Effective Natural Remedies for Trigger Finger Relief

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Essential Oils, Bromelain

1 User Review
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Posted by Steve (Raymond, Nebraska) on 03/15/2015
★★★★★

I have trigger finger of the index finger. I am 90 percent better. I used essential oils. Oregano, frankincence twice daily rubbing it on the finger. I used splint to imobilize it the first few weeks. Ice in a plastic cup gets it going in the morning or hot coffee cup. I also take bromelain tablets. Two per day.

Replied by Sharon C.
(Missouri)
08/06/2015

What is the dosage of the Bromelain you are taking? I see 2xday, but not the amount. Also, 3 months or so have passed. How are you doing? Have the remedies worked to heal? Partially or completely?


Finger Stretch

1 User Review
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Posted by Lester (Ar) on 08/06/2015
★★★★★

I have a finger that triggers part of the time. To stop it, I place hands with wrist spread apart, finger tip to finger tip and press so that it stretches the tendons of the hands and will go for weeks with out triggering. Hope this helps.


Fish Oil

1 User Review
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Posted by Renee (Trinidad) on 09/08/2015
★★★★☆

Hope this helps someone. About ten months ago I developed the trigger finger in the middle finger of both hands and stiffness in my fingers especially bad in the mornings. I bought an online highly rated splint to use, there was no improvement. I started using fish oil supplements about three months ago and the locking is completely gone. I still have stiffness in my fingers but it has improved significantly. (I am 35, female and generally very healthy)


Fish Oil, Ball Exercise

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Posted by Dora (Houston, Texas) on 07/05/2012
★★★★★

Months ago had Trigger Finger problem in my right thumb. I followed Ted's remedies from Earth Clinic and other remedies from the same website. I really improved when I started taking Fish oil and sometimes Cod liver oil, as well as eating more salmon, fish, fruits, and vegetables, and tried not to do much work with that hand with the injured thumb. Also, the exercises with a small ball that I got at the Academy store did help me. The ball is similar to the ones used to release stress. My thumb is a 90% better since the problem started. Now can move it very well..

I do not recommend surgery, found out that surgery is not the best option. I encourage you to be patient.

I thank God for you all who shared the information on the Trigger finger at Earth Clinic.


Flex Ball

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Posted by Kim (Harrisburg, Pa) on 02/19/2008
★★★★★

Trigger Thumb/ Trigger Finger. First of all let me tell you I love this site. After suffering from trigger thumb (both hands) and Trigger finger,for 6 months I believe I found something that helps. After seeing my Doctor and having several injections, my last hope was surgery. This I didn't want. I tried everything. I came across a product called LivRite Flex-Ball. Its a small ball filled with a squishy material. I purchased it at Wal-Mart for $3.00 I have been using this ball for a week now and my symptoms are easing up. I can bend my thumbs again, and the pain is also easing. I'm not going to lie, when you first start to squeeze this ball, it hurts, but the pain does decrease with use. I set it by my T.V. everytime I sit down I do a few squeezes. Hope this helps some of you like it helped me.


Foods to Avoid

Posted by Margaret (Grants Pass, Or) on 05/18/2013

I have trigger finger in my middle finger. If acidity causes it, does that mean I should avoid ACV? Also, I drink a lot of kefir that I culture at home. Kefir is acidic, and I wonder if that could be "triggering" it. I'd hate to have to give up kefir and/or ACV because of all the health benefits associated with them, but I do want to get rid of the trigger finger.

Replied by Joy
(Battleground, Wash)
05/20/2013

I believe I read that low magnesium causes this but I also think that dehydration would contribute. Since magnesium pushes the calcium in and out of the cells and also aids the salt to hold the water in the cells then it would affect the joints as well.

With no water cushioning the joints, they would get sticky and very painful. Try a multi vitamin and multi mineral supplement and drink water half an hour before eating.

Replied by William
(Colorado Springs, Colorado Usa)
05/28/2013

Margaret, with regard to the ACV I have two sharings: first, in spite of the efficacy of ACV, Blood Type A people do not do well on Vinegar, including ACV [see Eat Right for Your Type by D'Adamo].

However, w/ regard to acidity please remember that its not the acidity of what goes into the body but what happens when the body processes it [burns, oxidizes, or whatever you wish to call it] and the sah it deposits. Many acidic things like Lemons create strong alkalinity, thus negating acidity.

Finally, many parasites [Candida for example] generate acid systems.

Best, Nutricon Wm, Colorado


Gayle's Bandaid Method

3 User Reviews
5 star (3) 
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Posted by Houston (Chicago Il) on 05/16/2016
★★★★★

I put a large band aid around my finger at night as a splint and my finger seems to be healing. I sleep with it on all night to prevent my finger from being stuck in the morning thanks for the tip.


Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Judy (Western Cape) on 10/01/2015
★★★★★

Gayle You are so clever. I have trigger thumb as well and all in splints and driving me crazy. Did the band aid method and it feel so much better now. Thank you Gayle.

People with trigger thumbs try it, it works.


Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Andrew (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/18/2012
★★★★★

Yes, Gayle's Bandaid Method worked for me! I had severe trigger thumb (left hand) for a month. Went to an orthepedic surgeon who diagnosed it as trigger thumb and gave me a cortisone shot. That worked for about a week. Pain came back. I did not want to have another cortisone shor or surgery so I looked for a homeopathic remedy. I found, and finally decided to try, the "bandaid" method. I bought some first aid tape at my local pharmacy, wrapped my thumb and kept the tape on day and night. After 2-3 days my thumb felt much better and did not hurt, especially at night and/or while sleeping.

After 3-4 weeks of taping my trigger thumb problem is 80%-90% managable! The tape/wrap "bandaid" method worked for me! Now I only need to put the tape on if my thumb is hurting at night and, if it is, the tape gives me immediate relief! It's a miracle!

Replied by Kathy
(Pa)
03/16/2016

More then likely it felt better from the cortisone shot which will work for about 9 months. After getting the shot it can hurt for up to 2 weeks from my experience. I had it in my right thumb and got the operation. I house clean so I cannot not use my hands. Now it is in left hand and already had 2 shots but I now do not have insurance so I am stuck and will try some of these remedies.


Gayle's Bandaid Method

6 User Reviews
5 star (4) 
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4 star (1) 
  17%
3 star (1) 
  17%

Posted by Sandra (MI) on 11/06/2021
★★★★★

The bandaid method worked for me. It took a long time before I could take it off and leave it off, but it worked. I believe that my other thumb is doing it now too. It's actually not clicking/locking, but it's seriously painful. I was in so much pain, I didn't know where to turn past alternating Advil with Voltaren gel. A brace didn't work nor a bandage wrap, so I decided to try a bandaid on it just for the heck of it. I put it right over the knuckle like I did on my other hand. In that way, I can't bend it. It worked. The pain subsided as soon as I got it on there. What a relief! On first trigger thumb, I also used the new surgical tape that's out there. It's a tan color, and I think it's possibly breathable. I wrapped that around several times and that worked well. It would eventually get dirty and start to come off because of working and getting it wet, but it worked. The bandaids did pretty much the same thing. I've even used both, including waterproof bandaids. What didn't work was the old-fashioned white surgical tape. My skin dried out so badly that it left a long cut across my skin (as if I wasn't in enough pain already).


Gayle's Bandaid Method
Posted by Gayle Judice (Lafayette, Louisiana) on 08/06/2008
★★★★★

Bandaids cured my trigger finger. I kept a bandaid wrapped where my thumb bends, keeping it straight and unable to bend for (2 to 3) months and I was cured. I believe trigger finger flares up by using the flex motion too much and letting it heal and not being used (such as carpal tunnell) lets the joint relax.

Replied by Nancy
(Mc Kenzie Bridge, Or)
05/18/2011
★★★★★

I agree with Gayle's bandaid method. I wore a splint on my finger for a long time to keep it from bending and it has cured my trigger finger in the past. When I have not been able to wear it though because it got in the way, I noticed a significant increase in the swelling and pain when my finger was able to bend. Gayle's idea of a bandaid is much better than a splint because it is a lot less cumbersome and can virtually be worn at all times.

Replied by Katie
(San Clemente, California)
09/08/2011
★★★★★

I have been doing this for about 1 week and my finger feel much better. I have been using 2 inch blue tape and only change it a few times a day due to water.

Replied by Lisa
(New York, New York Usa)
02/04/2012
★★★☆☆

Yes I use tape and it was getting better now its hurting again I am trying b-6, red river clay, arnica, traumeel, mend-me-shop home ultrasound, was feeling better but I had vitamin c, chocolate and caffeine today and now it hurts again. I am trying alkalyzing drops and I must lower the acid.

Just purchased the book Balancing Body Chemistry about over acid how this creates all disease. Great book. Thing is vit c is very important. I take Ester c where am I going to get that from now if not from this? Also I love dark chocolate. Green tea keeps me up at night even if I have it in morning.. Looks like acid foods cause the flare up. I bicycle a lot and grip the handle bar. Hate trigger thumb but refuse to go for the cortisone shot. It has helped people in one shot but I am afraid to weaken the tendons there. Also taking type 1 collagen, msm thought I bought it the other day for good but here it is again.

I like the hot water idea, the tape, the vitamin b6, garlic capsules and natural antiinfalammotory. When is this going to end? if it is diet related, looks like I am giving up so many foods nothing left to eat of things that I love that are also good for you such as some dk choco, caffeine is also beneficial in some levels, tomoto sauce is lycopene have to give all this up? What fun is there in eating now?? As it is I have given up most offending fattening foods but love certain things. Need to be food nun? once and for all what the heck is this trigger thumb and lets be rid of it!! I think I will try the acupuncture.

Replied by Ange
(Grifton, Nc, Us)
03/13/2013

I love this method and it makes sense. Thanks for the information. I am going to try it!

Replied by Lisa
(New York Ny)
03/24/2014

Well here we go again. I found my 2012 post about trigger of the thumb I did finally go for the cortisone shot and it worked like a dream no new problems except now it is in the third finger from too much mouse and tool gripping (floral design) lots of pain more afraid of a shot there..trying the tape method.. dehydration probably causes all of these problems.. I am trying B-6, taping with blue tape splint at night, more water. I am grateful for all the posts here because each one is helpful thank you Earth Clinic anything to avoid surgery and shots but the cortisone shot at the base of the thumb really did the trick.. this is so common and painful my diet is even better than ever but something caused this..wonder if it's too much calcium? By the way the very best magnesium imo is Derma-Mag a topical liquid form that is absorbed thru the skin Highly recommended..These fish oils have vitamin E (soybean oil) as a preservative and very very allergic and dont want hormone disrupters which soy is

Replied by Hal M.
(Jupiter, Florida)
07/09/2015
★★★★☆

I have tried many approaches without success. I started the bandaid method two days ago and I think it is helping on my left middle finger. I am not sure about locating the tape. Seems that three quarter inch wide tape wrapped between base of finger and second joint from tip keeps it straight best. Is that right?

Replied by Vicky
(Texas)
09/02/2015

You want a neutral position. lay your hand on its side on a table...relaxed...there should be a slight arch to your palm and fingers. That's it! There are neoprene sheaths available at Walmart that can do this as well. from my experience this was helpful in the beginning of my food regime. The vitamins, reducing inflammation/ acidity, bromelain are more helpful!

Replied by Pat Mulcahy
(Victoria Bc)
10/31/2015

Squeezing rubber ball or squeezing anything exacerbates the problem. An absolute no-no.

Replied by Lorraine
(Wisconsin)
01/18/2016

How did this Gayle..tape her thumb? In the bent or straight position ? To another finger ? It wasn't specific.


General Feedback

1 User Review
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Posted by Sue (Hillsboro, Mo) on 08/17/2011

Hi everyone. Has anyone had a ganglion cyst or a hard "knot" in the hand prior to the trigger finger? If so what can be done nonsurgically for the gangion? My husband is having this problem and so does his father. The doctor just wants to keep doing surgery on my father-in-law. Thanks!

Replied by Lily
(Brisbane, Queensland, Australia)
08/17/2011

Hi Sue, traditionally you hit the ganglion cyst with a huge book and it bursts. (the bible was the book of choice). I have done this and it goes down and sometimes comes back up so you just repeat the "cure", until it stays away. Hope this helps. Lily.

Replied by Carla
(Acworth, Ga)
09/02/2011

Sue,

I had a ganglion cyst on my right wrist for several months- it was right in the joint and you could only see it when my wrist was bent- very painful. The doctor drained it twice and it always came back- but each time he mentioned hitting it with a book. The last time it came back I had someone us a Very large hard cover book to smack it. It has been about 5 years and it has not come back yet.

Just be careful with the joint!

Replied by Alex
(Orlando)
08/16/2016

Ganglions are fluid fill sacs. If you don't disrupt the sac they usually return. Surgery is an option where the sac is removed or if you break the sac I.e. smash with a book you must apply direct pressure for a few weeks with a pressure dressing to hopefully prevent the sac from forming again.

Replied by Tricia
(New York)
09/16/2018
8 posts
★★★★★

I went to a chiropractor in Astoria NY. The ganglion cyst was on my right hand between the wrist and the hand. All he did was massage the wrist part and said he was going to make my body parts talking to each other. In one day the cyst diminished by 50 percent. In one week it was gone. He said there is a disconnect due to overuse of the wrist and hand. Now I am developing trigger finger in my pinky on right hand and finger in left hand next to ring finger. I am taping them and ill start taking magnesium malate and vitamin c. Hopefully I'll see results.


General Feedback
Posted by Pamela (Marlborough, Connecticut) on 10/04/2010

Also I have been having trouble with my knuckles being swollen for months, when to a doctor who gave me to cortisone shots in one hand and said I had trigger finger. I don't have any clicking in any fingers so I think he is wrong and the shots only helped for a week, which also cost 600.00 for the visit. I am desperate for help. I have been taking pain pills for weeks that only help so much. Thanks for any help Pam

Replied by Carly
(Seattle, Wa - Usa)
10/04/2010

Hi Pam, If I were you I would research Turmeric and Boron. I can't explain why, or how they work, but there are some excellent articles on here re Turmeric, and on the web re Boron. They are both working for me. I used to wake in the morning feeling like someone had slammed my hand in a door... It is truly amazing to awaken to no pain in my hands. I literally lay in bed first thing in the morning just making fists in disbelief - it is still shocking. I take 1/4 tsp of turmeric a day in my tea with VCO (virgin coconut oil) and one 3mg boron (chelated - dont know if that matters or not) a day. I hope you find your answer! Carly

Replied by Tom
(Regina, Sk)
10/05/2010

Pamela:

Have you tried anything from this site's Arthritis section here?:

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/arthritis.html

Not mentioned under that section is Niacinamide, the amide form of Vitamin B3. (I'm assuming it's arthritis you have, since trigger finger is almost never accompanied by many swollen painful knuckle joints! )

Once again, to one of Dr. Pauling's legacy sites:
http://www.orthomolecular.org/

Click on "Search" in the molecule picture there. Type in "Niacinamide Kaufman arthritis" into the search query box.

This first one looks to be the best info and detail:
The Pioneering Work of William Kaufman: Arthritis and ADHD
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/2003/pdf/2003-v18n01-p029.pdf

From Page 3:
"The (more frequent) 250 mg dose of niacinamide is 40 to 50% more effective in the treatment of arthritis than the (less frequent) 500 mg. Dose. In my 1955 paper (The use of vitamin therapy to reverse certain concomitants of aging. J Amer Geriatric Soc. 3:927-936) I noted that niacinamide (alone or combined with other vitamins) in a thousand patient-years of use has caused no adverse side effects. Please keep in mind niacinamide is a systemic therapeutic agent. It measurably improves joint mobility, muscle strength, decreases fatiguability. It increases maximal muscle working capacity, reduces or completely eliminates arthritic joint pain. Some joints are so injured by the arthritic process that no amount of niacinamide therapy will cause improvement in joint mobility, ...

Interesting tidbit here:
http://www.orthomolecular.org/library/jom/1997/articles/1997-v12n04-p195.shtml

Kaufmann was a very careful observer and showed clearly the significant therapeutic value of niacinamide. But 1949 was not the right year for such reports, for the wonder drug, cortisone, had just been found to rapidly relieve the symptoms of arthritis. Dr. Hench, who had done the basic work, received a Nobel prize and Merck and Company held the patents. There was a tremendous display of publicity about these wonder drugs and they became the standard for all the arthritides. The fact that cortisones do not help very much was discovered later in England when they were compared with aspirin in the first ever double blind experiments. Aspirin proved equally as effective. Also cortisone and ACTH made many patients psychotic. Dr. Kaufman's 1949 published book 'The Common Form of Joint Dysfunction' is even now still available in places on the net.

http://www.doctoryourself.com/JOM1.html

DOSAGE:Niacinamide is water soluble and has a half-life of 90 minutes I. E. The amount left unmetabolized in the body drops in half every 90 minutes. This explains the divided doses. That daily dosage is divided into equal doses for ingestion every 2-3 waking hours waking.

DOSAGE:
http://www.doctoryourself.com/kaufman5.html

Usually adequate in moderate joint dysfunction was the continuous ingestion of 150 mg niacinamide administered every 3 hours for 6 daily doses (900 mg/24 hours). In extremely severe and severe grades of joint dysfunction, 100-150 mg niacinamide were prescribed every hour (1500-2250 mg/24 hours), every hour and a half (1110-1650 mg./24 hours), or every two hours (800-1200 mg/24 hours), depending on the severity of the joint dysfunction, the more frequent schedule being used in more severe cases (97) (51). It has been found in the treatment of joint dysfunction that the manner in which the daily dosage of niacinamide is divided has an important bearing on the the therapeutic results achieved; e. G. , 300 mg niacinamide given three times daily (900 mg/24 hours) is inferior in its therapeutic action to 150 mg niacinamide administered every 3 hours for 6 daily doses (900 mg/24 hours).


Hang From a Monkey Bar

1 User Review
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Posted by Chellow (Miami, Fl) on 08/17/2012
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

My trigger finger has been Cured, thank be to God. I was three weeks from my scheduled operation when I started a routine of hanging from a monkey bars, if I recall right I instantly had a result the first day. One week in the rooting I cancelled the operation and two months later more or less I'm cured.

This is what the therapy that I recommend:

Hang from a monkey bar or any alternative structure that you can roll your finger around a bar that lifts you from the floor. Hang from the bar for 10 seconds and release repeat this 10 times, do this exercise daily.

Replied by Caloy
(Pearl City, Hawaii)
03/12/2013

Thank you so much for sharing.... I will definitely try that today and I will update you with the results. Mahalo!!!

Replied by Plantsower
(Burson, Ca)
07/09/2013

Caloy: Have you had good results?

Replied by Mark
(Texas)
03/26/2016

I will try this. My trigger finger is not painful and usually lets up as the day goes on but I play guitar (not for a living, just to live a little) and do not want it to progress to a point that I can't play anymore.). Thanks for the hint.

Respectfully, Mark


Ice

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
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Posted by Cheryl (Philadelphia ) on 11/20/2016
★★★★★

For trigger finger, try holding ice on it to relieve the inflammation, that worked for me.



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