NHS Trigger Finger Thumb Injec...

What are Trigger Finger / Thumb Injections?

Corticosteroid injections relieve pain and reduce swelling allowing the tendon to move more freely. In combination with a local anaesthetic, they are injected into the base of the affected finger or thumb.

When Should I Have An Injection?

Persistent symptoms unresponsive to rest or medication

Night-time waking due to pain

Pain affecting work or hand use

What is the NHS Criteria for this procedure?

Trigger finger or thumb injections *No prior approval needed*

CG 003 - Prior Approval Policy - Trigger Finger or Thumb

Mild cases with intermittent symptoms causing little or no interference with sleep or activities require no treatment.

Cases with intermittent symptoms which interfere with activities or sleep should first be treated with:

corticosteroid injection(s) (medication injected into the wrist: good evidence for short (8-12 weeks) term effectiveness)

or

night splints (a support which prevents the wrist from moving during the night: not as effective as steroid injections)

Do I have to have an injection?

The treatment for trigger finger / thumb depends on the severity of your symptoms and how long you've had them. Sometime mild cases get better without treatment.

Following hand physio exercises can help resolve mild triggering without intervention

Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen may also be helpful in relieving pain.
Continuous pain could be a reason to consider a steroid injection

What Happens During the Injection?

A small amount of corticosteroid and anaesthetic is injected into the affected tendon sheath or joint space

Procedure takes 10 - 15 minutes.

What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Before Surgery:

You will have a consultation with the Surgeon immediately prior to the injection to discuss the procedure, risks and benefits.

A steroid injection is not suitable if you:
have had either COVID 19 in the last 7 days or the vaccination /booster in the last 14 days.
have an infection anywhere in your body.
are due to have surgery in that area within the next 6 months.
have poorly controlled diabetes.

After Surgery:

Avoid heavy hand use for 24-48 hours

Relief can be felt within days

Some patients require more than one injection. However, subsequent injections are often less effective.

What Are the Risks?

Local discomfort or or swelling up to 48 hours after the injection. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the area for 10 minutes twice a day.

Infection. However, this is rare.

Temporary bleeding or bruising.

Patients with diabetes may notice a temporary increase in blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, monitor your sugar levels for 3 days. If you have concerns, contact your GP Practice.

How Do I Prepare?

Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you're taking.
Eat and drink as normal on the day.

Transportation: You may want to arrange for someone to take you home afterwards.

Patients Asking a doctor Questions _edit

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How long does it last?
A: Relief may last weeks to months. It varies by condition.

Q: Is it painful?

A: Some brief stinging; local anaesthetic is included to minimise pain.

Q: When can I drive again and return to work?

A: This will vary from patient to patient. For office work, most people are comfortable enough to drive and return to work the next day. However, manual jobs may require a few days for the pain and swelling to settle.