Will Voltaren help trigger fingers?

October 13, 2025 •

5 min read

Topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Voltaren gel are commonly used for mild to moderate arthritis pain, but many people experiencing stiffening and catching wonder: will Voltaren help trigger fingers? For mild cases, it can be part of a conservative treatment strategy to reduce localized pain and inflammation.

Quick Summary

Voltaren, a topical NSAID, can offer temporary pain relief for mild trigger finger by reducing local inflammation. It is part of a conservative treatment plan that can also include rest, splinting, and exercises. This approach is often used before considering steroid injections or surgery for persistent or severe symptoms.

Key Points

Limited Effectiveness: Voltaren gel can temporarily reduce inflammation and pain for mild trigger finger, but it does not address the underlying mechanical issue causing the tendon to catch.
Conservative Treatment: Voltaren is best used as part of a broader conservative treatment plan that includes rest, splinting, and gentle hand exercises.
Symptom Relief, Not Cure: As a topical NSAID, Voltaren works by blocking inflammatory chemicals (prostaglandins) and offers symptomatic relief rather than a permanent cure.
Not for Severe Cases: If your symptoms are severe, persistent, or your finger is locked, Voltaren is unlikely to be sufficient and more advanced treatments like steroid injections or surgery may be necessary.
Consult a Professional: Always discuss your condition with a healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific case and to rule out other issues.
Injection vs. Topical: Corticosteroid injections are generally more effective for moderate-to-severe trigger finger as they deliver potent anti-inflammatory medication directly into the tendon sheath.

What is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition affecting one or more of the fingers or the thumb. It occurs when inflammation narrows the space within the sheath that surrounds the tendon in the affected finger. The tendon, which functions like a rope, no longer glides smoothly through its protective tunnel (the A1 pulley) near the base of the finger. As a result, the tendon becomes irritated and swells, often forming a small nodule or bump. When you bend or straighten your finger, this nodule catches on the pulley, causing a painful popping or clicking sensation. In more severe cases, the finger may become locked in a bent position.

Common symptoms include:

A snapping or popping feeling when moving the affected finger or thumb.
Pain and stiffness, especially in the morning.
A tender lump or nodule in the palm at the base of the finger.
The finger locking or getting stuck in a bent position.

The Role of Voltaren (Diclofenac) Gel for Trigger Finger

Voltaren Arthritis Pain is a brand name for diclofenac gel, a topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The primary mechanism by which diclofenac works is by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, which are responsible for producing prostaglandins—the body's inflammatory chemicals. By blocking this process, Voltaren helps to reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation at the application site.

Can Voltaren Help Trigger Finger?

For mild cases of trigger finger, Voltaren can be a useful component of a conservative treatment approach. By reducing the inflammation in the tendon sheath, the gel can help to alleviate some of the pain and make movement less restricted. However, it's important to understand that Voltaren treats the symptoms, not the underlying mechanical issue of the tendon catching. While it may provide temporary relief, especially when combined with other strategies like rest, it is not a cure for the condition itself.

How to Use Voltaren for Finger Pain

If you and your healthcare provider decide that Voltaren is an appropriate option, it is typically applied directly to the base of the affected finger or thumb up to four times daily. For best results, follow the dosage instructions on the packaging or from your doctor. Avoid using it on open wounds or irritated skin, and do not cover the treated area with a bandage or heat pack.

Conservative Treatments: Is Voltaren Enough?

Voltaren is just one tool in a multi-faceted approach to managing mild trigger finger. Combining it with other conservative, non-invasive methods can often yield better results and potentially prevent the need for more advanced interventions. Other non-surgical treatments include:

Rest and Activity Modification: Minimizing repetitive gripping or sustained use of vibrating machinery can give the inflamed tendon time to rest and heal.
Splinting: Wearing a splint, particularly at night, can help keep the finger or thumb in a straight position. This helps to reduce swelling by preventing the tendon from locking or catching during sleep.
Hand Exercises: Gentle stretching exercises can help maintain mobility and prevent stiffness. Examples include finger extension stretches, finger lifts, and tendon gliding exercises.
Ice Application: Applying an ice pack to the palm and base of the finger can help reduce inflammation and numb the area, providing short-term pain relief.

Voltaren vs. Other Treatments: A Comparative Look

Choosing the right treatment for trigger finger depends on the severity and persistence of your symptoms. Here's a comparison of Voltaren with other common interventions.


Feature	Voltaren (Topical Diclofenac)	Oral NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Naproxen)	Corticosteroid Injection	Surgical Release
Mechanism	Reduces local inflammation and pain at the application site.	Reduces inflammation and pain throughout the body.	Reduces targeted, localized inflammation in the tendon sheath.	Surgically releases the constricted tendon sheath.
Effectiveness for Trigger Finger	Can provide temporary relief for mild symptoms; not a cure.	May help reduce general pain and inflammation, but less focused relief than topical application or injection.	Often very effective for moderate to severe cases, with results lasting over a year for many.	Highly effective, often permanent cure for persistent cases.
Side Effects	Localized skin reactions (redness, itching), though systemic risks are lower than with oral NSAIDs.	Gastrointestinal issues, cardiovascular risks, potential kidney problems.	Small risk of skin discoloration, fat atrophy, or tendon rupture, though generally considered safe.	Post-operative soreness, minor risk of infection or nerve damage.
Cost	Over-the-counter and relatively low cost.	Over-the-counter and typically low cost.	Requires a medical visit; higher cost per treatment, but potentially more effective.	Higher cost due to surgical procedure, but provides a long-term solution.
When to Use	As a first-line, conservative treatment for mild pain and stiffness.	For general pain management, but often less effective for localized issues.	When conservative treatments fail or for moderate to severe symptoms.	When symptoms are severe, persistent, or recur after injections.

When to Consider Advanced Treatment Options

While Voltaren and other conservative measures are excellent starting points, they may not be sufficient for everyone. You should consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or worsen despite rest and medication.

Corticosteroid Injections

This is often the next step when conservative methods fail. A small amount of a corticosteroid is injected directly into the tendon sheath to reduce inflammation. Injections have a high success rate, particularly for those without diabetes, and can provide long-lasting relief. However, their effectiveness may be lower in patients with diabetes, and repeated injections in the same finger are generally discouraged.

Surgery

For severe cases, for those with a finger that is permanently locked, or when injections fail to provide lasting relief, surgery may be recommended. The procedure, known as a trigger finger release, is typically an outpatient procedure with a high success rate. A hand surgeon will cut the constricted tendon sheath to allow the tendon to glide freely again.

Conclusion

While Voltaren can help alleviate some pain and inflammation associated with a trigger finger, it is most effective as part of a conservative treatment plan for mild symptoms. It can provide temporary relief, but it is not a cure for the underlying mechanical problem. For persistent or severe cases, other options like corticosteroid injections or surgery are often necessary to achieve a permanent solution. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate course of action for your specific condition.

For more comprehensive information on trigger finger and its treatment options, you can consult reputable medical sources like the Mayo Clinic.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, Voltaren gel is not a cure for trigger finger. It can help manage mild symptoms by reducing pain and inflammation temporarily, but it does not fix the mechanical problem of the tendon catching within its sheath.

Voltaren contains diclofenac, an NSAID that works by inhibiting the body's production of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. Applying the gel to the base of the affected finger can reduce localized pain and swelling associated with the condition.

For localized inflammation in the hand, a topical NSAID like Voltaren may be preferred over an oral NSAID, as it delivers the medicine directly to the site of the problem with a lower risk of systemic side effects. However, a potent treatment like a corticosteroid injection is generally more effective for moderate to severe cases.

Common side effects are mostly localized to the application site and can include skin redness, itching, dryness, or a rash. While systemic side effects are less common than with oral NSAIDs, it is still possible and requires attention.

You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve after a few weeks of conservative treatment, if the pain or locking is getting worse, or if your finger becomes permanently locked. Seeking medical advice is also wise before beginning any new treatment.

Yes, many non-medication treatments work well in conjunction with Voltaren. These include resting the hand, using a splint to immobilize the finger at night, and performing gentle hand and finger stretching exercises.

A corticosteroid injection is a more potent and invasive treatment than Voltaren. It involves injecting a powerful anti-inflammatory directly into the tendon sheath and is often more effective and provides longer-lasting relief, especially for moderate to severe cases.