Quick answer
Trigger finger is entrapment of a finger flexor tendon in its sheath at the base of the finger, so the finger catches in a bent position and then snaps straight painfully. It most often affects the thumb and middle finger. Non-surgical treatment — rest, a night splint and a steroid injection — works for many people, and tendon release surgery through a small incision under local anaesthesia treats persistent or recurrent cases, costing 25,000–30,000 EGP. Never force a locked finger straight. In children it usually affects the thumb and may resolve on its own in some.
✅ Last medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, on 5 October 2026
“My finger gets stuck and clicks” is a classic description of trigger finger. It is easy to treat once diagnosed. Here is everything you need to know, as part of our guide to carpal tunnel release and hand nerve surgery.
What is trigger finger?
Flexor tendons glide through a tunnel of pulleys along the finger. When the first pulley (A1) at the base of the finger thickens, or the tendon develops a nodule, the tendon can no longer glide smoothly: it catches, then snaps through.
Symptoms
- Pain and a tender lump at the base of the finger on the palm side.
- Clicking or catching, especially in the morning.
- The finger locks bent and needs help to straighten.
- In severe cases the finger stays bent.
Who is at risk?
- Women more than men, typically aged 40–60.
- Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.
- Repetitive gripping.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome often coexists.
Video: if your finger catches, it is trigger finger
Trigger finger grades
| Grade | Description | Usual treatment |
|---|---|---|
| I | Pain and clicking without locking | Rest, anti-inflammatories, splint |
| II | Locks but straightens actively | Splint or steroid injection |
| III | Locks and needs the other hand to straighten | Injection or surgery |
| IV | Fixed in flexion | Release surgery |
Key numbers to know
- In a Cochrane review of 14 trials (1,260 patients, about 70% women), triggering returned within 6–12 months in 38.5% after a steroid injection versus only 6.5% after open release (Fiorini et al., Cochrane 2018).
- Up to three steroid injections are effective in most patients with trigger finger, and open A1 pulley release remains the benchmark operation when they fail (Gil et al., JAAOS 2020).
At Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi’s clinics in Nasr City, Mohandeseen and New Cairo (5th Settlement) we examine the finger or wrist and grade the tendon problem at the same visit, then choose a splint, injection or release according to the grade.
Treatment
| Treatment | Success | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Night splint | Moderate in mild cases | Simple, non-invasive | Takes weeks |
| Steroid injection | Good, especially in recent cases | Quick, in clinic | May recur; less effective in diabetes |
| Release surgery | Very high; rarely recurs | Definitive, small incision | Wound and short recovery |
Surgery is a 10–20 minute procedure under local anaesthesia: a small incision at the base of the finger, the A1 pulley is divided, and the finger moves freely immediately. Light use resumes within days and full activity within two to four weeks. If the pain is at the thumb side of the wrist, it may instead be De Quervain’s tenosynovitis.
Trigger thumb in children
In young children trigger thumb usually presents as a thumb stuck bent at the tip joint, often painless. Some resolve with observation and splinting; persistent cases are treated with a short release under general anaesthesia.
Important: do not force it
Forcing a locked finger straight can injure the tendon. Warm water soaks and anti-inflammatories help until you are assessed.
Frequently asked questions about trigger finger
How is trigger finger treated without surgery?
Rest from triggering activities, a night splint, anti-inflammatories and a steroid injection into the tendon sheath, which works for many patients.
Is trigger finger serious?
It is not dangerous, but neglect can lead to a finger stiff in flexion. Do not force it straight.
How much does trigger finger surgery cost?
25,000–30,000 EGP with Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi; it is done through a small incision, usually under local anaesthesia.
Does trigger thumb in children need surgery?
It usually affects the thumb and may resolve with observation and splinting in some children; surgery is considered if locking persists.
Can trigger finger come back after surgery?
Very rarely, because surgery divides the pulley compressing the tendon and treats the cause.
To have your hand assessed and your nerve tests reviewed, book a consultation, call +20 155 240 4488 or message us on WhatsApp at +20 155 554 7181.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ibrahim Shaarawi, Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery. This article is general medical education and does not replace an examination or the treatment plan your surgeon sets for you. See our medical disclaimer.
Related hand nerve and tendon guides
Related guides on hand tendons:
- Carpal tunnel release and hand nerve surgery
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Hand and finger tendinitis
- Trigger thumb release cost
- Carpal tunnel release cost in Egypt
References
- Jeanmonod R, et al. Trigger Finger. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
- Fiorini HJ, et al. Surgery for trigger finger. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2(2):CD009860.
- Gil JA, et al. Current Concepts in the Management of Trigger Finger in Adults. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2020;28(15):e642-e650.
- Shah AS, Bae DS. Management of pediatric trigger thumb and trigger finger. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2012;20(4):206-13.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (OrthoInfo). Trigger Finger.