Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the tendon that bends a finger becomes irritated and cannot glide smoothly through its sheath. This can cause the finger to catch, snap, or lock during movement. Physical therapy helps reduce inflammation, restore tendon movement, and improve hand function.
Do you feel a painful catching, snapping, or locking sensation when bending or straightening one of your fingers? Has your finger ever become stuck in a bent position before suddenly releasing? These symptoms may indicate trigger finger, a common condition affecting the tendons of the hand.
At Rose Physical Therapy, with locations in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North in Washington, DC, our experienced physical therapists provide personalized treatment designed to reduce pain, restore smooth finger movement, and improve hand function.
What Is Trigger Finger?
Your fingers move using flexor tendons, which connect muscles in the forearm to the bones of the fingers. These tendons pass through small tunnels in the hand known as pulleys, which help keep the tendons close to the bones during movement.
In trigger finger, the tendon or its surrounding sheath becomes inflamed or thickened, creating friction as the tendon moves through the pulley. This irritation most commonly occurs at the base of the finger or thumb.
When the tendon catches or momentarily gets stuck, the finger may snap, click, or lock as it moves.
Trigger finger can affect any finger, but it most often occurs in the:
• Ring finger
• Middle finger
• Thumb
Causes of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger often develops from repetitive hand use or tendon irritation.
Common contributing factors include:
• Repetitive gripping activities such as using tools or sports equipment
• Frequent typing or hand-intensive work
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Diabetes, which increases the risk of tendon disorders
• Prolonged or forceful hand use with poor ergonomics
• Hormonal changes during pregnancy
• Previous hand injury or surgery
These factors can increase pressure within the tendon sheath and interfere with normal tendon movement.
Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Symptoms of trigger finger may develop gradually and can range from mild irritation to significant finger locking.
Common symptoms include:
• Clicking or snapping when moving the finger
• A locking sensation when bending or straightening the finger
• Pain or tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb
• Morning stiffness in the affected finger
• A small bump or nodule in the palm near the affected tendon
• Difficulty fully straightening or bending the finger
• Pain when gripping objects or using tools
If untreated, symptoms may worsen and interfere with everyday tasks such as typing, gripping, or lifting objects.
How Trigger Finger Is Diagnosed
Trigger finger is typically diagnosed through a physical examination.
At Rose Physical Therapy, your therapist will evaluate:
Tendon and pulley tenderness
Checking for irritation at the base of the finger.
Finger movement patterns
Observing snapping or locking during movement.
Grip strength
Assessing how the hand functions during gripping activities.
Tendon gliding ability
Evaluating how smoothly the tendon moves through the sheath.
Activity patterns
Identifying repetitive hand movements that may contribute to symptoms.
Imaging tests are rarely needed unless another condition such as arthritis, fracture, or mass is suspected.
Physical Therapy Treatment for Trigger Finger
Early treatment can significantly improve symptoms and help prevent worsening of the condition.
Your treatment plan at Rose Physical Therapy may include:
Manual Therapy
Soft tissue mobilization techniques used to reduce adhesions and improve tendon movement.
Splinting or Taping
Temporary support to rest the tendon and reduce irritation during healing.
Stretching Exercises
Gentle stretching to maintain finger mobility and reduce stiffness.
Tendon Gliding Exercises
Specific exercises designed to help the tendon move smoothly through the pulley system.
Strengthening Exercises
Gradual strengthening of the hand and forearm muscles to support functional hand use.
Ergonomic Training
Guidance on improving hand positioning during repetitive tasks to reduce strain.
Activity Modification
Strategies to temporarily reduce stress on the affected tendon while it heals.
Home Exercise Program
A personalized exercise routine to support progress between therapy sessions.
Trigger Finger Treatment in Washington, DC
Trigger finger can make everyday tasks difficult, but early treatment can help restore smooth finger movement and reduce pain.
At Rose Physical Therapy, we provide individualized care designed to address the root cause of your symptoms and restore normal hand function.
If you are experiencing finger pain, locking, or stiffness, schedule an evaluation at one of our Washington, DC locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Our team is ready to help you regain comfortable hand movement and return to your daily activities without pain.