Trigger Finger Pathway

Talk with your healthcare provider about a referral

If your trigger finger symptoms are severe or if they have not improved with treatment, you and your healthcare provider may decide that a referral to a hand and wrist surgeon is needed. This referral may happen while you try other treatments.

It is important that you continue your treatment, such as rest and splinting, while waiting to see a specialist.

You may also be sent for steroid injections while you are waiting to see a hand and wrist surgeon.

After your referral, the hand and wrist surgeon will meet with you to discuss your health concerns and examine your hands. The surgeon will discuss treatment options with you, including the benefits and risks of each option. Trigger finger release surgery can immediately make your trigger finger better and has minimal risk.

trigger finger pathway map

Trigger Finger Pathway

Download or print the full patient pathway (PDF) and summary (one-page PDF) to learn more about how to manage and treat trigger-finger.
Patient Pathway Summary

Current as of: April 7, 2025

Author: Provincial Pathways Unit, Primary Care Alberta, and Alberta Health Services

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This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.

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