Acupuncture and Chinese medicine for Trigger Finger
- rippleacupuncture
- 15 minutes ago
- 2 min read
What is a trigger finger?
Trigger finger is a condition that can cause discomfort and limit the mobility of the affected finger. It occurs when a finger gets stuck in a bent position, which may suddenly release with a pop or click. This condition is most common in the thumb, ring finger, or middle finger.
Symptoms
A clicking or popping sensation when bending or straightening the affected finger.
The need to use the other hand to manually force the affected finger straight.
Stiffness, particularly noticeable in the morning.
A palpable, tender lump in the palm or at the base of the finger.
Cause
While the exact cause is not always clear, trigger finger can be associated with repetitive gripping actions, certain medical conditions like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, and may also develop without an obvious reason. The problem occurs when a tendon or its protective sheath (pulley) becomes inflamed and thickened, making it difficult for the tendon to glide smoothly.
Treatment
Treatment options vary and may include rest, splinting, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or in some cases, surgery. Early intervention can often help manage the symptoms effectively.
Why acupuncture for the treatment of trigger finger?
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, this condition is viewed as an obstruction of the flow of Qi (energy) and Blood in the sinew. Acupuncture aims to restore this flow.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis specifically noted the effectiveness of acupuncture for trigger finger. By facilitating the natural flow of Qi and Blood, acupuncture may help reduce inflammation and swelling of the synovial membrane in the tendon sheath, utilizing the body's own mechanisms.
About the Author
Youngmi Choi
Ripple Acupuncture | Charlestown | Newcastle
As an AHPRA-registered acupuncturist with 15 years of nursing experience, I offer safe, effective, and holistic care. My special interests include women’s health & fertility, pain management, psycho-emotional well-being, and digestive balance. My approach is outcome-focused, and clients receive a clear care plan with personalized lifestyle advice.
If you have any questions about your trigger finger condition, please make an online booking, submit an online enquiry or call me on 0402 474 884.
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Reference
How Do You Treat Trigger Finger in Your Practice? Med Acupunct. 2018 Aug 1;30(4):209-216. doi: 10.1089/acu.2018.29093.cpl. PMID: 32952778; PMCID: PMC7497977.
Hong H, Jeong M, Jo H, Lee S, Kim K, Choi S, Park J, Ha J. Effectiveness of Acupuncture and Acupotomy for Trigger Finger: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Acupunct Res 2023;40:111-128. https://doi.org/10.13045/jar.2023.00066
Inoue M, Nakajima M, Hojo T, Itoi M, Kitakoji H. Acupuncture for the treatment of trigger finger in adults: a prospective case series. Acupunct Med. 2016 Oct;34(5):392-397. doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2016-011068. Epub 2016 Jul 11. PMID: 27401746.
Mayo Clinic (2025). Trigger finger; [reviewed 2025 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/trigger-finger/symptoms-causes/syc-20365100
Australian Hand Therapy Association (2025).Trigger finger: Causes, symptoms, treatment, and recovery
; [reviewed 2025 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.ahta.com.au/pslink.cfm?refer=trigger-finger&pageReload=yes
American Society for Surgery of the Hand (2025). Trigger finger; [reviewed 2025 Nov 3]. Available from: https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/trigger-finger
Jeanmonod R, Tiwari V, Waseem M. Trigger Finger. [Updated 2024 Feb 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459310/
Total spine & orthopedics (2025). Trigger finger; [reviewed 2025 Nov 3]. Available from: https://totalspineortho.com/spine-conditions/trigger-finger/
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