Why Does My Finger Lock When I Wake Up? Understanding Trigger Finger (Stenosing Tenosynovitis)

A ProVital Physiotherapy Guide

Waking up with a finger that feels stuck or won’t straighten properly can be a strange and frustrating experience. You might think it’s just poor circulation or that you slept on it the wrong way, but if it keeps happening, there could be something more going on. That morning stiffness or “locking” feeling might actually be a condition known as Trigger Finger.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger Finger, or stenosing tenosynovitis, is a condition that affects the tendons in your fingers. Normally, these tendons glide smoothly through a protective sheath when you bend and straighten your finger. But when the tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, it can catch or lock up inside the sheath. This leads to that popping or snapping sensation, or even a finger that stays bent until you force it straight.

What Does It Feel Like?

• Stiffness in the finger (especially in the morning)

• A popping or clicking sensation when moving the finger

• Pain or tenderness at the base of the finger or thumb

• Finger locking in a bent position

• Difficulty gripping, holding, or pinching objects

  
  

If you’ve ever had to “unstick” your finger after gripping something, or felt a painful snap when straightening it, Trigger Finger may be the reason.

Why You? Why Now?

Trigger Finger is usually linked to overuse or repetitive motion of the hand. The more your fingers are involved in gripping, pinching, or holding—especially over long periods—the higher the risk of developing it.

• Frequent use of tools or writing instruments

• Prolonged smartphone or tablet use

• Diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

• Hormonal changes during menopause

• Repetitive tasks like typing, gardening, or lifting

  
  

It’s common among teachers, office workers, manual laborers, and anyone who uses their hands intensively.

For many people, early self-care can help reduce symptoms and stop Trigger Finger from getting worse:

1. Rest: Avoid repetitive gripping or forceful hand activities that aggravate the finger. Let your hand rest whenever possible.
   

2. Ice: Apply a cold pack to the base of the affected finger or palm for 10–15 minutes, several times a day to reduce pain and swelling.
   

3. Support: Wearing a finger splint, especially at night, can help keep the finger in a neutral position and prevent locking.
   

4. Gentle exercises: Once the pain decreases, light stretching and gliding exercises can help restore flexibility and tendon movement.
   

5. Ergonomics: Adjust how you hold tools, type, or use your phone to reduce strain on your fingers and hand.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

If your finger keeps locking, feels stiff in the morning, or starts interfering with daily tasks like gripping or typing, it’s time to seek help. Left untreated, Trigger Finger can worsen and affect hand function.

At Provital Physio, we’ll assess your condition and provide targeted treatment to relieve discomfort and restore smooth movement. Book your session today at our centre and get back to using your hands with ease.

References:

1. Ferrara, P. E., Codazza, S., Maccauro, G., Zirio, G., Ferriero, G., & Ronconi, G. (2020). Physical therapies for the conservative treatment of the trigger finger: a narrative review. Orthopedic Reviews. https://doi.org/10.4081/or.2020.8680

2. Jeanmonod, R., Tiwari, V., & Waseem, M. (2024, February 5). Trigger finger. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459310/#:~:text=Patients%20with%20trigger%20finger%20typically,painful%20click%20in%20the%20digit.

3. Sahoo, A. C., Soumyashree, S., & Mahapatra, C. (2023). The role of physiotherapy in the treatment of chronic trigger finger—a case report. Bulletin of Faculty of Physical Therapy, 28(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s43161-023-00137-8

4. Trigger thumb. (2025, January 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28722884/