Stuck in a Bend: Understanding and Managing Trigger Finger & Trigger Thumb
If your finger or thumb clicks each time you bend it, or if it gets stuck in a bent position and then suddenly pops straight—like pulling a trigger—you may be dealing with trigger finger or trigger thumb. This condition, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, can be painful and frustrating, especially when it interferes with everyday tasks like gripping, writing, or even buttoning clothes.
The good news? There are effective, non-surgical ways to treat it, especially when you team up with an OT Certified Hand Therapist (CHT).
What Is Trigger Finger?
Normally, your tendons glide smoothly through a tunnel-like structure in your finger called a pulley. The pulley is located on the palm side of the hand, at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
“Triggering” happens when the tendon that bends your finger or thumb becomes inflamed, swollen, or irritated. Some people even develop a nodule on the tendon that can feel like a small pea. Pressing on the area causes tenderness. The digit may be swollen.
When the tendon is irritated, it can make your finger snap, click, or lock in a bent position. Sometimes there is so much inflammation that the finger feels stuck, as if it can only bend so much. Other times, it locks in place but you may be able to use the muscles of the finger to “unlock” the joint, or you need to use your other hand to pry it open. This is very painful.
What Causes It?
Trigger finger can happen to anyone or as a result of injury. It’s not uncommon in people with certain medical conditions or hormonal changes. Common causes include:
- Arthritis – rheumatoid arthritis, which can cause inflammation in tendon sheaths; osteoarthritis can cause joint instability, enlargement or osteophytes on the joints creating a point of friction on the tendon.
- Diabetes – Higher glucose levels can lead to changes in connective tissue.
- Aromatase inhibitors – Medications used in breast cancer treatment can increase tendon sensitivity.
- Repetitive gripping or tool use – Common in manual labor or hobbies. Holding a firm object in the palm causes the flexor tendon to be caught “between a rock and a hard place” as it becomes squished between the knuckle bone and the tool handle.
You may notice symptoms worse upon waking in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
How a Certified Hand Therapist Can Help
A CHT is a specialized OT with advanced training in hand and upper extremity rehabilitation. Their goal? To reduce pain, improve finger motion, and help you avoid surgery.
Common OT Interventions for Trigger Finger Include:
Blocking Splints
A finger or thumb blocking splint (more properly called an “orthosis”) limits movement at the joint that’s catching. By resting the tendon, inflammation has time to settle down, often reducing clicking and locking. Consistency is key!
A research study showed that people who wore the splint full-time for 12 weeks got better without a need for more invasive medical intervention such as steroid injection or surgical release.
Though this seems like a long time to wear a splint, it’s worth seeing if this simple intervention can work!
Gentle Exercises
Movement is medicine, when done correctly. Your CHT will guide you through:
- Tendon gliding exercises to prevent stiffness
- Passive range-of-motion/stretch to maintain flexibility
- Exercises are always pain-free and gradually progress based on your healing
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Manual therapy techniques help release tight bands, improve circulation, and reduce triggering frequency. Your therapist may use:
- Gentle friction massage over the pulley site
- Stretching and myofascial release to relieve tension in the palm and forearm
- Self-massage instruction
Kinesthetic Elastic Taping
Kinesiology tape applied to the palm or finger can offer support and decompression, helping reduce inflammation without limiting motion. You can be taught to easily self-apply this for symptom reduction.
Take Action Early
Trigger finger tends to respond best when treated early, before the finger becomes permanently stiff or painful. Left untreated, the condition can worsen and may eventually require corticosteroid injections or surgery.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dealing with a finger that locks, clicks, or just won’t straighten out, don’t wait for it to go away on its own. An OT Certified Hand Therapist can create a personalized, hands-on plan to help you heal naturally, reduce pain, and protect your hand function—so you can get back to doing what you love.
Reduce the Click: Manage Triggering and Promote Hand Function
Click the button below for my website to schedule OT services for hand therapy in Evanston, IL. Serving clients in the Chicagoland area and North Shore.
Flourish Recovery & Wellness 