Trigger finger is a condition that freezes one or more fingers in a bent position. Though most common in the ringer finger and thumb (trigger thumb), it can affect any finger. It may cause pain in the base of the finger, swelling, popping or locking sensations, and other symptoms. Fortunately, trigger finger treatment is available.

According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, gout, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis increase your risk for trigger finger. Being older and being female also makes you more likely to have the problem. Though regular strong-gripping can lead to the problem, the cause usually is unknown.

If you experience symptoms of trigger finger, talk to your primary care provider. Discussing your medical history, and symptoms, and having a physical exam can help diagnose the problem. Imaging exams may also help in the diagnosis. Once diagnosed, you can begin appropriate treatment.

Treating trigger finger often begins with conservative methods. Depending on your specific case, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the following:

• Heat and ice. Alternating between hot and cold treatment can help. Along with heat and ice, your doctor may encourage you to stretch the affected finger. 
• Medication. Pain and swelling may improve with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. 
• Physical therapy. Though used rarely, physical therapy may help with chronic cases of trigger finger. 
• Splinting. Resting your trigger finger or trigger thumb can bring healing. Wearing a splint helps rest the affected finger or thumb. If prescribed a splint, wear it while sleeping to avoid accidental finger movement.
• Steroid injections. You may benefit from one or more steroid injections in the affected tendon. When appropriate, your provider may prescribe a second injection.
• Watchful waiting. In some cases, trigger finger gets better without any treatment. This approach may take half a year or longer to bring healing.

Surgical trigger finger treatment is an option when other methods don't help.

Surgery focuses on the tendon sheath of the affected finger. This sheath acts as a tunnel for the tendon. When all is well, the tendon glides back and forth easily, allowing the finger to bend and straighten. Swelling in the tendon, or the growth of a tender lump on the tendon, makes it hard for the tendon to move through the sheath. As a result, the tendon gets caught, causing trigger finger.

Trigger finger release surgery offers instant and long-term relief.

Your surgeon makes a small incision below the affected finger or thumb during the procedure. The surgeon then makes another incision in the tendon sheath, releasing pressure on the tendon and allowing it to move freely. A few stitches close up the surgical site. The same day, you return home.

Immediately after surgery, you can move your treated finger. Once you completely heal from surgery, you can go back to using the finger normally. Physical therapy may help you regain full use of the finger.