Trigger Finger Injection Therapy

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger is a condition affecting the flexor tendon that bends the finger or thumb. The tendon normally glides through a tissue tunnel called a tendon sheath and beneath a pulley at the base of the finger.

When the tendon or surrounding sheath becomes thickened or irritated, movement through the pulley can become restricted. This may cause pain, stiffness, clicking, catching or locking as the finger bends and straightens.

Symptoms are often worse first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity. Some people need to use their other hand to straighten the affected finger.

Trigger finger affecting the thumb is commonly called trigger thumb.

When Might an Injection Be Appropriate?

Corticosteroid injection may be considered when pain, catching or locking is interfering with everyday hand use and symptoms have not settled with activity modification, splinting or time.

It may also be appropriate when symptoms are progressing, the finger is becoming increasingly difficult to straighten or the condition is affecting work, sleep, hobbies or personal care.

An injection is not automatically required for every presentation. Mild symptoms may improve without invasive treatment, while a severely or persistently locked finger may require a surgical opinion.

How Does a Trigger Finger Injection Work?

A small amount of corticosteroid is placed around the affected flexor tendon within the tendon-sheath region near the A1 pulley. It is not intended to be injected directly into the tendon.

The medicine aims to reduce swelling and irritation, allowing the tendon to glide more freely. Improvement may occur gradually over several days or weeks.

Some people experience complete resolution, while others gain partial, temporary or no improvement. The response cannot be guaranteed.

Learn About Corticosteroid Injections→

Is Corticosteroid the Only Treatment?

No. Treatment depends on the severity and duration of the symptoms and how much they are affecting hand function.

Milder cases may be managed with temporary activity modification, pain relief or splinting. If injection treatment is unsuccessful, symptoms recur or the finger remains significantly locked, onward referral for consideration of trigger-finger release surgery may be appropriate.

Your specialist will explain where injection therapy sits within the available options rather than assuming it is automatically the correct treatment.

Trigger Finger and Diabetes

Trigger finger is more common in people with diabetes and may affect more than one finger. Response to corticosteroid injection can be less predictable, and corticosteroid may temporarily increase blood-glucose levels.

If you have diabetes, your current diabetic control and medication will be discussed before treatment. You may be advised to monitor your blood glucose more closely following the injection.

Specialist Hand Injections in Fareham

Assessment and injection therapy for trigger finger are provided at our Fareham clinic by Mike Gillingham, Upper Limb Specialist Physiotherapist.

Mike will confirm whether the symptoms are consistent with trigger finger, consider whether corticosteroid injection is appropriate and explain alternative treatment or onward referral where required.

Explore Our Fareham Upper Limb Clinic →