Finger that locks, clicks, or gets stuck when bending/straightening
Pain or swelling at the base of the finger
Stiffness in the morning
Needing to use your other hand to release a stuck finger
Trigger Finger: Relief From Locking and Stiffness
Does your finger catch, lock, or "pop" when you try to straighten it? Trigger finger (stenosing tenosynovitis) can make simple tasks painful and frustrating. Dr. Jesse Dashe offers same- or next-day appointments in San Leandro so you can get back to normal quickly.
Do these symptoms fit you?
When to see a surgeon
If your finger locks daily or causes significant pain
If splints, anti-inflammatory medication, or rest haven't worked
If your hand function is limited at work or during hobbies
What Dr. Dashe does differently
Same-/next-day appointments when your symptoms flare
Direct surgeon care — Dr. Dashe evaluate and treat you personally
Continuity until resolution — Dr. Dashe follow you through recovery
Treatment options
Non-surgical
Splints, activity modification, cortisone injections
Surgical
Trigger finger release, usually a quick outpatient procedure with immediate relief of locking
Recovery timeline
Cortisone injections may give relief within days
After surgery, most patients resume light use in 1–2 weeks
Full comfort and grip strength return over several weeks
What to bring
Any prior test results or treatment notes
Insurance card and medication list
Notes on which fingers are affected and when symptoms are worst
Frequently Asked Questions
What is trigger finger?
Trigger finger happens when the flexor tendon thickens or its sheath tightens, causing catching, popping, or locking when you move the finger.
Who gets trigger finger?
It's more common with repetitive gripping, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and in middle-aged or older adults, but it can affect anyone.
Does it go away on its own?
Mild cases may improve with rest and activity changes, but persistent locking or pain often needs treatment such as splinting or injection.
Are steroid injections effective?
Corticosteroid injections often relieve symptoms by reducing tendon sheath swelling; some patients need more than one injection.
When is surgery recommended?
A brief outpatient release is considered if splinting and injections fail or if the finger remains locked and limits daily function.
Can trigger finger be fixed without surgery?
Yes. Many patients find long-term relief with a single corticosteroid injection. Dr. Dashe’s approach in San Leandro is "conservative first"—we only move to a surgical release if the clicking or locking remains painful after non-surgical options are exhausted.
Related Articles
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Don't wait weeks to see a specialist. Providing expert hand care to patients in San Leandro, Oakland, Castro Valley, Hayward, and Fremont.