Trigger Finger

What is a trigger finger?

The muscles that bend your fingers are located in your forearm, and connect to your fingertips via long, smooth cords called tendons. As these tendons travel up your fingers, they pass through a series of tight "tunnels".

Trigger finger occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed and swollen, or when it develops a small, thickened nodule. Suddenly, the tendon is too thick to glide smoothly through the first tunnel at the base of your finger (the A1 pulley). When you try to straighten your finger, the swollen tendon gets stuck, causing the finger to catch, pop, or completely lock in a bent position.

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Before & After Photos

Before

After

Patient 01

Patient Number

142039

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 02

Patient Number

142040

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 03

Patient Number

142041

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

Before

After

Patient 04

Patient Number

142042

Description

Timeline Timeline Surgeon Surgeon

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What to expect

Pre-op

Before Surgery

Click here to learn more about what to expect during consultation.

Who is a good candidate?

• Healthy
• Individuals who cannot fully extend their fingers
• Individuals experiencing significant functional impairment
• Realistic expectations

How to Prepare for Surgery

• You may need to do bloodwork or additional tests if the surgery is done with sedation
• Stop smoking for 4-6 weeks
• Avoid herbal supplements for 2 weeks
• Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatories for 1 week
• Ask whether you need to hold certain medications before surgery

Risk & Complications

Procedure

On the Day of Surgery

Click here to learn what to expect on the day of your operation.

Anesthesia

• Local with sedation or,
• Local only

Duration of Surgery

• 10-20 minutes

Incisions

• Depends on the finger being operated on

Please bring all your home medications.

Post-op

After Surgery

Click here to learn what to expect with your recovery and long-term results.

Wound care

• You will be given a dressing that you will keep dry for 3-5 days, then you may remove this and wash with soap and water.

Sutures

• Removed within 2 weeks

Return to light work

• 1-2 weeks

Return to regular activity or exercise

• 3-4 weeks

Please follow all of the specific instructions given to you and attend your follow-up appointment as arranged.

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What is the average cost of a trigger finger release?

OHIP Covered (if applicable)

Trigger finger release surgery is typically covered by OHIP when medically necessary. Out-of-pocket costs for uninsured patients or additional clinic services may include:

Pre-op Investigations

Anesthesia

Equipment & Facility

Nursing Fee

Surgical Fee

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What are my Financing Options?

Every patient should have access to flexible financing options when considering a procedure. At Elevate Plastic Surgery, we partner with leading Canadian financing providers to help make your journey more accessible. Please contact us to learn more.

Elevate Plastic Surgery Personalized Plan

Beautifi Financing

iFinance

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Frequently Asked Questions.

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Occasionally, a very mild trigger finger might resolve with strict rest and avoiding the activities that caused the inflammation. However, once the finger begins actively catching or locking, it rarely resolves completely on its own. Ignoring a locked finger for months can actually lead to permanent stiffness in the joint, which is why early, conservative intervention is highly recommended.

The palm is a sensitive area, so the idea of an injection can be intimidating. At our clinic, we use ultra-fine needles to make the process as quick and comfortable as possible. You will feel a sharp pinch and some pressure for a few seconds. The results are often highly effective: a single injection can provide relief in over 50% to 70% of patients within a few days.

We generally recommend a maximum of two cortisone injections in a single finger. If the triggering returns after the first injection, a second one may be effective. However, repeated steroid injections into the same space can eventually weaken the tendon itself or thin the surrounding skin. If two injections fail to provide long-lasting relief, it is time to discuss a surgical release.

The procedure is formally called an "A1 Pulley Release." We make a very small incision (about half an inch) in the natural crease of your palm at the base of the affected finger. We then carefully locate the tight "tunnel" (the A1 pulley) that is trapping the tendon and gently cut it open. This instantly releases the pressure, allowing the swollen tendon to glide smoothly right away.

A true surgical recurrence, where the released pulley heals back together and causes the exact same finger to trigger again, is exceedingly rare. An A1 pulley release is considered a permanent fix for that specific finger. However, because the underlying cause is tendon inflammation, it is possible to develop a new trigger finger on a completely different digit in the future.