Trigger Thumb Tips + Tricks: Home Exercises, Splinting, and Massage

Learn some tips and tricks for treating your trigger thumb in this video! From using an oval-8 splint, to completing some simple stretches, to using ice massage and cross friction massage, learn some of the ways you might be able to improve your thumb.

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*Disclaimer: This video is not sponsored, all opinions are my own. While I am a Certified Hand Therapist, I can't diagnose you via the internet. Please seek advice from a medical or rehabilitation professional prior to starting an exercise program.

[nickmontgomery]

My trigger thumb was making my life a misery for 18 months. I'm a paramedic so it was affecting me at work too. Your advice on getting an oval 8 splint and stretching has literally changed my life!! I'm pain free and have full motion back. Thank you

[bridgetrealtyu]

I have gotten more from her video than I did from going to the orthopedic doctor and therapy from the hospital. Thank you for doing this for us.

[theteaprincess]

I had trigger thumb. I did a search and found your video. I followed what you said almost to the letter. It took about eight weeks but I no longer have that trigger thumb. Thank you so much for making this video. It was clear and easy to understand.

[HLotusSoul]

You are a phenomenal woman who offers her time on the internet to helps thousands. I think your techniques will work. You are the first to explain proper treatment so clearly. So grateful to you.

[KimCSmith]

Kelly, thank you for these exercises. I've had trigger thumb for a couple weeks now and my doctor was no help at all. She took an xray and brushed it off as arthritis. She said to wear a splint and take ibuprofen, not telling me that i needed to remove the splint periodically. As a result, over the past week wearing a splint 24/7, im in much more pain. After watching your video, i have hope that ill be on the right track now. Thank you!

[indgogirlz]

I am so excited to have found your page!!! I am a 53 year old female. I noticed a small ‘knot’ on my thumb knuckle, just below the nail. It has gotten a little bigger. Just a few days ago, the joint began popping when I bent it. Everyone I have watched, only talks about the thumb joint closer to the palm. Thank you so much for sharing these videos!! I was an EMT for about 10 years. Now, I am a security guard at a Childrens Specialty Clinic. I use my hands a lot. The stretches are definitely going to come in handy, pun intended!!

[laurendavis]

My thumb started out triggering for about a week and then today I could not move it at all. I did your tips, massage and iced a couple of times today. I can move it now! It is still triggering but it isn't STUCK. I'm so happy! I'll keep doing this daily along with wearing the splint until I'm better!!

[fmlogic]

This is the best video that I’ve watched about trigger thumb. Others were a bit vague.

[kkat]

omg thank you so much I've been playing guitar for 7 years and all the sudden my left thumb was stuck and i was so nervous but i feel a lot better

[tbjgold]

I made my splint out of duct tape--wrap the thumb with the sticky side out and then wrap it again with the sticky side down. It's a great splint because it gives some mobility but prevents snapping. My problem started a few weeks ago and is improving rapidly.

[rosemaryhannah]

I'm in the UK and developed trigger thumb about 5 weeks ago. I'm 74 and also have general osteoarthritis. When my right thumb started clicking I just thought it would go away after a couple of days but of course it didn't. I Googled the symptoms and for the first time I found a name for the condition. Due to lockdown restrictions here we are not able to see our GP unless, after triage on the phone, we are told to go to our surgery. So we can only book telephone appointments. My GP told me to buy some Ibuprofen gel and explained an exercise which is basically the one you call cross friction massage. He also said that if it was no better in 6-8 weeks they will give me a cortisone injection. He didn't give me anything like the detail you give in this video so thank you. I've only been doing the exercises for 2 days so it's early days. I've managed to buy a thumb splint from a pharmacy today so that will help me in keeping my thumb straight. You've said not to wear them 24/7 but is it ok to wear them while I'm asleep? The one I've got isn't the oval 8 splint, it's made of a soft pliable metal with 4 'prongs' that are lined with strips of foam so you place it over your thumb and gently press the prongs to the shape of 6our thumb. I often wake up with one or both thumbs in an unnaturally straight position and they are very painful especially if I have forgotten the problem and throw back my duvet to get out of bed! The other question I have is I find it very difficult to bend my thumb at the first joint without it clicking so I have taken your advice and stopped doing that part of the exercise; however, I can bend my thumb at the next joint without it clicking. So should I carry on with this second half of the exercise? Sorry for the long post but your video has been much more help to me than my doctor.

[nancyebanks]

Excellent video! The exercises work and helped me get my thumb action back in less than 3 weeks. My right thumb was literally swollen into an "open" position and wouldn't bend without extreme pain. A real pain since I'm right-handed. I had tried exercises from another video that didn't work. Thank you for helping so many people with this issue!

[debraross]

Two cortisone shots later, and almost 8 months suffering thinking surgery is next, I found your video. The splinting is really helping and I’ve been doing the massages and stretches for about a week. My thumb feels the best it has in months. Thank you! Will continue as I’m really feeling results!

[Hisdaughter]

Thank you much for this! I felt disheartened yesterday because I waited 4 weeks for my doctors appointment, only for him to touch my thumb and tell me that he will make a referral which he warned would take weeks/months to get an appointment. I have been instinctively stretching and massaging, so you have shown me that I’ve been on the right track! Thank you for giving me some hope of healing and getting some sleep again.

[shanniwelsh]

This is so helpful. My trigger thumb (s) have been interfering with my work and I desperately just needed something I could do throughout the day. I’ve already started all of the things suggested in this video. Thank you so much!!!

[richardroach]

All I can say is WOW, it REALLY WORKS!!! I've been suffering with trigger thumb for the past couple of months. I’ve followed all of your recommendations (except for the splint — I simply haven’t bought one yet), and after TWO days, I’ve noticed a significant improvement. Thank you so very much for your video! One question……. Should I do the stretches EVERY day, or would it be better to periodically stop the exercises to give my thump time to “heal” from all of the stretching? Thanks again for all of your phenomenal help!

[Srhodes]

Best “how to” video on this subject that I’ve seen! Thank you!!

[conniegal]

I've just found your exercises and I'm looking forward to doing them daily. I've had injections on both thumbs and they typically last about a year but then the pain and clicking returns. I have just ordered the oval-8 splints. I'm hoping the combination of your exercises and the splints help the pain and motion! You have a very soft and calming voice, and you explain things/show them very well. Thank you so much.

[okayako]

Kelly, Thank you for sharing your knowledge on Trigger Thumbs. I am currently experiencing triggering in both my thumbs- and am so grateful I found your page, thanks again for your help!!🙌🌺

[theresawolter]

Oh my gosh thank you. I've developed this clicking thumb about 5 weeks ago. Use to be just when I woke up..then all the time. I started to splint it so it would not move. Now I have sound advise to heal my clicker. Thank you!