Trigger Finger Tips + Tricks: Home Exercises, Splinting, and Self-Massage

[@brentslatas9346]

Hi, I was suffering with a trigger thumb for at least two months. It got so bad when snapped it really hurt. I was ready to see a surgeon. I saw your video a week ago and followed everything you mentioned. My trigger thumb is already 90% better. I really appreciate you taking the time to share your expertise. Sincerely thank you. Brent

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you!! I hope it keeps getting better!!

[@debbiesmith2207]

Same here, thanks some much!

[@carlasspicekitchen272]

oh wow! me too! since October! I do have carpal tunnel...im sure that doesn't help. ok even though she is doing a separate video for the thumb, ill try these as well. Thanks

[@maryloudonovan1613]

Excellent info! I'm a long time OT, but not a hand therapist! After a double trigger finger release two months ago (Index and 4th), I continue to have stiffness and decreased ROM, especially at the MP. Directions post-surgery from PA were to do any exercises I wanted! The stretches and ice massage were all great suggestions. Thanks much!

[@wendyzaharko2346]

Hi Kelly. You fixed my trigger thumb!! I’m an MD in Colorado. I worked on this for a year with a hand therapist and orthopedist x One steroid shot. The shot helped a little but then went back to triggering. The massage and the stretching of the tendon that u suggested is what did it. I was shocked to find it fixed my trigger thumb in two weeks. I play a lot of tennis and used the oval 8 for close to a year which at least let me play. Thank u so much. I’ll let my doc and hand therapist know.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Amazing!! I’m so glad it helped!!

[@JD9875-n5s]

I never knew about these exercises and treatments for trigger finger. I've had trigger finger and trigger thumb release surgeries with successful results. Although, if I would've known about the possibility to treat these conditions with the ways you've described and without surgeries. I would have done that. Thank you.

[@mrfoameruk]

Thanks for taking the time to help people..including me....helpful advice and will try them. Practical noninvasive ideas. I really don't want to go down the medication route if possible.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!!!

[@jaysonguihama4662]

Hi doc, I'm from the Philippines, thank you for fixing my Tigger thumb, you are truly a God instrument

[@hildawagner7521]

OMG! Thank you. I don't have trigger finger (yet) but have a lump at the base of my middle finger from RSI. It got so bad that I was looking for how to alleviate some of the pain and found this video. I was sorta following along, doing the stretches as you described them and on the finger exercises, I had this weird sensation of like... relief... and the lump partially unknotted. The lump is almost gone. The pain is just plain gone. I am just shocked. I will continue these exercises with heartfelt gratitude!

[@ForwardTherapy]

that's awesome!!

[@liliemadrid6929]

Man i am so grateful to find your video and the way you are so clear and simple with explaining this information. Im going to show my mom and practice these stretches with her because I know its affecting her and her job. And thanks for the home splints. Thank you thank you thank you

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you!! I hope it helps. Good luck!

[@berylharbert1951]

That was very helpful. Thank you

[@MsTERRY4658]

surgeon wanted to operate, doing your exercises and have come to the conclusion that ocupational therapy your exercises have worked/ i saw there a dry needling procedure, since i'm not doing too bad, i will do the exercises instead. thanks

[@JoeBorzumato-n7r]

Thank you. I learned several new tricks. One which I have been using was to apply direct pressure with your other hand to the area using your thumb. I have also used a rounded plastic close pin. Using a close pin as a tool may be too aggressive, what do you think?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Clothes pin would probably not work but the chip clips work great!

[@detroitpyro2859]

Wow trying to help people like this is amazing of you. I have had trigger finger for a long time I cant deal with it. Where is the trigger thumb video?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you! I hope it helps! The trigger thumb video is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKCUZIWYqcuCr5I

[@detroitpyro2859]

@@ForwardTherapy found it thanks

[@TheCarlzRod]

Thank you for all of these videos! I completed a level II in hands and luckily am now working in the setting as a new grad. So much learning 😅🙌🏼

[@ForwardTherapy]

That’s awesome!!!! It’s a challenging but incredibly rewarding specialty (: just remember you will learn more and more every day! That’s the beauty (and challenge) of hand therapy - you’ll never know everything!!

[@CD-su2qh]

Using a rubber band around your finger tips and opening and releasing worked great for both my middle and ring fingers. 1 set of 20 gave me immediate relief...

[@michellegates7083]

How do you know when your thumb is healed without triggering it? :-) Thank you so much for your professional input that is really helpful :-)

[@ForwardTherapy]

I recommend not testing it for at least 4-6 weeks, then test it and see. If it catches, back into the splint for a few weeks!

[@DomKing96]

Kelly, I just wanted to say thank you so much for your videos. I recently completed my Level 2 in hands, and your videos were extremely helpful!

[@ForwardTherapy]

That’s awesome!! I’m so glad (: I remember doing fieldwork and feeling like there weren’t many resources for students or newer hand therapists, and I remember that being super frustrating. Congrats on finishing your fieldwork!!!

[@DomKing96]

@@ForwardTherapy Thanks! Yes, it was a little frustrating at first, but I'm glad I was able to find resources, such as your channel, that helped me.

[@godschild5824]

A recent seminar I attended suggested a simple figure 8 splint- they mentioned the splint can be placed on the PIP (or any of the joints) to prevent triggering at the A1 pulley. I think PIP would make the most sense. This to me would be more comfortable that our MCP blocking splint - increased comfort = increased compliance and hopefully better results.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I tend to recommend oval 8 splints first, then try mcp blocking splints if that doesn’t work!

[@lenas5613]

Thank-you for this video! I bought vive splints on Amazon. . 🙂

[@katelockhart859]

Thank you. I will give these a try.

[@mrydjeski]

I can't wait to try these! I hope it helps!🙂

[@AntonioGomez-no2sm]

Thank you for your time

[@surendrabery5951]

You have explained well. I will try these on my index finger in the left hand. Thank you.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I hope it helps!

[@VictorMkpayah]

Thank you so much, this is really helpful.

[@brianede8997]

Thanks for your incite. I’m having my second occurrence on my left ring finger. 😢 Do you suggest ultrasound massage (Revitive device)?

[@ForwardTherapy]

I'm not familiar with that device! I don't typically use ultrasound in my practice but I do believe that if something seems to be helping or you find relief, that's great!

[@keatonspitzer1665]

Did you try it?

[@disha1008]

Can y plz suggest some remedies for trigger thumb?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Yes! A video will be live next Monday specific to trigger thumb!

[@sharit7970]

Thanks for posting- super helpful! Trigger finger[s] have elbowed their way into my life...yay... The highlighter massage is a great idea that I haven't seen elsewhere. Thanks again!

[@niciathome]

Thanks so much for your video.

[@sharit7970]

I stumbled onto something on the cheap that seems to be working...I was trying to think of something spherical that I could use for massage. I've used a marble, which is pretty good, but you can drop it. Long story less long, I thought; a roll on deodorant container; travel size from the dollar store! So I got one. To empty it, I just held it upside down and squeezed the liquid out, then rinsed it: put some water in [squeeze the bottle, then hold it under running water while releasing it] then you can shake it and empty it again. Now I just tried this today, so I don't know if there will be any more snags, but thought I'd pass it along, It's easy to hold and you don't have to worry about hunting for a dropped marble.

[@C3S789]

Hi Kelly. So glad I found your video. I think I have a few trigger fingers from suddenly doing a lot of DIY at our new house. I'm 55 so I was afraid it was arthritis but all the symptoms seem to point to trigger. Two questions. First, I think I have 3 of my middle fingers of the right hand with these symptoms. Is that extreme? Second, the knuckle that seems most affected is the big one (proximal interphlangeal?) of my middle finger. Do you exercises and ice treatment target this as well? Thanks!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Sorry to hear! Hope these exercises help. While the middle joint is the one that typically has pain, and motion at this joint can cause the click, usually the area to target is the palm. The ice and exercises should help!

[@edrisirving690]

Do we do all the fingere

[@ForwardTherapy]

This is meant for any finger with trigger finger.

[@godschild5824]

Thank you Kelly :-)

[@MsArianaCelene]

This is great! Thank you so much!

[@harphr7]

Hi! I got trigger finger 3 weeks ago and I am thinking about getting the injection. I just wanted to ask you how long it takes for it to heal after the injection and also if you would recommend the injection. Looking forward to your reply!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Injection can help! It doesn’t heal the issue, but it gets the inflammation down and helps you to get “over the hump” so you can continue to heal.

[@harphr7]

@@ForwardTherapy What would you say is the healing time with and without the injection?

[@ForwardTherapy]

I can’t really give an exact date or timeline because everybody is different and every body is different…it depends on severity and duration of the condition, how well you’re able to modify activities, and inflammatory factors in the body! Again, injection won’t help it heal faster, just gets rid of the inflammation so you can help the tendon to heal. It doesn’t cure the problem.

[@NicoleHeadland-yr8dc]

I didn’t go through all the comments but came to your video because my two year old recently developed this in both his thumbs! Any tips for doing these exercises with a child or any other pediatric tips? I really don’t want to have to put him through surgery 😭

[@ForwardTherapy]

Trigger finger in children is actually a bit different than in adults! Splinting can help at night sometimes, but typically it is due to the tendon being larger than the pulley. Sometimes they grow out of it! Here’s more info: www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/pediatric-trigger-thumb

[@taranemasoumi9187]

I love the way you explain everything, i am looking forward to seeing your next video on trigger thumb next Monday.Thank you!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you so much 🥰 that means so much to me!!!

[@RajinderYadav]

Thanks you for sharing this, my developed when I was riding my escooter for a long time and my hand grip that had an edge (palm rest) got twisted and was digging into my pinky. My question is, how long should I do these exercise before I begin to see results?

[@ForwardTherapy]

It will likely take 4-6 weeks of consistent effort to see change

[@calumanderson3930]

Ive got this in both hands I think from alot of golf practise. If i stretch and rest, can this go away without surgery ?

[@ForwardTherapy]

It is possible! It is difficult to get it to go away, and it depends on how long it’s been going on, how much you can modify activities to allow it to heal

[@teresaevy8306]

Thanks a lot wonderful

[@fbarrera28]

Thank you so much. I do have a question. So my trigger finger is my left ring finger and I play the guitar. I noticed the trigger finger about a month ago and I have a decent knot. Will this exercise still help me.

[@ForwardTherapy]

I would recommend rest (using a brace can help), ice, and gentle passive exercise (moving the affected finger with the other hand) to stretch.

[@fbarrera28]

I really appreciate your time and response.

[@cynthiathompson4990]

I have had trigger finger on one finger on my right hand for 3 weeks now and it is driving me crazy. I think the pink plastic splint you show in the video is just what I need. But what is the plastic that you used to make it? Please suggest something that I can buy easily. I need this right away. Thank you

[@ForwardTherapy]

The pink plastic is not something that would be easily available for consumers - it's a rehab product sold through rehab websites! You can either have a hand therapist make one for you, or there are some similar options on Amazon (vive trigger finger splint is similar)

[@donaldmcmillan5529]

Statement and a question.. I am a guitar player and have to use my hand quite regularly. My left pinky is the main problem and just a little tightness in the middle finger on the same hand. My question is, for night time can I tape my pinky to the ring finger to act like a splint or is it better to just get a splint? The problem just started a couple of weeks ago although I have had carpal tunnel syndrome for over 30 years in my left and about 10 in my right. Thank you for the video I am just starting to study it and I am interested in more information.

[@ForwardTherapy]

You can use buddy taping, however the fingers all tend to bend into a fist overnight so it won’t help with resting the tendon in an extended positions.

[@donaldmcmillan5529]

@@ForwardTherapy Thanks for the advice. I now have one of the finger "splints" (don't remember the real name" like you showed but this one has a padded velcro piece that goes aroung the finger.

[@oanhphan315]

Thank you very much 👍

[@altmusic8215]

Great help! From a little band of musicians, thank you and Blessings!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Thank you!!! I hope it helps (:

[@detroitpyro2859]

My doctor gave me a quarter Soane shot 7 months ago. It went away and then came back 7 months later. Now he wants to jump straight to surgery . Wondering if there are any other options

[@ForwardTherapy]

@@detroitpyro2859 sometimes the doctors will try a couple rounds of cortisone injections before surgery, but it depends on what the physician sees in their examination.

[@detroitpyro2859]

@@ForwardTherapy Thank you!

[@floeymoo]

Thank you so much for all your helpful information. I was just wondering, if after 4 to 6 weeks your finger continues to click (in my case my thumb), would you still suggest to keep the joint immobilized? Or should I start trying to move it around more? Thank you

[@ForwardTherapy]

usually I recommend that if after 4-6 weeks the locking hasn't gotten better or continues, I'd go see a hand surgeon and see what they recommend for the next steps of treatment. you don't want to keep it immobilized too long, and if it isn't getting better, it'd be good to get it checked out!

[@MD-gq6iy]

when you do the forearm stretches, why do you not want to bend / stretch the fingers backwards?

[@ForwardTherapy]

You don’t want to hyperextend the fingers. The stretch should be focused on the wrist!

[@laura2842]

thank you

[@sspiegler]

Are splints something that can cure trigger finger, or is it just a way to remain comfortable until your injection?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Trigger finger is very difficult to get rid of conservatively. Splinting helps you to stay active with the hands while allowing rest to the tendon to allow it to heal by avoiding the aggravating movement. Cortisone does not fix the issue, it is a temporary relief of inflammation that helps with pain. But if you don’t stop doing the aggravating movement (repetitive motions, sustained or repetitive grip) the issue will come back

[@carolynperry7900]

My trigger finger is on the middle knuckle of my middle finger. Would that change the splint I wear during the day? Thanks for the information.

[@ForwardTherapy]

trigger fingers occur with flexion of multiple joints occurring together. so when we block EITHER the middle knuckle or the big knuckle and leave the others free, it usually relieves the clicking because it doesn't allow the tendon to glide too far. So you can typically choose to block the big knuckle or the middle knuckle, and that will work. it's just a bit easier to continue with daily activities by blocking the big knuckle, in my opinion. but the oval-8 splints work well, too! you just have to be careful of PIP (middle knuckle) stiffness which is really common with trigger finger.

[@labrat8876]

Where do you get the moldable plastic?

[@ForwardTherapy]

We order it through different rehab distribution companies!

[@michellevolkmann5675]

Thanks

[@markallen911]

Hey many thanks for this video. I played golf 2 weeks ago ( 3 rounds in 4 days after long lay off ). My left pinky was sore on the course but I played through it. A few days later I tried to play again but my pinky immediately hurt. It is sore at the base of the pinky and hurts a little when I bend the pinky. I measured my pinky compared to the other hand & my left is a lot bigger in width than my right. ( I think this is down to swelling around the tendon ) I have a major golf event in 3 weeks. Is my best course of action to rest and ice? Before seeing your video I was playing with putty so thanks for steering me away from that. Any advice greatly appreciated Liked & suscribed Mark

[@ForwardTherapy]

Rest and ice!! Would recommend gentle stretching but definitely no grip strengthening at this point yet.

[@JudiNorris]

My right hand ring finger is a trigger. . My left thumb also the doctor wants to do surgery on but if I can avoid it what can I do

[@finosuilleabhain7781]

Please give this video a thumbs up ... if you can.

[@everythingkindful4562]

Hi - a question from my partner, if ok 🙂.. he has a click on the joint nearest his nail on his middle finger, he has aching pain on the same joint on his index finger and it feels restricted in movement. Similar issue on his thumb - but none of them get locked in position. If he wrings out a cloth, the next knuckle joint down can crack sometimes. Is this likely to be trigger finger? And thank you for your channel.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Hmm...it's definitely possible. In trigger finger often times people feel pain in the back side of the joint (like on top of the knuckle).It could also be something going on with the joint, or maybe even a tendon imbalance or slipping? Is there a painful nodule in the palm?

[@everythingkindful4562]

@@ForwardTherapy hi thanks for the reply, nothing in the palm. He says most of the pain is on the inside of the finger joint.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Hmm...any injury that happened?

[@everythingkindful4562]

@@ForwardTherapy ..possibly overuse from computer use, and video games in the past. More recently he had a wrist injury and has been strengthening the wrist with some exercises from a physical therapist - squeezing putty, using a theraband, using a Powerball. Just wondering if splinting the fingers may help?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Hmm..doesn’t necessarily sound like a trigger finger from your description. Usually splinting fingers isn’t recommended unless you have an acute injury like a fracture or a dislocation or instability. But I’d recommend talking with the therapist or following up with a doctor if the pain persists

[@diannepolome2391]

What about clicking in the middle joint? I had all kinds of issues with my left wrist distal radius fracture, including bad trigger finger. Finally getting better but I just noticed clicking in my right index finger but the middle joint. 😫 Will these exercises help that?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Trigger finger can cause catching (typically when we have too much motion of the big knuckle and middle knuckle of the finger). Oval 8 splints can still be used on an index finger at the middle joint! The problem is still typically down in the palm, at the base of the finger where it meets the palm. But blocking the middle joint motion will usually help rest the tendon. You can still perform gentle passive range of motion exercises on the index finger as well!

[@headphones1971]

I have been told I have trigger finger (little finger) and also carpal tunnel syndrome. I am waiting for a referral. My doctor said I could buy a splint in the meantime. I think the worst pain is from my trigger finger, pain in the outside edge of my palm. If I buy a carpal tunnel splint will this help / hinder my trigger finger?

[@ForwardTherapy]

It may help slightly, but probably not enough to prevent the finger from locking/triggering. But it is common to have trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome together - it's the same tendons just affected in different areas.

[@joelpylyshyn3869]

I’ve realized that I’ve been oversplinting my trigger thumb. Any suggestions for trying to ease the stiffness?

[@EscobarStyle]

Hi Dr, question, would you happen to sell that Ring splint somewhere? Would love a link or maybe purchase on your site? Thank you. I just came back from the hospital suffering from trigger finger on my right hand pinky.

[@danielcorrigan9353]

I have it in my pinky, too. The link is a few comments down for product from Vive @ ES. Yours is so nice, though! How did you get TF, ES?

[@ForwardTherapy]

I don’t sell the splint, but you can buy online! Search Amazon or oval-8, or the vive trigger finger splint. You can ask a doctor to recommend a custom trigger finger splint but honestly the prefabricated ones from online work great!

[@EscobarStyle]

@@ForwardTherapy thank you. I will look on Amazon. Btw, is your Instagram name still valid? Wondering if you give tips on there regularly. Thank you again

[@ForwardTherapy]

I am still on Instagram!! I try to post on there as much as possible but don’t get to it as much as I probably should, haha

[@EscobarStyle]

@@ForwardTherapy awesome!! Just started following. Thank you 😊

[@dirkd6908]

I started splinting my left middle finger at night only to prevent that really painful morning lock. It fixed the locking issue but after just two nights my finger and hand hurts much more. Thoughts?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Likely due to stiffness! Would recommend doing stretching first thing to help resolve. You could also ice before bed to help with inflammation

[@dirkd6908]

@@ForwardTherapy I'll try that. Thank you. Last few days not locking much but won't straighten.

[@ForwardTherapy]

@dirkd6908 would definitely recommend slowly and gently stretching the finger straight using the other hand. Might take a few days or even weeks to get it there! Sounds like you are potentially developing a flexion contracture

[@dirkd6908]

@@ForwardTherapy hi again, At first I was using a home-made splint by wrapping gauze around finger and an icecream stick but this was too stiff. Removed the stick, just used the gauze so it prevented locking but was flexible. Worked nicely. Less pain. Doing gentle stretches. I don't like icepacks on it. I have same thing milder in right hand.

[@iamhisprincipessa9123]

Where can I buy the pink splint

[@ForwardTherapy]

You’d have to go to a hand therapist - it’s a custom made splint! They make it specific to your finger. But for an over the counter version try Vive Trigger finger splint on Amazon! www.amazon.com/Vive-Trigger-Finger-Splint-Straightening/dp/B01N2RDSGR/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?dchild=1&keywords=vive+trigger+finger+splint&qid=1614056491&sprefix=vive+trigg&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFBMEVCWUQ5TEpTTlgmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5OTA3NTYxQ0tIUzIxTjdGN1dGJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyNTg3NTUxM0Q4WVUzMlZGUDRDJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

[@JudiNorris]

My left thumb is is trigger thumb what can I do

[@ForwardTherapy]

Watch the video!

[@shadijahangard6113]

Thank you for the information. What material did you make the pink orthotic out of? Would you be able to make one for my dad? I would of course pay you for the time and the material.

[@ForwardTherapy]

Made out of thermoplastic - you’d need to go see a hand therapist to have one made. Ask your dads doctor for a referral to hand therapy

[@francoisedurocher2671]

Merci!!!

[@ForwardTherapy]

Of course!!

[@teresahyde8501]

When do you talk about the thumb

[@ForwardTherapy]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jKCUZIWYqcuCr5I

[@johndoegta2189]

Damn dude I didnt know I shouldnt lock it. My middle finger started getting stuck few days ago after I had strained it last week. I keep checking to see if it goes away! I dont really have pain but the finger gets stuck and I can make it straight without help of other hand but it is uncomfortable. It will really take 4-6 weeks in a splint? Do I need to go to doctor if it is clicking alot although it is not painful?

[@ForwardTherapy]

I’d give it a shot with conservative treatment (trying the splinting and exercises) for a few weeks and if no improvement or if it gets worse, go to the doctor. Can lead to permanent stiffness if it gets severe enough!

[@johndoegta2189]

@@ForwardTherapy Ok thanks! Yes I have put the splint so I can not make a fist and click the finger. How long must I wait before I can make a fist again to check for improvement?

[@ForwardTherapy]

Give it about 3-4 weeks

[@johndoegta2189]

@@ForwardTherapy omg this is gonna be torture lol I think I can feel the bump on my finger between PIP joint and palm, like right where a ring would be and also felt the clicking at the PIP joint only when hand is fully in fist then I try to open it again. The PIP joint is also getting a bit stiff and slightly tender since the splint has been on. And sometimes feel little tingle at center of palm. Does this seem normal? Could I have hurt more than 1 finger even though just the middle one is clicking? It was not long term injury, happened 1-2 weeks ago when I was working with a pair of pliers but never happened before. Thank you for replying! I hope to avoid the doctor haha

[@ForwardTherapy]

It could be!! Tingling may indicate some nerve irritation (like carpal tunnel). It’s not uncommon to have carpal tunnel like symptoms with trigger finger!

[@NM-js8ky]

I had a horrible worsening from using a splint. The inflammation in the finger and hand was just horrible :-(

[@sindhusomisetty3336]

Hi iam having issues with thumb i need to consult u how to Contact

[@ForwardTherapy]

I’m sorry to hear that! What’s going on with the thumb?

[@sindhusomisetty3336]

I have shared the photo in Instagram can u check once plz

[@sindhusomisetty3336]

Plz can u check ur insta page i have shared my finger photo in that

[@keatonspitzer1665]

Im a massage therapist...when my ring finger locks/unlocks I could almost pass out.😢

[@ForwardTherapy]

Oh that sounds so painful!!!

[@jaysonguihama4662]

I can play my guitàr now in any style I want

[@jaysonguihama4662]

❤️❤️❤️

[@anth5122]

Mine is very stiff in the morning 😜

[@ForwardTherapy]

It's normal for the hands to be more stiff in the morning - swelling sits there and we don't move too much at night.

[@smokeandmirrors6167]

Take p5p for 6 months 150mg

[@debbiesmith2207]

Thank you so much 💓

[@maidlor1085]

Thanks

[@larrypoole4080]

Thank you very much!