Finger clicking, locking, or getting stuck? Dr. Andrew Yang is a hand surgeon, board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, and provides diagnosis and treatment options at OrthoMD in Fort Lee, NJ and Bayside, NY.
PRP is not a standard first-line treatment; read when it may be discussed after evaluation.
Trigger finger (medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis) is a common hand condition that causes a finger or thumb to catch, click, or lock when you bend it. It is one of the most frequent reasons patients visit an orthopedic hand specialist.
Inside each finger, a flexor tendon glides through a series of tunnels called pulleys. The first pulley at the base of the finger — called the A1 pulley — is the most common site of the problem. When the tendon becomes irritated or develops a small nodule, it can no longer glide smoothly through this narrow tunnel.
As the thickened tendon tries to pass through the tight A1 pulley, it catches or snaps — producing the characteristic clicking, popping, or locking sensation. Trigger finger can affect any digit, including the thumb, and may involve more than one finger at a time.
Trigger finger symptoms often develop gradually and may be worse in the morning or after prolonged gripping. If you notice any of the following, consider an evaluation with a hand surgeon.
Trigger finger can develop in anyone, but certain factors increase the likelihood. Andrew Yang, MD considers your risk factors when discussing treatment options.
Trigger finger is typically diagnosed during an in-office examination. In most cases, Andrew Yang, MD can provide a diagnosis and discuss treatment options during your first visit.
Many patients with trigger finger improve without surgery. Andrew Yang, MD discusses conservative options based on the severity and duration of your symptoms.
A cortisone injection around the A1 pulley is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for trigger finger:
When symptoms are severe, persistent, or do not respond to conservative treatment, trigger finger release surgery may be recommended. This is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure performed by our hand surgeon.
Dr. Andrew Yang is a hand surgeon, board-certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by ABOS, with hand and upper extremity fellowship training. Your care begins with an evaluation and treatment plan.
Our practice focuses on conditions of the hand, wrist, and upper extremity, including trigger finger.
We always explore non-surgical treatments before recommending surgery. If surgery is needed, we'll explain why and walk you through the process step by step.
With offices in Fort Lee, NJ (Bergen County) and Bayside, NY (Queens), hand care is close to home — with same-day evaluations often available.
Hand and wrist conditions can share overlapping symptoms. If you're experiencing discomfort beyond trigger finger, these related conditions may also be worth exploring:
Learn more about our full range of orthopedic services.
For selected hand procedures, WALANT uses local anesthesia without general anesthesia or sedation. In many cases, pre-operative fasting or a ride may not be needed; follow the instructions for your specific procedure. Learn about wide-awake hand surgery.
A procedure may be discussed when catching or locking continues after non-surgical care, or when finger motion is substantially limited. An evaluation helps compare splinting, injection, and release options.
This is general information; results and recovery vary.
OrthoMD accepts Medicare, workers' compensation, auto insurance, and most major plans. Coverage varies by plan and service. Call (917) 242-4585 with questions about coverage.
Languages: English and Korean; Spanish interpreter available.
Schedule an evaluation with Andrew Yang, MD — get a clear diagnosis and treatment plan, usually same day.
You can also visit our contact page for directions and office hours.