Trigger Finger Release

Trigger finger occurs when a tendon in the hand has trouble sliding smoothly through a small tunnel near the base of the finger or thumb. The tendon may catch, click, pop, or lock as you bend and straighten your finger.

At Spine West, we offer minimally invasive, ultrasound-guided trigger finger release in the office. Ultrasound allows your provider to see the tendon, the tight tunnel around it, and nearby structures in real time. This makes it possible to treat patients through tiny entry points instead of a larger incision in the palm.

Benefits of this Specialized Procedure

  • Faster return to normal life. Recent studies show that the time back to normal daily activities is typically 3 days and just 4 days back to work (may vary depending on type of work).

  • No general anesthesia. Local numbing medicine only. This removes an entire category of risk, eliminates the pre-operative workup and fasting, and means the patient drives themselves home.

  • A MUCH smaller incision. Typically under 5 mm at the wrist, usually closed with an adhesive strip. Better cosmetic result and less scar tenderness in the palm.

  • Results that hold up. A two year study published in September 2026 found durable symptom relief, consistently high satisfaction, and no returning symptoms.

Symptoms of trigger finger

You may have trigger finger if you experience:

  • Clicking, catching, popping, or locking in a finger or thumb

  • Pain or tenderness in the palm at the base of the affected finger

  • Morning stiffness that improves as your hand starts moving

  • A finger that gets stuck bent or is difficult to straighten

  • A need to use your other hand to straighten the finger

Who may benefit

You may be a candidate if a trigger finger diagnosis is confirmed through examination and ultrasound, particularly when steroid injections, splinting, or activity changes have not provided lasting relief.

This treatment may be especially helpful if your finger locks regularly, does not straighten fully, interferes with work or daily tasks, or is becoming increasingly painful..

    • Performed in a procedure room in our office, not a hospital operating room

    • Local anesthetic only. No general anesthesia, no sedation.

    • Trigger finger incision is a single small opening in the palm

    • Usually closed with an adhesive strip rather than sutures

    • The release itself takes a few minutes

    • The patient drives home the same day

  • Trigger finger release is durable. Once the tension is released, catching generally does not return. Success rates are between 90 and 100 percent.

    • Tell us about every medication, especially blood thinners, aspirin, and supplements affecting bleeding.

    • Do not stop any prescribed medication on your own. We will tell you if anything needs adjusting and coordinate with your prescribing physician.

  • What should I do before the procedure?

    • Tell us about any break in the skin on that hand. A cut, rash, blister, or active infection may mean rescheduling, so call ahead rather than finding out on arrival.

    • Remove rings and bracelets from your procedure hand prior to arrival.

    • Eat a normal meal beforehand, fasting is not required because there is no sedation.

    • Skip lotion, cream, and nail polish on that hand, and wash the hand and forearm that morning.

    • Wear a short sleeve or loose sleeve shirt.

    • Plan the calendar, not the ride. Most patients drive themselves home. Arrange help at home if you live alone and both hands are being treated.

    • Move the fingers right away. Full fist and full extension, several times a day, starting the day of the procedure

    • Use the hand for light everyday tasks immediately: eating, dressing, typing, writing

    • Ice and elevate the first day or two

    • Take acetaminophen or an anti-inflammatory as directed.

    • Keep the dressing clean and dry; follow the timeline for removing it

    • Keep the follow up appointment even if the hand feels fine

    Do not:

    • Do no soak the hand. No baths, pools, hot tubs, or dishwater until we clear you

    • Do not do heavy gripping, forceful lifting, or repetitive manual work until cleared

    • Do not put creams or ointments on the sites unless told to

    • Do not wear rings on that hand until swelling resolves

    • Do not splint, immobilize, or baby the hand. Motion is part of the recovery