Trigger finger is an uncomfortable condition in which a digit catches, clicks and becomes stiff and difficult to move. Trigger finger is painful and can affect the function of your hand.
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What is it for?
Treatment for the inflammation of tendons in the fingers
Trigger finger release consultation at The London Clinic
Trigger finger or stenosing tenosynovitis is a condition in which one or more of the tendons in the fingers or thumbs become inflamed.
They can’t slide smoothly within their fibrous sheath, and it becomes progressively more difficult to move and bend the digit.
The thumb or finger can become stuck in the bent position, then suddenly pop free with a click.
The thumb, ring finger and little finger are more at risk of trigger finger. As the condition develops, it can restrict movement and make it difficult to use your hand effectively.
The London Clinic provides expert assessment of hand problems and the latest surgical techniques to reduce pain, release trigger finger and restore function.
The London Clinic’s specialist surgeons work in state-of-the-art operating theatres.
They are assisted by an expert multidisciplinary team to support you during treatment and throughout your rehabilitation.
FAQs
All surgery has risks. The surgeons and The London Clinic team are dedicated to reducing complications and helping your recovery.
Problems with pain, bleeding, scarring, and infection can happen after any operation.
Specific issues with trigger finger surgery are uncommon. They include recurrence of the problem, nerve damage, stiffness and ongoing pain. Speak to your surgeon if you have any concerns.
They will always take time to discuss the pros and cons of the procedure and answer any questions.
Yes, the condition can settle without surgery. Rest, anti-inflammatories, splints and steroid injections can help ease symptoms and reduce triggering.
Most people can go home on the day of surgery. The London Clinic’s team will provide support as you recover and arrange follow-up to assess your progress.
Your consultant will tell you when it is safe to get back to work and normal activities. Most people with a non-physical, desk job can return to work straight away.
However, people who perform manual work may need four weeks to rest and recover.
Pain is usually minimal; taking regular over-the-counter painkillers can help relieve any discomfort.
The surgeon will monitor your progress and may recommend specialist physiotherapy, particularly if you had significant stiffness and movement restriction before surgery.
The London Clinic team will always be on hand if you have any problems or worries.
Not everyone with trigger finger needs surgery. The condition can settle without treatment, and conservative treatments can also ease discomfort and free-up movement.
The London Clinic offers comprehensive care for trigger finger. Treatment options include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Rest and movement modification
- Splints to support the finger
- Steroid injections to decrease swelling and inflammation
The London Clinic provides expert assessment and investigation of your hand so that you can access the best treatment to resolve your symptoms.
Our experienced surgeons will assess and advise you in The London Clinic’s comfortable and well-equipped consulting rooms.
They will take a detailed medical history, examine your hand, and ask about the impact your symptoms have on your wellbeing and function.
They may arrange investigations in the cutting-edge imaging suite. These could include:
- X-ray
- Blood tests to look for other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes
In consultation with you, they will then plan your surgery. They will take the time to answer all your questions and address any concerns.
Your surgeon will let you know when you can drive. In general, you can start when you feel it’s safe.
Usually, this is 3 to 5 days after surgery. People who have had minimally-invasive surgery typically recover more quickly.
Consultants
We offer Fixed Price Packages
Where possible, we’ll provide a fixed-price package for your hospital care. This covers your hospital stay, nursing, and use of our facilities, giving you a clear guide to what those costs will be.
- Pre-op assessment
- Hospital stay, nursing care and meals
- Tests, scans and physio during your stay
- Take-home medication (up to 5 days)
- Post-op follow-up appointments
- Standard equipment or prosthesis (if needed)
- Unplanned extended stay or ITU (if clinically required)
- Initial consultation and any tests done during it
- Consultant and anaesthetist fees (quoted separately)
- Physio or therapy before or after your stay
- Diagnostics before admission (unless agreed in your plan)
- Specialist medication beyond 5 days
- Ambulance transport or bespoke prosthetics
Your consultant’s fees are quoted separately and shared directly by their office after your consultation. These professional fees cover the time, expertise, and care provided by your consultant before, during, and after your treatment. See our full terms and conditions
Why choose The London Clinic?
Trusted for over 90 years, The London Clinic is an independent charitable hospital that reinvests into care, research, and support for those who can’t easily access private treatment.
The UK’s largest independent hospital
More patients choose The London Clinic than any other.
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4.86/5 from over 1,600 reviews on Doctify and over 4.5 on Google.
Full intensive care on-site
World-class 13-bed ICU for expert support if your care becomes complex.
Investing in clinical excellence
Backed by Northwestern, we equip our teams with cutting-edge medical equipment.
0% Finance Options
We’ve teamed up with Chrysalis to offer you funding options that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment.
If you choose to pay for your treatment at The London Clinic over 12 months, you can make use of a great 0% interest option and pay nothing extra. Or you can choose to pay over two to five years at 14.9% APR.
Trustees of the London Clinic Ltd trading as The London Clinic is an Appointed Representative of Chrysalis Finance Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. The London Clinic is a credit broker, not a lender. The provider of a payment scheme which is not offered through or by Chrysalis Finance Limited may not be so authorised and regulated. Cancer treatments or transplants aren’t covered by finance packages. Finance options are only available for UK patients.