Trigger finger Perth
Trigger finger surgery and treatment
A finger that clicks, catches, or locks when you bend or straighten it may be a sign of trigger finger.
This common hand condition can make simple movements like gripping, typing, or making a fist painful or uncomfortable.
At The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth, we aim to help you understand what is causing the discomfort, what treatments may help, and whether hand surgery is appropriate for your situation.
What causes trigger finger
Trigger finger involves one of the tendons that bends your finger or thumb. Tendons are strong cords that connect muscle to bone and allow your fingers to move.
Each tendon slides through a small tunnel in the hand called a sheath, which keeps it running smoothly as the finger bends and straightens. When the tendon becomes irritated or slightly swollen, it can struggle to glide through this tunnel. As a result, the finger may catch or hesitate when you move it, sometimes creating the clicking or locking feeling.
Why does the tendon start catching?
The tendon itself can become swollen or inflamed. This thickening makes it harder for the tendon to pass through the sheath during finger movement. As the finger bends, the tendon may momentarily catch before sliding through.
This catching sensation often creates the clicking feeling people notice when opening or closing the hand.
Why can the finger lock or feel stuck?
How trigger finger can progress
Trigger finger does not always stay the same. In the early stage, the tendon may simply feel sore or irritated at the base of the finger or thumb. As the irritation builds, the finger may begin to click or catch when you bend or straighten it.
Over time, the finger can become more difficult to move smoothly. In some cases it may lock in a bent position and need help to straighten. This is often the point when people consider treatment, especially when the symptoms start affecting everyday hand use.
Trigger finger Perth surgery
Diagnosis and Non-Operative Treatment
Trigger finger is diagnosed on clinical examination and confirmed on ultrasound.
The Wrist + Hand Institute has an ultrasound available in our Bethesda rooms in Claremont. This means that your trigger finger can be diagnosed and confirmed during your initial appointment, without the need to be referred elsewhere and return for a follow-up to review the results. Ultrasound examination allows your surgeon to show you directly on the monitor what is causing your pain by moving your affected finger in real time. It also enables your surgeon to rule out other causes of finger discomfort.
Steroid injection can be an effective non-operative treatment to resolve the symptoms of trigger finger.
Many people opt to trial a steroid injection as their first treatment option. This is performed under ultrasound control to ensure it is injected into precisely the right place. If the injection is ineffective or results in temporary alleviation of symptoms, people may consider another injection or choose to proceed with surgical release.
If you would like to trial non-operative treatment for your trigger finger, surgeons at the Wrist + Hand Institute can perform a steroid injection under ultrasound control during your appointment.
Trigger finger Perth surgery
When trigger finger surgery may be considered
Trigger finger release surgery may be considered when the finger continues to catch, click, or lock despite non-surgical treatment.
Surgery may be recommended when:
- Pain or stiffness is interfering with daily activities such as personal hygiene, gripping, writing or using tools
- The finger frequently locks in a bent position and is difficult to straighten
- Symptoms continue or recur after a steroid injection
- The locking is becoming more frequent or more severe
- Several fingers are affected and hand function is reduced
The decision to proceed with surgery is based on how much the condition is affecting the way your hand functions.
When a finger repeatedly catches or locks, the tendon cannot move smoothly through its guiding tunnel. Over time this can lead to ongoing irritation and reduced movement in the finger. Trigger finger release aims to create more space for the tendon to glide normally again, helping restore finger motion and comfortable everyday hand function.
Trigger finger hand injury
Types of trigger finger
Trigger finger can affect different fingers and can present in slightly different ways. The symptoms and treatment approach often depend on which finger is involved and how advanced the locking or catching has become.
Trigger thumb
Trigger thumb affects the tendon that bends the thumb. Many people notice a small sore spot in the palm at the base of the thumb, along with a clicking feeling when they try to bend or straighten it.
Simple tasks can start to feel awkward. Things like turning a key, opening a jar, or holding a phone may cause discomfort. Occasionally the thumb may pause or lock before straightening again.
When the symptoms persist despite a steroid injection, surgical trigger thumb release may be discussed. The aim is to loosen the tight tunnel around the tendon so the thumb can move freely again.
Trigger finger affecting one finger
Trigger finger affecting several fingers
Trigger finger release surgery
What happens during trigger finger surgery
The goal of surgical trigger finger release is to allow the tendon to glide freely again so the finger can bend and straighten smoothly.
Trigger finger surgery is called trigger finger release. The tight section of the tendon tunnel in the palm is carefully opened. This creates more space for the tendon so it can move without catching.
A small incision is made in the palm near the base of the affected finger. The surgeon identifies the tight pulley, which is the band of tissue forming the tendon tunnel, and releases it so the tendon can glide freely again.
The finger is gently moved during the procedure to confirm the tendon moves smoothly. The skin is then closed and covered with a light dressing.
Trigger finger release is commonly performed with local anaesthetic, which means the hand is numb while you remain awake. In some cases sedation or a short general anaesthetic may be used depending on the individual and the surgical setting. The surgery is performed as a day case, meaning you do not need to stay in hospital overnight.
Trigger finger surgery recovery
Recovery and results
The details of surgery depend on the finger involved and how severe the catching or locking has become. The goal is to allow the tendon to glide freely again so the finger can bend and straighten smoothly.
Trigger finger surgery is called trigger finger release. The tight section of the tendon tunnel in the palm is carefully opened. This creates more space for the tendon so it can move without catching.
Recovery after trigger finger release
After trigger finger surgery, the hand is usually covered with a light dressing rather than a cast. Mild swelling and tenderness in the palm are common during the first couple of weeks.
Gentle finger movement usually begins soon after the procedure to prevent stiffness and help the tendon glide smoothly. Light daily activities such as typing or eating can often resume within a few days.
The incision in the palm may feel tender for a short time but usually settles as healing progresses. Most people return to normal activities within a few weeks. Hand therapy may be recommended to support movement and strength during recovery.
Recovery when more than one finger is treated
Occasionally more than one finger may require treatment. In these situations people may experience greater limitations in function during the recovery period because several tendons are healing at the same time.
Early movement is encouraged. Hand therapy can be helpful in guiding exercises and supporting a steady return to normal hand use.
Progress is usually gradual, with movement and comfort improving over the weeks following surgery.
Surgery Risks
All surgery carries some risk. Trigger finger surgery may involve infection, bleeding, stiffness, scar tenderness or irritation of a nearby nerve. Some people notice temporary soreness in the palm while the incision heals.
There are also small risks associated with anaesthesia. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss these with you before the procedure.
Hand and wrist surgeon Perth
Next steps
Persistent clicking, catching or locking in a finger can interfere with simple tasks. Opening jars, gripping tools, typing or even shaking hands may start to feel awkward or unreliable. A specialist assessment helps confirm whether trigger finger is the cause and whether simple treatment or trigger finger release may help restore normal motion.
The Wrist + Hand Institute Perth provides assessment and treatment for trigger finger and other tendon conditions affecting the hand. Our surgeons treat patients across several Perth hospitals including Bethesda Hospital in Claremont, Hollywood Hospital, and South Perth Hospital.
Trigger Finger
Frequently Asked Questions
Does trigger finger always get worse over time?
Not always. In some people the symptoms stay mild or settle with a steroid injection. In others the catching or locking gradually becomes more noticeable. The pattern can vary, which is why a clinical assessment helps determine how active the condition is and what treatment may help.