Trigger Fingers
Why Does My Finger Catch or Lock When I Bend It?
A finger that catches, clicks, or locks in a bent position is usually trigger finger — caused by swelling around the tendon that bends the finger, which then has trouble gliding smoothly through its surrounding pulley. It's common, very treatable, and not a sign of anything more serious in most cases.
Causes & Symptoms
Repetitive gripping, certain medical conditions like diabetes, or no clear cause at all can lead to thickening of the tendon or its surrounding sheath. Symptoms include a painful clicking or popping sensation at the base of the finger, stiffness that's often worse in the morning, and in more advanced cases, the finger locking in a bent position and needing to be straightened with the other hand.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis is made by exam alone. Treatment often starts with a corticosteroid injection, which resolves symptoms for the majority of patients. When injections don't provide lasting relief, a trigger finger release — a small procedure to open the tight pulley — is highly effective and is frequently done under local anesthesia in the office.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Will trigger finger go away without treatment?
It can improve on its own in mild cases, but persistent locking usually needs an injection or procedure to fully resolve.
Is trigger finger release a big surgery?
No — it's typically a quick, minor in-office procedure done under local anesthesia, with most patients resuming normal hand use within days.