A range of treatments are available depending on the condition’s severity and how long you have had it. Anti-inflammatories may help to relieve the pain but will not make a significant difference to the swelling that is trapping the tendon. It is important to rest the affected hand to allow the symptoms to subside. Wearing a splint at night for up to six weeks can keep the affected finger in an extended position, which allows the tendon to rest. Your consultant may be able to show you some simple exercises to improve mobility in your finger.

An injection of corticosteroids into the tendon sheath may help to reduce inflammation so the tendon can move smoothly again. You may also be offered a percutaneous release treatment which entails inserting a needle into the tissue around the affected tendon and moving it, along with your finger, to break up anything that is constricting the tendon sheath. This is normally done under local anaesthetic and using ultrasound to guide the needle.

In more severe cases, you may be offered surgery to release the affected tendon. A small incision will be made near to the base of your affected finger and the surgeon will cut open the constricted sections of tendon sheath. The incision will be closed with sutures.