Trigger Thumb
Symptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More

Trigger Thumb Overview

Save information for later
Sign Up

Learn About Trigger Thumb

What is the definition of Trigger Thumb?
Trigger finger or thumb, also known as digital stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition in which a finger or thumb is stuck in a position as if it were squeezing a trigger. When the thumb or finger straightens, it may do so with a snap, as if a trigger were being released. Trigger finger or thumb is caused by a narrowing of the sheath that surrounds a tendon due to inflammation, and often occurs from work that requires repetitive gripping motions. The condition is more common in women and people with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, or can also occur as a complication of carpal tunnel surgery.
What are the symptoms of Trigger Thumb?
Symptoms of trigger finger are a finger or thumb that locks in a bent position, with a painful snapping or popping when straightening or bending finger, a painful bump at the base of the finger or thumb, stiffness, and worsened symptoms in the morning or with a grasping motion.
Not sure about your diagnosis?
Check Your Symptoms
What are the current treatments for Trigger Thumb?
Treatment for trigger finger or thumb can be conservative or require surgery. Conservative treatments focus on reducing swelling by allowing the tendon to rest, which may require wearing a splint or tape, applying ice and heat, and cortisone injections. If conservative treatments fail, then a surgical procedure known as trigger finger release may also be performed.
Who are the top Trigger Thumb Local Doctors?
Distinguished in Trigger Thumb
Dr. Edward J. Bieber
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics | Sports Medicine
Distinguished in Trigger Thumb
Dr. Edward J. Bieber
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics | Sports Medicine
Referral may be required
Before you request

OrthoBethesda

10215 Fernwood Road, Suite 506, 
Bethesda, MD 
301-530-1010
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Offers Telehealth

Edward Bieber is an Orthopedics specialist and a Sports Medicine provider practicing medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. Dr. Bieber is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trigger Thumb. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Synovitis, Tendinitis, Tenosynovitis, and Trigger Thumb. Dr. Bieber is board certified in Abos.

Elite in Trigger Thumb
Dr. Jonas L. Matzon
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics
Elite in Trigger Thumb
Dr. Jonas L. Matzon
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics
Referral may be required

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

2500 English Creek Ave, 
Egg Harbor Twp, NJ 
609-677-6063
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients

Jonas Matzon is a Hand Surgeon and an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in Egg Harbor Twp, New Jersey. Dr. Matzon is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trigger Thumb. He is also highly rated in 14 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Thumb, Mononeuritis Multiplex, Nerve Decompression, and Trapeziectomy. Dr. Matzon is board certified in Orthopedic Surgery, American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopedic Surgery, 2012, American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hand Surgery, 2013, and Hand Surgery. Dr. Matzon is currently accepting new patients.

 
 
 
 
Learn about our expert tiers
Learn More
Distinguished in Trigger Thumb
Dr. Steven Beldner
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics
Distinguished in Trigger Thumb
Dr. Steven Beldner
Hand Surgery | Orthopedics
Referral may be required

Northwell Health Physician Partners New York Hand And Wrist Center Of Lenox Hill

210 East 64th Street, 5th Floor, 
New York, NY 
212-434-4263
Languages Spoken:
English
See accepted insurances
Accepting New Patients
Offers Telehealth

Steven Beldner is a Hand Surgeon and an Orthopedics provider practicing medicine in New York, New York. Dr. Beldner is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Trigger Thumb. He is also highly rated in 8 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Trigger Thumb, Dupuytren Contracture, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, and Tennis Elbow. Dr. Beldner is board certified in American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery and American Board Of Orthopaedic Surgery/Hand Surgery. Dr. Beldner is currently accepting new patients.

View All Doctors
What are the latest Trigger Thumb Clinical Trials?
Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Trigger Finger: A Randomized Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial
Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Trigger Finger: A Randomized Double-Blind Sham-Controlled Trial
Enrollment Status: Recruiting
Publish Date: August 07, 2026
Intervention Type: Device
Study Phase: Not Applicable

Summary: Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is one of the most common disorders affecting the hand. Its lifetime prevalence is 2-3%. Patients typically present with locking of the affected finger during flexion and painful catching during extension. In mild cases, pain, swelling, and morning stiffness may be present without triggering. In more severe cases, the affected finger may becom...

Match to trials
Find the right clinical trials for you in under a minute
Get started
View All Clinical Trials