine the least invasive treatment that meets your needs. Non-surgical care may include activity modification, bracing, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound, and targeted physical therapy — all designed to relieve pain and restore function.
When surgery is your best path forward, our fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons perform advanced procedures ranging from minimally invasive endoscopic carpal tunnel release to complex tendon, ligament, and joint reconstructions. Many operations are performed with robotic assistance and arthroscopic tools to support faster healing and better long-term outcomes.
Whether your pain and dysfunction are caused by arthritis, nerve compression, or a traumatic injury, our orthopedic hand doctors tailor your treatment plan to get you back to doing what you love.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, your care is led by nationally recognized orthopedic hand doctors and fellowship-trained hand and wrist specialists who use the most advanced surgical and non-surgical techniques available today. From robotic-assisted procedures to minimally invasive surgery, our orthopedic hand and wrist surgeons focus on achieving the best possible outcomes with less pain and faster, more complete recovery.
Every patient benefits from personalized treatment planning, cutting-edge diagnostics, and a compassionate, collaborative care team. Whether you need a hand surgeon for complex trauma or a hand specialist treating chronic joint pain, Hoag Orthopedic Institute delivers exceptional, patient-centered care you can trust.
Our highly trained hand doctors and specialists provide expert treatment designed to meet your specific needs and goals.