London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street London SE1 2PR
Trigger finger and thumb
Also known as stenosing tenosynovitis or stenosing tenovaginosis. If you're having trouble bending your finger or thumb because of a swollen tendon, we can help.
What is trigger finger and thumb?
If one or more of the tendons in your hands become swollen or inflamed, you may find it difficult to bend your fingers or thumb, or they may lock. This condition is called trigger finger (or thumb).
Need to know
Common symptoms of trigger finger and thumb include:
- pain at the base of the affected finger or thumb when you move it
- stiffness or ‘locking’ of a finger or thumb during movement.
Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis.
Your consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. They might include:
- Splinting. This involves strapping the affected finger to a plastic splint to reduce movement.
- Steroid injections. These are effective in the majority of people, although not everyone is ͚cured͛ permanently.
- Surgery. This minor procedure involves releasing the affected sheath (tendon tunnel). This will allow your finger to move freely again.
Our Trigger finger and thumb locations
The Wellington Hospital
8A Wellington Place London NW8 9LE
The Harborne Hospital
Mindelsohn Way Birmingham B15 2FQ
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.