Medically reviewed by: Mark A. Yaffe, MD, certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, subspecialty certified in hand surgery. Last reviewed: October 5, 2026
LOCKING FINGER TREATMENT Near you
Trigger Finger Treatment in the Chicago Area
Dr. Mark Yaffe(opens in a new tab) is an orthopedic specialist with a subspecialty focus on hand and wrist conditions, including trigger finger. When a finger catches, clicks or locks in a bent position, everyday tasks like gripping a steering wheel, typing or holding a tool become painful and frustrating. Dr. Yaffe’s goal is to restore smooth, pain-free finger motion with the least invasive approach that will work for you.
Whether your finger has only started to catch in the morning or has been locking for months, Dr. Yaffe offers a thorough evaluation and a plan matched to how severe your trigger finger is. As part of his broader hand and wrist care(opens in a new tab), he starts with non-surgical treatment and offers minimally invasive trigger finger release, performed with local anesthesia through a small incision, when surgery is the right next step.
Dr. Yaffe takes the time to listen to your concerns and explains your options so you can decide what fits your goals. If you are ready to find relief with one of the hand & wrist doctors serving Schaumburg(opens in a new tab), Buffalo Grove(opens in a new tab), and Elk Grove Village(opens in a new tab), request your first appointment with Dr. Yaffe today.
Finger Catching, Locking & Morning Stiffness
Signs and Symptoms of Trigger Finger
Trigger finger, also called stenosing tenosynovitis, happens when the tendon sheath at the base of a finger or thumb becomes inflamed and thickened, so the tendon can no longer glide smoothly through it. The ring finger and thumb are most commonly affected, and common signs include:
- Pain and tenderness at the base of the finger: Soreness where the finger meets the palm, often felt when gripping or pressing on the area.
- A small, tender lump (nodule) may be felt in the palm at the base of the affected finger.
- Catching, popping or clicking: A snapping sensation when you bend or straighten the finger, as the thickened tendon catches on the sheath.
- Locking in a bent position: The finger gets stuck bent and may need to be straightened with the other hand, often with a painful snap.
- Morning stiffness: Symptoms are often worst when you wake up and ease as the hand warms up and moves.
- Worsening over time: Mild catching can progress to frequent locking if the inflammation continues.
- A finger that stays locked in a bent position can become stiff, which is one reason early evaluation is worthwhile.
SPLINTS, INJECTIONS & MINIMALLY INVASIVE RELEASE
Trigger Finger Treatment Options
The right treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are and how much they limit your daily life. Most patients begin with non-surgical care. Dr. Yaffe’s options include:
- Non-surgical care: Rest and activity changes, splinting or bracing the affected finger, anti-inflammatory medication, hand therapy, and injections to reduce inflammation around the tendon. These measures can calm symptoms, particularly when trigger finger is caught early.
- Minimally invasive trigger finger release: A small-incision procedure that opens the tight part of the tendon sheath so the tendon can glide freely again. It is performed with local numbing medication (local anesthesia), which makes sedation with an anesthesiologist unnecessary, speeds recovery time, and reduces procedure costs.
- Minimally-Invasive Surgery(opens in a new tab): Dr. Yaffe uses techniques developed specifically for the hand and wrist, with the goal of reducing recovery time and getting you back to work and the activities you enjoy as soon as possible.
- Preparing for Surgery & Procedure(opens in a new tab): If you and Dr. Yaffe decide on a release, this guide explains how to get ready for your procedure so you know what to expect.
Surgery is considered when symptoms continue despite non-surgical treatment, or when the finger locks frequently or becomes stuck. There is no single right time, and Dr. Yaffe will walk through your options with you. This page is for education and does not replace an examination, so an in-person evaluation is the way to confirm your diagnosis and the best plan for you.
About your surgeon. Dr. Mark A. Yaffe is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery in orthopaedic surgery, with a subspecialty certification in hand surgery, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. He earned his M.D. at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, completed his orthopaedic residency at Northwestern, and trained in hand and upper extremity surgery at The Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center. He was named a Castle Connolly Top Doctor in 2026 and a Chicago Magazine Top Doctor in 2025. Read Dr. Yaffe's full bio.(opens in a new tab)
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes trigger finger?
Trigger finger develops when the tendon sheath at the base of a finger becomes inflamed and thickened, which makes it harder for the tendon to slide through. It is more common in women, in people between about 40 and 60, and in people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. Repetitive or forceful gripping can also contribute. Dr. Yaffe evaluates each patient to understand what may be driving their symptoms.
How is trigger finger diagnosed?
Trigger finger is usually diagnosed from your history and a hands-on exam. Dr. Yaffe checks for tenderness and a nodule at the base of the finger, and watches how the finger moves as you bend and straighten it. Imaging is generally not needed unless another problem is suspected.
Can trigger finger be treated without surgery?
Often, yes, especially when it is caught early. Rest, splinting or bracing, anti-inflammatory medication, hand therapy and injections to reduce inflammation can ease symptoms for many patients. If symptoms keep returning or the finger continues to lock, surgery is discussed as the next step.
When should I consider surgery for trigger finger?
Surgery is worth discussing when non-surgical treatment has not given lasting relief, when the finger locks often or gets stuck bent, or when symptoms interfere with work, hobbies or sleep. Dr. Yaffe reviews the expected benefits and risks of surgery with you so you can make an informed decision before moving forward.
Will I need to be “put under” during my trigger finger surgery?
Probably not. Dr. Yaffe prefers to use local anesthesia for most finger and hand cases, including trigger finger release. Local numbing medication makes sedation with an anesthesiologist unnecessary, and it is less invasive and less expensive for patients than general anesthesia. Dr. Yaffe will confirm the anesthesia plan with you before your procedure.
How does minimally invasive trigger finger release work?
Through a small incision at the base of the finger, Dr. Yaffe opens the tight portion of the tendon sheath that is catching the tendon, allowing it to glide smoothly again. This minimally invasive surgery(opens in a new tab) is performed with local anesthesia and is designed to limit postoperative discomfort and speed recovery. Results vary by patient, and Dr. Yaffe will discuss what to expect for your situation.
What can I expect during my recovery from trigger finger release?
Dr. Yaffe will give you specific instructions for caring for the incision, when to begin moving the finger, and when to return to your usual activities. Because the procedure is minimally invasive and performed with local anesthesia, many patients return to light daily activities quickly and need little formal therapy afterward. Recovery timelines vary from patient to patient and with the number of fingers treated.
How can I get started with the best hand and wrist specialist near me?
At Dr. Yaffe’s practice, we want it to be as easy as possible to get started on your road to relief. Just use our simple online appointment request(opens in a new tab) tool, and it helps to note which finger is affected and when it locks most.
Get Your Trigger Finger Evaluated by a Hand & Wrist Specialist
Expert Orthopedic Care from Mark A. Yaffe, M.D.