Home / Conditions / Trigger finger

Trigger finger

A finger that catches or clicks as you bend it, and sometimes locks bent so you have to straighten it with the other hand. It is a tendon catching at a pulley, not arthritis.

Do not wait for an appointment

  • The finger is locked and will not straighten at all
  • Several fingers affected at once, especially in a child
  • Redness, swelling or fever
  • You are diabetic — trigger finger is commoner and responds slightly less well
Sheet 22 · Hand tendon glide exercisesHand & wristInjection resolves it in most people

Do this

  • Gentle stretching and tendon glide exercises — Sheet 22
  • Avoid prolonged hard gripping while it settles
  • Consider an injection — it is effective here
  • Tell us if you are diabetic

Avoid this

  • Forcing a locked finger straight repeatedly
  • Ignoring a finger that locks — the longer it stays locked, the stiffer the joint becomes
  • Assuming it means arthritis

The questions everybody asks

Does the injection work?

Yes — it resolves the majority.

This is one of the clearest wins for a steroid injection anywhere in the hand.

What if it comes back?

A second injection is reasonable. After that, surgery.

Release of the pulley is a small, quick operation with a high success rate, often under local anaesthetic.

Is it caused by overuse?

Not really.

It is commoner in diabetes and often appears for no obvious reason. It is not something you did.

Open the exercise sheet

Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.