All surgeries
Surgery & recovery
Trigger finger release
A small procedure that opens the tight pulley at the base of a finger so the tendon can glide freely again.
Why it's done
- Painful catching or locking of a finger
- Symptoms that don't respond to a steroid injection or splinting
Typical recovery phases
Timelines are general patterns. Your surgeon's protocol always wins.
- 1Days 0–7
Wound care; full finger motion.
Move the finger gently and often to avoid stiffness.
- 2Weeks 1–3
Resume most daily tasks.
Avoid heavy gripping while the wound matures.
- 3Weeks 3–6
Strength and full grip return.
Light putty and grip drills as cleared.
Red flags — call your team
- Spreading redness
- Drainage or fever
- New numbness in the finger
Splints you may wear
Sources
- Trigger finger — American Society for Surgery of the Hand(accessed 2026-04-21)