Conditions we diagnose and treat

Trigger Finger Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Trigger finger happens when one of the tendons that bends a finger or thumb can no longer glide smoothly through its tunnel (tendon sheath) in the palm.

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

The tunnel’s entrance thickens and the tendon swells, so the finger catches, clicks or locks as it bends and straightens. It most often affects the ring finger and the thumb, and it is more common in women, in people over 40, and in people with diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, uses ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and, where it is the right option for you, offers precise ultrasound-guided injections into the tendon sheath.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of trigger finger

Clicking, catching or popping when you bend or straighten the finger or thumb.
A finger that locks in a bent position and has to be straightened with the other hand.
A tender lump in the palm at the base of the affected finger or thumb.
Stiffness and pain that are often worse first thing in the morning.
Difficulty gripping or making a full fist.

If a finger becomes red, hot and swollen, especially after a cut or puncture wound, or you have a fever, seek urgent medical advice, as this can be a sign of infection in the tendon sheath.

How we diagnose trigger finger

Trigger finger is usually recognised from your symptoms and a hand examination. Dr Sankaye will feel for the tender nodule in the palm and watch the finger move to see if it catches.

Ultrasound adds useful detail. It shows the thickened pulley at the entrance of the tunnel, swelling of the tendon and any fluid or inflammation in the sheath, and Dr Sankaye can watch the tendon move in real time. Ultrasound also helps rule out other causes of a lump or catching in the hand, such as a ganglion or joint problem. If arthritis in the finger joints is suspected, an X-ray may be helpful.

You can read more about the condition in our article on trigger finger treatment in London with ultrasound.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms, general health and any previous scans or treatment.
He scans your hand with ultrasound, and arranges an X-ray or MRI if needed.
He explains the findings and discusses your options, from splinting to injection.
If you decide to go ahead with an injection, it is done under ultrasound guidance, often at the same visit.
You receive aftercare advice and a written report, which can be shared with your GP or hand therapist.

Treatment options

Mild trigger finger sometimes settles on its own. Simple measures to try first include:

Rest and activity changes: reducing repetitive gripping and heavy hand use for a while.
Splinting: a small splint, often worn at night, can rest the tendon and reduce locking.
Hand therapy: gentle tendon-gliding exercises from a hand therapist or physiotherapist.

If symptoms continue or are troublesome, the options at LSRI include:

Ultrasound-guided steroid injection: a small dose of steroid is placed into the tendon sheath to reduce swelling so the tendon can glide again. This helps many people, although symptoms can come back and a further injection or other treatment may be needed. Ultrasound lets Dr Sankaye see the needle and place the steroid accurately in the sheath rather than into the tendon itself. You can read more about tendon injections.
MSK specialist consultation: a full review of your hand, scans and previous treatment, with a clear plan.

If you have diabetes, a steroid injection can raise your blood sugar for a few days, so we will talk this through with you and advise on monitoring.

If the finger keeps locking despite treatment, or is stuck bent, a small operation to release the tight pulley may be the best option. Dr Sankaye can advise when a hand surgeon’s opinion is worthwhile.

Questions about trigger finger

Why does my finger lock in the morning?

Fluid tends to build up in the tissues overnight and the tendon has been still for hours, so the swollen part catches more easily at the tunnel entrance. Symptoms often ease as you use the hand during the day.

Does the injection hurt?

A very fine needle is used and most people describe it as a short, sharp discomfort. The finger may be sore for a day or two afterwards, and the steroid usually takes a little time to work.

Can trigger finger affect more than one finger?

Yes. Some people, particularly those with diabetes, develop it in several fingers or in both hands. Each finger can be assessed and treated as needed.

When is surgery needed?

Surgery is usually considered when the finger keeps locking despite splinting and injection, or when it is stuck in a bent position. The operation releases the tight pulley so the tendon can move freely. Dr Sankaye can advise whether a referral makes sense for you.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.