Will a cortisone shot heal a trigger finger?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

Studies show that corticosteroid injections are an effective first-line treatment for trigger finger, with one long-term follow-up study reporting complete remission in up to 69% of cases. For many, a cortisone shot will heal a trigger finger by reducing inflammation and enabling free tendon movement.

Quick Summary

A cortisone injection is a common and often effective treatment for trigger finger, working by reducing inflammation in the tendon sheath. While it can resolve the issue, especially in mild to moderate cases, it is not always a permanent solution and repeat injections may be less successful. Failure to respond to injections often leads to surgical consideration.

Key Points

Initial Treatment Success: Cortisone shots are a common and effective first-line treatment for trigger finger, often providing relief by reducing inflammation in the tendon sheath.
Effectiveness Factors: The success of the injection can depend on the affected finger, with the thumb often responding better, and is less effective in patients with diabetes or severe symptoms.
Not Always a Permanent Cure: While some patients experience a permanent resolution, symptoms can recur, and subsequent injections may be less successful.
Surgical Alternative: If injections fail to provide long-term relief, surgical release of the A1 pulley offers a highly effective and durable solution.
Potential Side Effects: Minor risks include a temporary flare-up of pain, skin discoloration, and, very rarely, tendon weakening, particularly with repeated use.
Conservative Options: Other non-surgical treatments like splinting, physical therapy, and rest can be effective for milder symptoms.

Understanding Trigger Finger

Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a painful condition where a finger or thumb gets stuck in a bent position. It is caused by inflammation and swelling within the tendon sheath, the tunnel-like structure that encases the flexor tendons of the finger. This swelling, sometimes accompanied by a nodule on the tendon, prevents the tendon from gliding smoothly through the sheath, resulting in a locking, catching, or popping sensation when moving the digit. People with certain medical conditions, including diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, are at a higher risk of developing this condition.

How a Cortisone Shot Works for Trigger Finger

When you get a cortisone shot for trigger finger, a powerful anti-inflammatory medication is injected directly into the affected tendon sheath. The goal is to reduce the inflammation and swelling that is constricting the tendon. By shrinking the inflamed area, the cortisone allows the tendon to move freely again, relieving the catching and locking. The procedure is typically performed in a doctor's office and may involve a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Relief can be relatively quick, with many patients reporting improvement within a few days to a week, though it can take longer for full symptom resolution.

Success Rates and Factors Affecting Efficacy

The effectiveness of a cortisone injection can vary from person to person. Studies have shown a wide range of success rates, often between 50% and 90% for the first injection. The thumb is often cited as having a better response to injections than other fingers. Several factors can influence the outcome:

Condition Severity: Less severe cases tend to respond better than more advanced, chronic cases.
Underlying Conditions: People with diabetes often experience lower success rates compared to non-diabetics.
Multiple Injections: If a trigger finger returns after the first injection, a second one may be considered. However, the long-term success rate for repeat injections can be lower. Many physicians will recommend surgery if a patient requires more than two injections.

The Efficacy of Cortisone Shots

High Initial Success: A significant percentage of patients experience symptom relief after a single injection.
Variable Duration: Relief can last for months or even years, but the recurrence of symptoms is also possible.
Thumb Superiority: Clinical studies indicate that injections for trigger thumb have a notably higher success rate than for other fingers.
Reduced Efficacy with Comorbidities: Patients with diabetes or multiple triggering fingers may see a diminished response to cortisone shots.
Repeat Injections: While often still beneficial, subsequent injections tend to be less effective and carry a higher risk of complications.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

While generally safe, cortisone shots carry some risks. Common side effects are usually temporary and include pain or a “steroid flare” at the injection site for a day or two. Other potential side effects include:

Skin Changes: Thinning of the skin or lightening of its color at the injection site can occur, especially in individuals with darker skin tones.
Tendon Weakening: In rare cases, repeated injections into the same tendon can weaken it, increasing the risk of tendon rupture.
Increased Blood Sugar: Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar closely for several days following the injection, as it can temporarily increase.
Infection: While rare, there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
Fat Atrophy: A loss of fatty tissue under the skin, leading to a visible indentation, can happen.

Alternative Treatments for Trigger Finger

For those who do not find relief with a cortisone shot, or who prefer a different approach, other treatment options are available:

Activity Modification and Rest: Avoiding activities that involve repetitive or firm gripping can help alleviate symptoms in milder cases.
Splinting: A splint worn at night can keep the finger straight and rest the tendon.
Physical Therapy: Gentle stretching exercises and other techniques can improve the range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Oral Medications: Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen may help manage pain and swelling.
Surgery: When conservative treatments fail, surgical release of the A1 pulley is often recommended. This procedure, which can be performed as an open or percutaneous procedure, has a high success rate and is considered the definitive treatment.

Cortisone Shot vs. Other Trigger Finger Treatments


Feature	Cortisone Shot	Splinting	Surgery (Open/Percutaneous)
Effectiveness	High initially (50-90%), but can recur. Less effective for diabetics or repeat cases.	Modest, most effective for mild cases, often used at night.	Highest success rate, considered a permanent solution.
Invasiveness	Minimally invasive. Quick in-office procedure.	Non-invasive. Simply worn on the finger.	Invasive procedure, requires an incision or a needle to be inserted.
Recovery Time	Minimal. Can experience a “flare” for 1-2 days. Full effect can take weeks.	Immediate. Requires consistent use, often 6-9 weeks.	Varies, but can involve several weeks of recovery and hand therapy.
Side Effects	Skin thinning, discoloration, fat atrophy, risk of tendon weakening (rare), increased blood sugar.	Skin irritation from wearing the splint.	Post-operative pain, scarring, swelling, potential nerve damage, infection (rare).

Conclusion

A cortisone shot is a highly effective, non-surgical, and minimally invasive first-line treatment for trigger finger, particularly for mild to moderate cases and for the trigger thumb. By directly addressing the inflammation in the tendon sheath, it can resolve the catching and locking symptoms for a significant period. However, it is not a guaranteed permanent cure for all patients. Factors like underlying health conditions (e.g., diabetes), multiple-digit involvement, and repeated injections can lower its effectiveness. For individuals who experience a recurrence after one or two shots or have persistent symptoms, surgical intervention remains the most reliable long-term solution. It is crucial to discuss the potential benefits and risks with a healthcare provider to determine the most suitable course of action for your specific situation. For more detailed information on hand and upper extremity conditions, you can consult The Hand Society, a leading authority on the subject(https://www.assh.org/).

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people feel relief within a few days to a week after the injection. However, in some cases, it can take up to 3 to 4 weeks for full improvement.

While there is no set rule, many doctors recommend limiting injections to no more than two or three in the same finger to avoid complications like potential tendon weakening or rupture.

If your symptoms return, your doctor may recommend a second injection. However, repeat injections have lower long-term success rates, and for persistent recurrence, surgical release may be considered.

Yes, but be aware that the success rate of a cortisone shot for trigger finger tends to be lower in diabetic patients. It can also temporarily increase blood sugar levels, so close monitoring is necessary.

Recovery is typically minimal. You may experience a 'steroid flare,' which is a temporary increase in pain for 1-2 days after the injection, but this can be managed with ice and rest.

No, other non-surgical options exist, including rest, wearing a splint at night to keep the finger straight, and gentle stretching exercises. Oral anti-inflammatory medications can also help manage pain.

Surgery is usually recommended if non-surgical treatments like cortisone injections and splinting have not resolved the issue, or if the finger is severely or chronically locked.