Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments | An Orthopedic Surgeon Explains Injections, Surgery, and Taping

"Fingers catch when bending or extending," "Fingers stay bent and can't be straightened in the morning," "Pain when pressing the base of the finger" – these could be symptoms of trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis).Trigger finger may also be written in katakana as "バネ指" (bane yubi), but it refers to the same condition.

Trigger finger is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendon sheath, and if left untreated, the finger can become locked and immobile. Most cases can be improved with injections or rest if treatment begins when symptoms are mild.

In this article, an orthopedic surgeon will provide a detailed explanation of trigger finger, including its symptoms, causes, severity classification, cost of injections and surgery, and taping methods.

✓ Diagnosis and steroid injections for trigger finger
✓ Treatment covered by insurance
✓ Walk-ins welcome; open from 9 AM daily

👉 Walk-ins are welcome. Please feel free to consult us.

What is Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)?

Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) is a condition where the tendon sheath of a finger becomes inflamed and thickens, preventing the tendon from moving smoothly. It is characterized by a "clicking" or "snapping" sensation when bending or extending the finger, and in severe cases, the finger may remain bent and unable to straighten.

Its formal name is "stenosing tenosynovitis." While trigger finger is a common condition, if left untreated, it can worsen and eventually require surgery.

Main Symptoms of Trigger Finger

People Prone to Trigger Finger

• Women aged 40-60 (hormonal changes can lead to tenosynovitis)

• Those in occupations that frequently use their hands (desk work, prolonged smartphone use, manual labor)

• Individuals with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders

• Postpartum women (hormonal changes and overuse of hands from childcare)

Causes of Trigger Finger

Tendons pass through a tubular "tendon sheath." When the tendon sheath thickens due to overuse or aging, the tendon can no longer glide smoothly within it, leading to inflammation and catching.

Classification of Trigger Finger Severity

Trigger Finger Treatment - From Conservative Therapy to Surgery

Treatment for trigger finger is carried out in stages, according to the severity of symptoms.

① Rest and Taping (Mild Cases)

If overuse of the hand is the cause, symptoms may improve with rest alone. Taping the finger to reduce the burden on the tendon sheath is also effective. This is suitable for Grade 1 to mild Grade 2 cases.

② Steroid Injections (Moderate Cases)

Injecting steroids (corticosteroids) and local anesthetics into the tendon sheath can suppress inflammation and alleviate symptoms. Injections are performed on an outpatient basis, and most patients experience improvement after 1-2 injections.

③ Surgery (Severe Cases / When Injections Are Ineffective)

If steroid injections do not improve the condition after 2-3 attempts, or for severe cases of Grade 3-4, surgery (tenosynovectomy) is performed.

Taping for Trigger Finger - First Aid You Can Do at Home

Taping is a method to temporarily alleviate trigger finger symptoms. However, it is not a fundamental treatment, so if symptoms persist, medical consultation is necessary.

Does Trigger Finger Heal Naturally?

In mild cases (Grade 1), trigger finger may improve naturally with rest. However, in most cases, symptoms worsen with continued hand use. If left untreated with the thought "it will heal eventually," it can progress to locking (entrapment) and require surgery.

We recommend seeking medical attention as soon as you notice your finger catching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. Which department should I consult for trigger finger?

Orthopedics is appropriate. Our clinic offers diagnosis, injections, and taping guidance for trigger finger as an orthopedic practice.

Q. Is the trigger finger injection painful?

There is a slight stinging pain during the injection, but it quickly subsides after the procedure due to the anesthetic. Many patients say it was "less painful than expected."

Q. My finger is stuck in a bent position. Do I need surgery immediately?

Even if your finger is completely locked (entrapment), we usually try steroid injections first. Surgery is considered if injections do not bring improvement. Please visit us to assess the severity.

Q. I have trigger finger in multiple fingers on both hands.

If trigger finger occurs in multiple fingers simultaneously, it may be due to underlying systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid disorders. We recommend blood tests to confirm.

Q. Is trigger finger treatment covered by insurance?

Yes. Examinations, steroid injections, and surgery are all covered by insurance. As an orthopedic clinic, we provide trigger finger treatment under insurance coverage.

Visit Process

1. Book online or walk in
   If you have severe pain, please call us. We will guide you through the consultation process.
2. Reception and filling out the medical questionnaire
   Please provide details such as when, where, and what symptoms you are experiencing.
   
3. Doctor's examination
   The doctor will assess the extent of inflammation and severity through visual inspection and palpation.
4. Treatment/Prescription
   Treatment, such as injections, will be administered according to the severity.
5. Home care guidance
   We will provide instructions for daily care.
   
6. Payment and departure
   We will advise you on when to visit next and provide tips for preventing recurrence.

Clinic Hours and Access

Item	Content
Clinic Name	Jujo Station Haru Internal Medicine & Dermatology Clinic
Clinic Hours	Monday - Sunday, open from 9 AM daily. Open until 8 PM on Wednesdays, 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and 7 PM on Sundays.
Closed	None (irregular holidays)
Location	J&MALL 1F, 2-27-1 Kami-Jujo, Kita-ku, Tokyo 114-0034
By Train/On Foot	Approx. 1-2 minutes walk from JR Saikyo Line "Jujo Station," J&MALL 1st floor
By Bus	Directly in front of the Kokusai Kogyo Bus "Jujo Station" bus stop
By Car	Please use nearby coin parking facilities
Contact Us	TEL: 03-6698-2509　／　Official LINE:https://lin.ee/AL0fp3z