Question: How is trigger thumb treated?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Trigger thumb, a painful condition that causes the thumb to bend and lock, is best managed by an orthopedic or hand specialist.

When the injury is recent, extended splinting (for weeks if not one to two months) can prevent the need for surgery to correct this deformity, which is usually caused by inflammed tendons. The splinting should be performed under physician guidance and followed to be sure anticipated results are seen.

Even when delayed several weeks, splinting still has some reasonable success. Delays in management or inappropriate splinting decreases the usual success of non-surgical management. Surgery is usually reserved as a final option for failed
conservative care.