Trigger finger treatment

A trigger finger occurs when the flexor tendon of a finger or thumb can no longer glide smoothly through the tendon sheath. The tendon can become irritated or thickened, creating a 'knot', so to speak, that sticks when bending or stretching the finger. This causes a sudden 'click' when the tendon still slips, similar to pulling a trigger, hence the name trigger finger. The condition also frequently occurs in the thumb; in that case, we refer to it as a trigger thumb.

The exact cause is not always clear, but overuse, repetitive movements, rheumatism or diabetes can contribute to the development of a trigger finger. It is a complaint common among people who work intensively with their hands, such as hairdressers, musicians or people with physical occupations.

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe restriction of movement. It often starts with a nagging feeling or stiffness in the finger, especially in the morning. As the irritation worsens, you notice that bending or stretching becomes increasingly difficult and the finger gets 'stuck' in a bent position. In some cases, you have to stretch the finger again with your other hand. In a trigger thumb, the same thing happens, but in the thumb joint. The following symptoms are characteristic of a trigger finger:

• Pain at the base of the finger or thumb;
• A palpable thickening or lump in the tendon;
• A clicking sensation with movement;
• Movement restriction or blocking of the finger;
• Stiffness, especially in the morning.

At Fysio Fitaal, we have extensive experience in treating tendon and overuse injuries, including trigger finger and trigger thumb. Our therapists work in a multidisciplinary team and have specialist knowledge as well as modern equipment. We always look beyond the complaint itself: where does the overuse come from, how do you move, and what can we do to prevent recurrence?

A key difference from other treatment methods is that we focus on lasting solutions. An injection or surgery may sometimes be necessary, but many clients consciously choose to have their trigger finger treated naturally. And with success: with early signs, physiotherapy is often enough to get symptoms completely under control or even disappear altogether.

How long does recovery from a trigger finger take?

It depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms. With early treatment, you often see improvement within a few weeks. With long-term symptoms, recovery may take a bit longer, but with the right approach, the outlook is good.

Can a trigger thumb go away on its own?

In some cases, mild symptoms disappear on their own, especially if you spare the thumb. But often the symptoms persist or recur. With physiotherapy, you can speed up the recovery process and prevent permanent damage.

Is surgery always necessary?

No, definitely not. Many people look for ways to treat their trigger finger naturally, and this is often quite possible with physiotherapy. Only in cases of severe or persistent symptoms is surgery sometimes chosen.