Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger and trigger thumb release with Dr. Steven Ward in Tucson and Oro Valley — freeing a finger or thumb that catches, locks, or gets stuck when it bends.

Call 520-881-1394
Same dayOutpatient procedure with numbing medicine
4–6 monthsFor swelling and stiffness to settle completely
~6 monthsAverage time to feel fully recovered

Typical ranges for general education. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.

What it treats

The tendons that bend the fingers glide through a series of tunnels called pulleys. In trigger finger, the tendon or the first pulley at the base of the finger (the A1 pulley) thickens, so the tendon no longer slides through smoothly.

  • A tender lump in the palm at the base of the finger or thumb
  • Catching, popping, or locking when you bend or straighten the finger
  • A finger that sticks in a bent position and has to be straightened with the other hand
  • Stiffness that is often worse in the morning

It is most common in the ring finger and thumb, and in people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, but it can affect any finger.

Is surgery right for you?

Most trigger fingers respond well to non-surgical treatment:

  • Resting the hand from repetitive gripping or pinching
  • A splint at night to keep the finger straight
  • Anti-inflammatory medication when it is safe for you
  • Gentle stretching
  • A steroid injection at the base of the finger, which often resolves the problem; if it helps and then wears off, up to three injections may be given

Injections are less likely to work in people with diabetes, trigger thumbs, or long-standing triggering. If you have diabetes and take insulin, a steroid injection can raise blood sugar for about 10–14 days, so monitor it closely. Surgery is considered when triggering is severe, keeps coming back, or the finger is locked bent.

How the surgery is done

Trigger finger release is an outpatient procedure. The area is numbed with a shot, and you can be awake or lightly sedated.

Through a small incision in the palm, the A1 pulley is opened so the tendon has room to glide. The other pulleys are left in place, so the finger still works normally. In long-standing cases, part of a thickened tendon may occasionally need to be trimmed. The skin is closed and a soft dressing is applied.

After surgery

Most people are asked to start moving the finger right away. Keeping the hand raised above your heart helps with soreness and swelling in the palm.

Complications are uncommon but can include infection, stiffness, or return of triggering.

Recovery overview

Typical ranges only, based on AAOS OrthoInfo patient education. Dr. Ward’s plan for you may differ.

Right away: move the finger A few weeks: incision heals ~6 months: fully recovered

First days

  • Start gently bending and straightening the finger right away unless told otherwise
  • Keep the hand elevated above your heart to control swelling
  • Some soreness in the palm is normal

First weeks

  • The incision usually heals within a few weeks
  • Light daily use of the hand as comfort allows
  • Keep the dressing clean and dry as instructed until your follow-up visit

Months 1–6

  • Swelling and stiffness can take 4–6 months to go away completely
  • On average, people feel fully recovered about 6 months after surgery
  • If stiffness, swelling, or pain are not improving, Dr. Ward may refer you to a hand therapist

When to call the clinic

Call 520-881-1394 if you notice any of the following after surgery or while you are recovering:

  • A fever of 101°F or higher, or chills
  • Redness spreading around an incision, or drainage that is cloudy, foul-smelling, or keeps soaking the dressing after the first few days
  • Fingers that turn pale, blue, or cold
  • Numbness or tingling in the hand or fingers that does not go away once the nerve block or numbing medicine has worn off, or that is getting worse
  • A cast, splint, or dressing that feels too tight: throbbing pain, swelling, or numbness under it that does not ease after you raise your hand above your heart and gently move your fingers. Do not cut or remove a cast yourself
  • Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed medication, elevation, and ice

It is normal for the hand and fingers to be swollen, bruised, and sore for a while, and for the hand or arm to stay numb and weak for several hours after a nerve block or numbing medicine. Keep your hand raised above your heart, and move the fingers that are not splinted as you were shown. Call if something feels different from what you were told to expect.

Call 911 or go to the nearest ER

for chest pain, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing. These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs and need emergency care.

Questions about your recovery plan?

If something does not match the instructions you were given, call the office. Dr. Ward or one of his physician assistants will get back to you.

Related resources

Exercise guides

Hand & wrist handouts, including carpal tunnel exercises and hand and finger exercises.

Open page

Patient resources

Surgery packets, pre-op and post-op instructions, exercise guides, and videos in one place.

Open page

Post-op packets

Dr. Ward’s post-operative instructions and packets, organized by joint.

Open page

Physical therapy locations

Find a therapy clinic near you in Tucson and Oro Valley if hand therapy is part of your plan.

Open page

OrthoInfo: Trigger finger

Patient education on trigger finger and trigger thumb from the AAOS.

Visit OrthoInfo

Schedule a visit

Call 520-881-1394 and we will find a time that works.

Call 520-881-1394

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