What medication is good for trigger finger?: Injections, NSAIDs, and How They Work

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study of trigger finger treatments, women are affected more often and at a younger age than men, with injection therapy proving highly effective for symptom resolution. When considering what medication is good for trigger finger, physicians often recommend a tiered approach, starting with oral anti-inflammatories and progressing to targeted injections based on symptom severity.

Quick Summary

Trigger finger medication includes over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for mild pain and inflammation and powerful, locally-administered corticosteroid injections for more severe cases. A healthcare provider will determine the best course of action based on the condition's severity and individual patient factors.

Key Points

NSAIDs for Mild Pain: Oral anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen, or topical applications, can relieve mild pain and swelling associated with trigger finger.
Corticosteroid Injections for Efficacy: Targeted corticosteroid injections, delivered directly into the tendon sheath, are highly effective for reducing significant inflammation and restoring movement.
Temporary Blood Sugar Spike: Patients with diabetes who receive a steroid injection should monitor their blood sugar closely for several days, as it can temporarily increase.
Thumb Injections Often Most Effective: Steroid injections generally have a higher success rate when treating trigger thumb compared to other fingers.
Injections Offer Lasting Relief: A single corticosteroid injection can provide relief for many months or even lead to permanent resolution for some patients.
Combined Therapy for Best Results: Medication is most effective when used alongside conservative therapies such as rest, splinting, and physical exercises.
Consider Surgery After Failed Injections: If symptoms persist after one or two injections, surgical release of the A1 pulley is often recommended as a definitive cure.

Understanding Trigger Finger and Its Causes

Trigger finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, occurs when the flexor tendon sheath in the finger or thumb becomes inflamed, narrowing the space for the tendon to glide. This irritation causes the tendon to catch or lock as the finger bends and straightens, leading to pain and stiffness. While the exact causes are not fully understood, risk factors include repetitive hand use, underlying conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and being female or over 50. The choice of medication depends on the severity of the symptoms, with a progression from conservative, less-invasive options to more targeted treatments if symptoms persist.

Oral and Topical NSAIDs for Mild Symptoms

For mild cases of trigger finger, a primary recommendation is often a short-term course of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications work by inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins, which are compounds that promote inflammation, pain, and fever. By reducing these inflammation-causing compounds, NSAIDs can help alleviate the pain and swelling associated with trigger finger.

Oral NSAIDs: Common over-the-counter options include:
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen sodium (Aleve)
Topical NSAIDs: These creams or patches can be applied directly to the affected area, which may reduce systemic side effects. Examples include topical diclofenac.

NSAIDs are best suited for temporary relief and are typically used in conjunction with other conservative measures like rest, splinting, and activity modification. While they can help manage symptoms, they are not a long-term cure for the underlying issue.

Corticosteroid Injections: A Highly Effective Solution

For moderate to severe cases, or when NSAIDs and conservative measures fail, a corticosteroid injection is often the next step. This is widely regarded as the most effective non-surgical medication for trigger finger.

How they work: The corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone or methylprednisolone, is a powerful anti-inflammatory medication. It is injected directly into the affected tendon sheath at the base of the finger. This local application provides a potent anti-inflammatory effect at the source of the problem, allowing the tendon to glide freely once again.
Effectiveness: Studies have shown high success rates, with some reports indicating that a single injection can resolve symptoms in a large percentage of patients. The thumb often has the highest success rate following injection. Relief can begin within a few days to a week.
Repeat injections: While one injection may be sufficient, repeat injections are sometimes necessary if symptoms recur. However, the effectiveness may diminish with subsequent injections.
Considerations for diabetics: Corticosteroid injections can cause a temporary spike in blood sugar levels, so diabetic patients must monitor their levels closely for several days following the procedure. Additionally, injections are less effective in patients with certain conditions like diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Comparing Medication Options for Trigger Finger


Feature	NSAIDs (Oral/Topical)	Corticosteroid Injections
Effectiveness	Best for mild pain and swelling. Often part of first-line therapy.	Highly effective, especially for moderate to severe symptoms. Can provide long-term relief.
Administration	Taken orally (pills) or applied topically (creams/patches).	Administered via a needle directly into the tendon sheath in a clinical setting.
Onset of Relief	Can provide relief within a few hours, but may take longer for persistent inflammation.	Often provides significant relief within a few days to a week.
Duration of Effect	Temporary, lasting as long as the medication is taken.	Can provide long-lasting relief, from several months to years, or even permanent resolution for some patients.
Side Effects	Gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular risks with long-term use. Fewer systemic effects with topical application.	Pain/swelling at injection site, temporary blood sugar spike, and rare risks like infection or tendon rupture.

Other Conservative Management Strategies

In addition to medication, several non-drug strategies are crucial for managing trigger finger:

Rest and activity modification: Avoiding repetitive gripping or aggravating activities can help the tendon heal.
Splinting: Wearing a finger splint, especially at night, can help immobilize the affected digit and prevent painful locking.
Hand therapy and exercises: Gentle stretches and exercises can improve flexibility and tendon gliding.

Conclusion

When asking what medication is good for trigger finger, the answer depends on the severity and persistence of the condition. For early, mild symptoms, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen offer a simple, first-line approach to manage pain and swelling. However, for more significant or persistent discomfort, a targeted corticosteroid injection is the most effective medication, providing powerful anti-inflammatory action directly where it's needed. A discussion with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate treatment plan, considering individual health factors, such as diabetes, and the potential risks and benefits of each option. When conservative treatments, including injections, are no longer effective, surgical release of the tendon sheath offers a permanent cure for many patients.

For more detailed information on hand health, visit the American Society for Surgery of the Hand website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Significant relief can be felt within a few days to a week after a corticosteroid injection, though it may take up to 3 to 4 weeks for full improvement.

Yes, over-the-counter oral NSAIDs like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are commonly used to help reduce the pain and swelling associated with trigger finger, especially for milder cases.

Patients may experience a brief, sharp pain during the injection, followed by some soreness at the injection site for a few days. The use of local anesthetic with the steroid can make the initial infiltration more painful.

The duration of relief can vary widely. For many, one injection can provide relief lasting several months to years, and some may have a permanent cure. Others may experience a recurrence within months.

Common side effects include temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. Rare risks include infection, skin discoloration, tendon weakening, or rupture.

If steroid injections and other conservative treatments are not effective, or if symptoms recur, a minor surgical procedure to release the constricted tendon sheath is often recommended as a permanent solution.

While oral corticosteroids like prednisone are stronger anti-inflammatory agents than NSAIDs, they are less commonly used than localized injections for trigger finger due to potential systemic side effects.