Trigger Finger Release
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
If your finger is catching, locking, or painfully clicking when you try to bend or straighten it, you may have Trigger Finger. This common condition can make everyday tasks, like gripping objects or typing, uncomfortable and frustrating.
Mr Rikki Mistry, a highly regarded Consultant Plastic Surgeon specialising in hand and wrist surgery, offers expert diagnosis and precise surgical treatment to help restore smooth, comfortable movement in your fingers.
Understanding Trigger Finger
Trigger Finger (also known as stenosing tenosynovitis) occurs when inflammation narrows the space around the tendon in the finger, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly.
What causes it?
Thickening or inflammation of the tendon sheath
Repetitive gripping or hand use
Conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis
Sometimes no obvious cause
Common symptoms
Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
A clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger
Locking of the finger in a bent position
Pain or tenderness at the base of the finger
A small lump (nodule) in the palm
When is treatment needed?
Mild cases may improve with rest, splinting or steroid injections. Surgery is recommended when:
Symptoms persist despite conservative treatment
The finger locks frequently
Pain or stiffness interferes with daily activities
Tailored Care for Every Patient
During your consultation, Mr Mistry will:
Assess your symptoms and hand function
Examine the affected finger and tendon movement
Discuss previous treatments such as splinting or injections
Confirm whether surgery is the best option
Explain the procedure, expected outcomes and recovery timeline
Create a personalised treatment plan based on your needs and lifestyle
Each case of Trigger Finger is different, and treatment is carefully tailored to restore normal finger movement as quickly and safely as possible.
Trigger Finger Release Procedure
How the procedure works:
Anaesthesia The trigger finger release procedure is usually performed under local anaesthetic, meaning you are awake but the area is completely numb.
Incision A small incision is made in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
Release of the tendon sheath The surgeon carefully opens (releases) the tight pulley (A1 pulley) that is restricting the tendon.
Restoring movement Once released, the tendon can glide freely again, allowing smooth bending and straightening of the finger.
Closure The incision is closed with fine stitches and covered with a small dressing.
Duration
The procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes and is usually done as a day-case surgery.
Recovery and Aftercare
Immediately after surgery:
You can usually move your finger straight away
A light dressing is applied
Mild soreness or swelling is normal
First 1–2 weeks:
Keep the wound clean and dry
Stitches are usually removed after 10–14 days
Gentle finger movement is encouraged to prevent stiffness
Avoid heavy gripping or strain
Return to normal activities:
Light activities can often resume within a few days
Most patients return to normal hand use within 2–4 weeks
What to expect:
Mild swelling or tenderness may persist for a short time
Clicking or locking should resolve quickly after surgery
When to seek advice
Contact your surgeon if you notice:
Increasing redness or swelling
Signs of infection
Persistent stiffness or pain
Why Choose Rikki Mistry
Specialist hand expertise:
Mr Mistry has extensive experience in hand surgery, ensuring precise and effective treatment.
Minimally invasive approach Small incisions and refined techniques help minimise scarring and speed recovery.
Focus on function The goal is to restore smooth, pain-free finger movement as quickly as possible.
Personalised care Every treatment plan is tailored to your symptoms, lifestyle and recovery goals.
Comprehensive support
From consultation to aftercare, you’ll receive clear guidance and ongoing support for the best possible outcome.
