If you’ve noticed pain, stiffness, or a finger that catches or locks when you bend it, you may be experiencing a condition called Trigger Finger (stenosing tenosynovitis). This common hand condition can interfere with your daily activities — from gripping objects to typing or even holding a coffee cup.
At Granite Orthopaedics in Prescott, Arizona, our hand specialist Dr. W. Lee Richardson, MD, and our experienced orthopedic care team provide expert diagnosis and advanced treatment options to restore pain-free hand movement.
🔍 What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger Finger occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath surrounding a tendon in your finger or thumb. This makes it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly, causing the finger to “catch,” “pop,” or lock in a bent position.
Common symptoms include:
- Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
- A popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger
- Tenderness or a bump at the base of the finger
- The finger locking in a bent position
Although anyone can develop Trigger Finger, it can be more common among people with forceful hand use, diabetes, or rheumatoid arthritis.
🩺 Diagnosis of Trigger Finger
At Granite Orthopaedics, diagnosis begins with a thorough clinical examination.
Our providers will assess your range of motion, check for tenderness or nodules, and evaluate your ability to straighten and bend your fingers.
Imaging tests are rarely needed, but your provider may order X-rays to rule out other conditions such as arthritis or fractures that could be contributing to your symptoms.
💡 Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment Options
Many cases of Trigger Finger can be managed with non-surgical treatments, especially when symptoms are caught early.
Treatment options include:
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid repetitive gripping or heavy hand use.
- Steroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections near the tendon sheath often relieve symptoms and inflammation; often times a cure can be attained with one injection.
Your provider at Granite Orthopaedics will design a personalized treatment plan that best fits your condition and lifestyle.
⚕️ When to Consider Trigger Finger Release Surgery
If conservative treatments don’t bring lasting relief, or if the finger becomes permanently locked, Trigger Finger Release surgery may be recommended.
Performed by Dr. W. Lee Richardson, MD, board-certified hand and upper extremity surgeon at Granite Orthopaedics, this procedure involves releasing the tight portion of the tendon sheath to allow the tendon to move freely again.
Benefits of surgical release include:
- Immediate improvement in movement for most patients
- Minimal downtime
- Performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting
- Excellent long-term success rate
After surgery, most patients experience improved mobility and reduced pain within days. A brief course of hand therapy is uncommon but may be recommended to restore full function.
🖐 Expert Hand Care in Prescott, AZ
At Granite Orthopaedics, our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care — from accurate diagnosis to full recovery. Whether your Trigger Finger can be treated conservatively or requires surgical release, Dr. W. Lee Richardson, MD and our orthopedic specialists are here to help you regain comfort and hand function.
📞 Schedule an Appointment
Don’t let hand pain limit your daily life. If you suspect you have Trigger Finger, contact Granite Orthopaedics today.
📍 Granite Orthopaedics – Prescott, AZ
📞 Call: 928-777-9950
🌐 Visit: www.graniteortho.com
Relieve your pain. Restore your motion. Trust the hand experts at Granite Orthopaedics.
