Trigger Finger Physiotherapy
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, may cause pain, clicking or catching when bending or straightening a finger. Symptoms may be more noticeable in the morning or after repeated hand use, and some people may need extra effort to straighten the finger. In more pronounced cases, the finger may temporarily become locked in a bent position.
If symptoms are mainly focused around the thumb side of the wrist and are aggravated by lifting, carrying or twisting, you may also refer to [De Quervain’s Physiotherapy].
Common symptoms
- Pain or clicking when bending or straightening a finger
- Catching or triggering during finger movement
- Finger stiffness that may be more noticeable in the morning
- Tenderness or a small nodule around the base of the affected finger
- Difficulty straightening the finger or temporary locking in more pronounced cases
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at which finger is affected, how long the symptoms have been present, and whether gripping, lifting, phone use, work or other repetitive hand activities aggravate the problem. Where appropriate, finger movement, tenderness, grip strength and hand function may also be assessed to understand how the symptoms affect everyday use.
The assessment also considers whether the presentation is consistent with trigger finger or whether further medical assessment may be appropriate for another finger or joint problem.
Further medical or orthopaedic assessment may be appropriate if the finger remains locked and cannot straighten normally, movement becomes substantially limited, or persistent symptoms continue to affect work and daily hand function.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may include activity modification, finger-mobility and hand-function exercises, together with advice on repetitive gripping, work and daily hand use according to the symptom presentation. Rehabilitation is adjusted according to pain, catching and individual functional needs.
Related Conditions
De Quervain’s
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Wrist Pain
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.