Midlands Community Services
Trigger Finger Release
Aftercare Instructions
You have had surgery to release the tight pulley at the base of your finger or thumb. This page explains what to expect, how to care for your wound, exercises to do, and when to seek help.
Wound healing and recovery – what to expect
1Day 0-2
- Bulky dressing in place.
- Keep the hand raised.
- Start gentle finger movement.
2Day 3-5
- Outer bandage may be reduced if advised.
- Keep the small dressing dry.
- Bruising and swelling may show.
3Day 7-14
- Wound should be closing.
- Stitches are usually removed or reviewed.
- Triggering should be improved.
4Week 2-6
- Scar may feel firm or tender.
- Gradually increase light use.
- Avoid heavy gripping until comfortable.
56 weeks+
- Most wounds are healed.
- Strength and movement improve.
- Scar massage may help once healed.
6Up to 3-6 months
- Scar continues to soften.
- Stiff fingers can take longer.
- Seek review if progress stalls.
Recovery times vary. Light use and regular gentle movement normally help recovery, but pain and swelling should gradually settle rather than worsen.
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Wound care
- Keep dressings clean and dry.
- You may usually reduce the bulky outer bandage after 48-72 hours if advised.
- Keep the small dressing on until the wound is healed or stitches are removed.
- If the dressing gets wet or dirty, change it.
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Movement
- Keep your hand elevated as much as possible for the first 48 hours.
- Move your fingers, thumb, wrist, elbow and shoulder gently from day one.
- Do not do forceful gripping or squeezing until the wound has healed.
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Pain control
- Mild to moderate pain is common for a few days.
- Paracetamol can be used if suitable.
- We usually ask patients to avoid ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medicines for the first 48 hours after surgery, unless specifically advised otherwise.
- After 48 hours, ibuprofen may be used if suitable for you and not otherwise advised against.
- Follow the dose instructions on the packet.
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Exercises – little and often
- Straighten all fingers fully, then gently make a fist. Repeat 5-10 times.
- Make a hook fist by bending the middle and end joints while keeping the knuckles straighter.
- Touch the thumb to each fingertip in turn.
- Move the wrist, elbow and shoulder to prevent stiffness.
- Stop and rest if swelling or pain increases significantly after exercise.
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Activity and driving
- Use the hand for light tasks as comfort allows.
- Avoid heavy lifting, tight gripping, gardening, DIY and impact until the wound has healed and grip is comfortable.
- Do not drive until you can safely control the vehicle in an emergency and are not impaired by pain or medication.
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Signs of infection or urgent concern
- Spreading redness, heat or swelling.
- Increasing pain rather than improvement.
- Pus, discharge, bad smell or wound opening.
- Fever, chills or feeling unwell.
- Numb, blue, cold or very swollen fingers.
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When to seek help
- Signs of infection or fever.
- Pain not controlled by simple pain relief and elevation.
- Persistent bleeding.
- Finger becomes increasingly stiff or locks again.
- Stitches still present or wound not healed after 2-3 weeks.
- Any concern about healing.
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Follow-up and useful tips
- You will be told whether stitches dissolve or need removal. If removal is needed, this is usually at 10-14 days.
- A telephone or SMS check may be used.
- Hand therapy may be arranged if stiffness, swelling, scar sensitivity or pain is not settling.
- Protect the scar from strong sun once healed.
This page gives general aftercare guidance. Follow any personalised instructions from your surgeon or nursing team, especially if you take blood-thinning medication, have diabetes, reduced immunity, or have been given different dressing instructions.