Trigger Finger: Why Your Fingers Click, Catch or Hurt — And the Fastest Way to Settle It
- 지수 이
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
Trigger Finger: Why Your Fingers Click, Catch or Hurt — And the Fastest Way to Settle It
What is happening inside the hand?
Tendons slide through tendon sheaths in your palm. Repetition, pressure or irritation can cause the sheath to inflame and narrow, so the tendon no longer glides smoothly. The result is pain, stiffness, and a catching/locking sensation.
Quick self‑check
Do you feel pain when moving your fingers?
Do your fingers have difficulty straightening or bending?
Do you feel a catching/snapping sensation when you move a finger?If you ticked one or more, it’s time to act.
Common triggers (pun intended)
Gripping or pinching tasks (writing, mouse work, DIY, gardening, washing up).
Frequent micro‑strains, chronic friction, or an acute overuse burst.
Poor wrist/hand posture and lack of recovery between tasks.
When to seek help
Symptoms last > 2 weeks, or you’re waking with a stiff, bent finger.
A tender nodule in the palm; the finger locks.
Swelling or the pain is affecting work, sleep or sport.
What we recommend at J&J Therapy (evidence‑informed)
Symptom pattern | Best first‑line option at J&J | How it helps | Typical frequency* |
Pain + morning stiffness; clicking without full lock | Shockwave therapy | Stimulates healing in the tendon–sheath interface; reduces pain sensitivity | 1x/week, 3–6 sessions |
Thickened, tight palm; overuse history | Therapeutic/Corrective massage | Releases adhesions, improves gliding | 1x/week, 3–6 sessions |
Recurrent flare with poor ergonomics | Physiotherapy & corrective exercise | Tendon‑glide drills, grip/load modification, posture | Home daily + weekly review |
Swelling/heavy hand | Lymphatic massage (as needed) | Aids fluid movement, reduces pressure | As assessed |
Pain control adjunct | Electrotherapy (TENS/ultrasound) | Short‑term analgesia to keep you moving | In‑clinic adjunct |
*Actual plan is personalised after assessment.
Why shockwave first for stubborn cases?
Tendons are relatively low‑blood‑supply tissues, so recovery can drag on for 3+ months. Shockwave therapy is non‑invasive and often accelerates the process for trigger finger by stimulating local circulation and tissue remodelling. It can be a useful step before considering injections or surgery.
Home care you can start today
Relative rest from forceful gripping; use a padded handle or larger pens.
Night‑time finger splint if you wake with a bent finger (keeps it straight).
Warmth before movement; ice after heavy use if it throbs.
Gentle tendon‑gliding (10 reps, little‑and‑often across the day).
Avoid “power grabs”; switch to two‑hand or lighter tools.
Seek urgent care if you have severe swelling, fever, or numbness.
Your treatment journey at J&J
Consultation & assessment — we identify the aggravators and rule out look‑alikes.
Hands‑on care — corrective massage + shockwave therapy as indicated.
Exercise & ergonomics — simple drills, set‑ups for desk/housework/sport.
Review & progression — taper sessions as symptoms settle.
Ready to feel your fingers glide again?
Text/WhatsApp: 07882 943540 (AI‑assisted) / 07935 869938 (English & Korean)
Email: info@jjwellcare.com
Opening hours: Tue–Wed 9:00–19:20, Thu Closed, Fri–Sat 9:00–19:20, Mon Closed
This article is educational and not a medical diagnosis. We’ll refer you on when injections or surgical review are more appropriate.
FAQ (brief)
Is shockwave painful?You’ll feel a strong tapping. We tailor intensity to comfort; it lasts only a few minutes.
How soon will I notice change?Some feel lighter within 1–2 sessions; tissue change typically builds over 3–6 sessions.
Can it prevent surgery?Many cases settle without injections or surgery; if not, we’ll help you access next steps.
Is this the same as carpal tunnel?No. Carpal tunnel is nerve compression at the wrist; trigger finger is a tendon‑sheath issue in the palm.
Can I keep working at a desk?Yes—adjust mouse/keyboard height, take micro‑breaks, and avoid forceful gripping.
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