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Trigger finger release
- Rated as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’ by 97% of our orthopaedic patients
- No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care
- Appointment confirmation within 24 hours
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Trigger finger release at HCA UK
Why choose us?
With 97% of patients happy to recommend us , you can feel reassured you’re in safe hands with an orthopaedic team that’s comprised of expert orthopaedic consultants from across 10 specialist fields. Our dedicated hand and wrist specialists can tailor treatment to your specific injury or condition. Using advanced imaging technology, we provide quick and accurate diagnosis, helping you move forward with a care plan tailored entirely to your needs.
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful hand condition where your finger or thumb jams or locks.
The flexor tendons that move your fingers and thumbs glide through tunnels called tendon sheaths. These tendon sheaths consist of a series of five pulleys in each finger and two in each thumb.
If the pulley at the base of the finger or thumb becomes irritated and swollen, then it becomes more difficult for the tendon to glide through the sheath. They can sometimes form a small lump of tissue called a nodule, making it even harder for them to glide smoothly. The digit the tendons control becomes difficult to bend or straighten, can become painful, and can experience clicking sensations when you move it.
The flexor tendons that move your fingers and thumbs glide through tunnels called tendon sheaths. These tendon sheaths consist of a series of five pulleys in each finger and two in each thumb.
If the pulley at the base of the finger or thumb becomes irritated and swollen, then it becomes more difficult for the tendon to glide through the sheath. They can sometimes form a small lump of tissue called a nodule, making it even harder for them to glide smoothly. The digit the tendons control becomes difficult to bend or straighten, can become painful, and can experience clicking sensations when you move it.
Trigger finger surgery is a minor operation that allows your finger or thumb to move freely again.
A surgeon makes a small cut in the palm at the base of the affected finger and creates an opening in the soft tissue to access the tendon sheath tunnel underneath. The roof of the tunnel, the pulley, is divided. It might also be necessary to gently lift out the tendons and remove any rough areas or nodules that have developed.
They then check that the tendons can glide freely through the sheath again by pulling on them to move the finger. They might also ask you to flex and extend the affected finger. If you can do this, then the trigger finger or thumb has been released.
A surgeon makes a small cut in the palm at the base of the affected finger and creates an opening in the soft tissue to access the tendon sheath tunnel underneath. The roof of the tunnel, the pulley, is divided. It might also be necessary to gently lift out the tendons and remove any rough areas or nodules that have developed.
They then check that the tendons can glide freely through the sheath again by pulling on them to move the finger. They might also ask you to flex and extend the affected finger. If you can do this, then the trigger finger or thumb has been released.
Whether you need trigger finger release surgery depends on the severity of your condition. There are several non-surgical treatments for trigger finger, including rest, medication, splinting and steroid injections. Your consultant will recommend you try these options first.
If non-surgical treatments fail to resolve your trigger finger, then your consultant might recommend this minor operation. They'll explain exactly what the procedure involves and make sure you understand all the risks so you can make an informed decision.
If non-surgical treatments fail to resolve your trigger finger, then your consultant might recommend this minor operation. They'll explain exactly what the procedure involves and make sure you understand all the risks so you can make an informed decision.
At HCA UK, you’ll be seen quickly by experienced hand and wrist specialists. We offer personalised treatment plans in comfortable, modern facilities. You’ll receive expert care and support from your first visit through to full recovery.
Here are just some of the reasons patients choose us:
Here are just some of the reasons patients choose us:
- Fast access: We'll confirm your appointment with a specialist hand and wrist consultant within 24 hours. You can also access any imaging you need on the same day as your appointment, meaning you won’t have to come back for another appointment.
- Advanced imaging: Our diagnostic centres are fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Our musculoskeletal radiologists report on all images and scans.
- Leaders in orthopaedics: We treat the most orthopaedic cases in London, earning us the No. 1 ranking for private orthopaedics based on data from the Private Healthcare Information Network. Our experience dealing with orthopaedic conditions such as trigger finger helps us recommend the most effective treatments.
- Trusted by patients: Our 2024 patient satisfaction survey found that 97% of orthopaedic patients would recommend us to their family and friends.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist hand and wrist consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
Trigger finger release
What to expect
Our orthopaedic specialists take the time to understand your concerns and tailor a treatment plan just for you. Our expert teams will support you at every stage of your journey and your recovery.
01
Initial consultation
Whether you’ve been referred by your GP or have arranged a consultation directly, during your first appointment, your orthopaedic hand and wrist specialist will assess your symptoms. They’ll also discuss your general health and medical history with you.
02
Imaging and diagnoses
Your orthopaedic consultant will arrange scans and tests to confirm a diagnosis. If suitable, they may recommend non-surgical treatments, such as rest, splinting and steroid injections, to help release your thumb or finger. If unsuccessful, then finger release surgery may be required.
03
Finger release surgery
On the day of surgery, the procedure is performed in an operating theatre with a local anaesthetic used to numb the surgical site. Some patients prefer using sedation in addition to a local anaesthetic. The surgeon will perform the trigger finger surgery procedure and wash out the surgical site before closing it with stitches, surgical adhesive and bandaging. The operation typically takes around 30 minutes.
04
Recovery and rehabilitation
Your finger or thumb should be easier to move soon after your trigger finger release surgery. Your consultant will encourage you to start moving it as soon as you can to promote blood flow and prevent stiffness. You should be able to go home the same day, but you won't be able to drive, so you’ll need someone to help you travel. Your care team will monitor your recovery and be there to support you at every step.
Locations
You can access appointments with our experienced hand and wrist consultants across a range of our private hospitals in London, Manchester and Birmingham. Our specialists can discuss your treatment options and advise whether trigger finger release surgery is the best action for you.
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place St John's Wood NW8 9LE London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
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Trigger finger release FAQs
As with any medical procedure, there are risks associated with having surgery for your trigger finger or thumb. These include:
- Pain and stiffness in the finger or thumb
- Infection at the incision site
- A tender scar at the incision site
- Nerve damage, meaning loss of sensation in the affected area
Having an operation for your trigger finger is something that your consultant will only recommend if they think it's the most effective treatment. There are several non-surgical treatments that your consultant could recommend you try first, including:
Rest: Your consultant could recommend that you avoid activities that require you to grip objects repetitively or use vibrating machinery until your symptoms improve. This will prevent further irritation and give your hand time to heal.
Splinting: Your consultant might recommend you strap your affected finger or thumb to a plastic splint, preventing it from moving so the affected segment of the tendon doesn't move into the painful position.
Steroid injections: An injection near the base of the affected finger or thumb could reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide freely again. This is generally a safe and effective treatment with low risks.
Your consultant will take any health conditions you have into account when recommending a treatment. They'll discuss any possible side effects with you so you can make an informed decision.
Rest: Your consultant could recommend that you avoid activities that require you to grip objects repetitively or use vibrating machinery until your symptoms improve. This will prevent further irritation and give your hand time to heal.
Splinting: Your consultant might recommend you strap your affected finger or thumb to a plastic splint, preventing it from moving so the affected segment of the tendon doesn't move into the painful position.
Steroid injections: An injection near the base of the affected finger or thumb could reduce inflammation and allow the tendon to glide freely again. This is generally a safe and effective treatment with low risks.
Your consultant will take any health conditions you have into account when recommending a treatment. They'll discuss any possible side effects with you so you can make an informed decision.
On the day of surgery, the procedure is performed in an operating theatre with a local anaesthetic used to numb the surgical site. Some patients prefer using sedation in addition to a local anaesthetic.
The surgeon will perform the trigger finger surgery procedure described above to release the trigger finger or thumb. They'll then wash out the surgical site and close it up with stitches, surgical adhesive and bandaging. The operation typically takes around 30 minutes.
The surgeon will perform the trigger finger surgery procedure described above to release the trigger finger or thumb. They'll then wash out the surgical site and close it up with stitches, surgical adhesive and bandaging. The operation typically takes around 30 minutes.
Your finger or thumb should be easier to move soon after your trigger finger release surgery. Your consultant will encourage you to start moving it as soon as you can to promote blood flow and prevent stiffness. You should be able to go home the same day, but you won't be able to drive, so you’ll need someone to help you travel.
Your consultant will advise you to take simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They will advise you to keep your hand raised to prevent excessive swelling. You'll need to keep your hand bandaged for up to a week, and you'll have your stitches removed 10 to 14 days after the surgery.
They will recommend you do physiotherapy to help relieve swelling, pain and stiffness and restore movement of the finger or thumb. Surgery for trigger finger is typically successful, and it's rare for the condition to return.
Your consultant will advise you to take simple painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. They will advise you to keep your hand raised to prevent excessive swelling. You'll need to keep your hand bandaged for up to a week, and you'll have your stitches removed 10 to 14 days after the surgery.
They will recommend you do physiotherapy to help relieve swelling, pain and stiffness and restore movement of the finger or thumb. Surgery for trigger finger is typically successful, and it's rare for the condition to return.
It could take you up to a month or two to fully recover from trigger finger or thumb surgery.
You should be able to move the affected finger immediately after the operation, but you'll need a few weeks of recovery before you can move it with full freedom again. Returning to desk-based work is usually after a week or two. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before you can return to intense activities such as sports or hard physical labour. Your recovery period may be longer if you've had surgery on more than one digit.
Your consultant will let you know when you can expect your finger or thumb to return to its usual flexibility, range of motion and strength. They'll let you know when you're safe to return to regular activities such as driving and working following your trigger finger or thumb release surgery.
You should be able to move the affected finger immediately after the operation, but you'll need a few weeks of recovery before you can move it with full freedom again. Returning to desk-based work is usually after a week or two. It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before you can return to intense activities such as sports or hard physical labour. Your recovery period may be longer if you've had surgery on more than one digit.
Your consultant will let you know when you can expect your finger or thumb to return to its usual flexibility, range of motion and strength. They'll let you know when you're safe to return to regular activities such as driving and working following your trigger finger or thumb release surgery.
Our patient stories
Andy’s story: Keeping his music alive after his thumb surgery
After being diagnosed with arthritis by his doctor, Andy was referred to Mr Mark Phillips, a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at London Bridge Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK.
“Our hands are essential for so many everyday tasks. Using your hands is something you don't fully appreciate until you're in pain or you can't use one.”
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.