Home Remedies for Trigger Finger

These simple home remedies for trigger finger are an excellent option for people who want to avoid trigger finger release surgery. With options like medication, rest, splinting, and massage you’ll see why many people opt to treat their trigger finger at home.

Rest

Trigger finger is caused by overuse of the affected fingers and/or thumb. Rest is one of the many treatment options that shouldn’t be overlooked. Sometimes rest can let the inflammation subside, healing your affected finger. If possible, stop the activities that cause your finger to stay in the bent position for four to six weeks. This will give your finger time to heal and let the swelling go down.

Hot and Cold Therapy

Hot and cold therapy work in two different, yet complementary, ways to treat trigger finger. Heat soothes injuries while cold numbs the pain. Both therapies can be done at home or on the go with minimal equipment.

Hot Therapy

Heat causes blood vessels to widen, allowing more blood to the injury site. This improves healing time and soothes soreness. Hot therapy can be provided with a heating pad, warm soak, or a moist heated towel. Use heat cautiously if you suffer from peripheral nerve damage or have sensation loss in your fingers or hand.

Cold therapy

Cold therapy numbs pain and reduces swelling. When you are exposed to cold your blood vessels tighten, reducing blood flow to the area which reduces swelling. The cold also interrupts the pain signal, providing medication-free pain relief. Apply cold therapy with an ice bath or cold pack. 

Self-Massage

Massaging your finger for a few minutes every day can be an effective treatment, especially when combined with other therapies. Massage loosens muscles, increases flexibility, and improves overall sense of well-being. Massage should be avoided if your hand or fingers are swollen.

Effleurage

Effleurage uses long, light strokes in a circular motion to warm up the muscles. This is a common massage technique used by massage therapists. It will loosen up your muscles without applying too much pressure to the area.

Exercise

Exercise will help you maintain hand strength and flexibility. There are multiple exercises that can help you increase your range of motion and minimize stiffness. Often times, a physical therapist or occupational therapist will provide you with a list of recommended exercises. Be sure to follow all of their instructions and stay consistent with the exercise program.

Find a selection of helpful exercises here!

Splinting

A splint will immobilize a part of your hand or finger. As we’ve mentioned before, rest is an important trigger finger treatment, and splinting your affected finger can help you achieve that rest without giving up all hand movement.

Depending on the type of splint, it will either only cover your finger or it will cover your palm and finger. The splint will stabilize your finger to allow for healing, prevent re-injury, and serve as a reminder to keep the finger still.

Find Supports and Splints for Trigger Finger Here

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication like ibuprofen or naproxen reduces pain and inflammation, two symptoms of trigger finger. NSAIDs are used for multiple conditions and are generally viewed as a safe drug. If you take other medications you should talk to your doctor before you start taking NSAIDs. If taken for too long they can have ill side effects.

Medical vs. Home Treatment

Managing your trigger finger with medical or home treatment can be a difficult decision. Start off by weighing your options with the help of your doctor. Your decision can be impacted by other medical conditions you have or your lifestyle. Sometimes a combination of medical and home treatment is the best course of action. Take a look at these factors if you are deciding which route is best for you.

• Accessibility to treatment

  Do you live near a medical facility or have insurance?

• Upcoming activities

  Do you have an important activity that you’d prefer not to be sidelined for?

• Duration of the condition

  How long have you had a trigger finger? If it’s new a conservative route may be best.

• Severity of trigger finger

Are you able to straighten your finger? How severe is the pain? Medical treatment shouldn’t be delayed if the condition is severe.

Find an overview of non-surgical and medical treatment options if home remedies aren’t enough.

Taking Precautions with Home Remedies for Trigger Finger

Home remedies are effective treatment options for people with mild to moderate trigger finger. These methods feature nonsurgical treatment like medication, rest, and hot and cold therapy. Always consult with your physician about the best treatment plan for your situation. Whichever treatment you choose, we hope that you can return to your favorite activities quickly.