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Last updated: October 27, 2026

TMSC's Mississauga clinic at 1224 Dundas St W performs OHIP-covered trigger finger and trigger thumb release under local anesthetic, no referral needed, by board-certified plastic surgeons, with patients going home the same day.

Trigger Finger Release in Mississauga

Trigger finger release in Mississauga is available at our Dundas Street West clinic for residents of Cooksville, Erin Mills, Port Credit, Square One/City Centre, Applewood, Mineola, Clarkson, Streetsville, and the wider Peel region. We provide OHIP-covered trigger finger surgery Mississauga patients can access without a referral, performed by board-certified plastic surgeons under local anesthetic.

If your finger catches, locks, or clicks when you bend it, and splints or an injection haven't fixed the problem, trigger finger surgery may be the next step. Our Mississauga clinic offers a direct path to that care, close to home, with a free consultation to start.

Direct answer

Trigger finger release is a short outpatient procedure that releases a tight tendon pulley in the palm so a finger or thumb can bend and straighten smoothly again. At our Mississauga clinic, it's done under local anesthetic, covered by OHIP with a valid Ontario health card, and requires no referral. Most patients are home within the hour.

What is trigger finger?

Trigger finger, known medically as stenosing tenosynovitis, happens when a flexor tendon in the finger becomes irritated and swollen, catching as it passes through a narrow pulley (the A1 pulley) at the base of the finger [1]. This causes the finger to lock in a bent position before suddenly releasing, often with a click.

Common features include:

• A tender nodule or bump in the palm, at the base of the affected finger
• Stiffness that is worse in the morning
• A finger that locks bent and needs to be straightened with the other hand
• The thumb can also be affected (trigger thumb)

Known risk factors include diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, both of which are associated with a higher likelihood of developing trigger finger [1]. Repetitive gripping activities are also commonly discussed as contributing factors. For a fuller overview of causes and symptoms, see our trigger finger condition page and our guide comparing trigger finger and trigger thumb.

When do you need trigger finger surgery instead of splints or injections?

Surgery is typically considered when non-surgical options like splinting or steroid injections have failed, or when the finger is locked and painful enough to interfere with daily tasks. Conservative treatment is usually tried first, especially for milder or recent-onset cases [1].

Signs it may be time for surgery:

• The finger locks bent and you must straighten it with your other hand
• There is a painful nodule in the palm that doesn't settle
• Symptoms came back after a steroid injection
• The condition is affecting your work, grip, or sleep

Here is how the main options compare, based on established clinical sources:

TreatmentHow it worksWhen it's usedRecurrence risk (as reported)SplintingImmobilizes the joint to reduce tendon irritationEarly, mild casesSymptoms can return if underlying inflammation persists [1]Steroid injectionReduces inflammation around the tendon/pulleyModerate cases, often tried before surgeryRecurrence is recognized as possible, particularly with repeat episodes or underlying conditions like diabetes [1]Surgical releaseDivides the A1 pulley to free tendon movementPersistent, locking, or recurrent cases after conservative care failsConsidered a definitive treatment for the affected pulley; see AAOS and ASSH patient resources for detail [1]

For more on injections specifically, see our post on trigger finger steroid injection, and for a broader treatment overview, our ultimate guide to trigger finger treatment.

Decision rule: choose surgery if your finger is locking, a nodule is tender, and symptoms have already returned after an injection. Choose splinting or injection first if symptoms are mild and recent.

Is trigger finger release covered by OHIP?

Yes. Trigger finger release is an OHIP-covered procedure at our Mississauga clinic, along with carpal tunnel syndrome surgery and several skin cancer removals. You need a valid Ontario health card; no extra insurance is required for the procedure itself.

For a breakdown of what OHIP covers for hand conditions across Ontario, see our page on trigger finger surgery in Ontario and OHIP coverage. Related listings also confirm trigger finger release as an OHIP-covered minor surgery offered at clinics serving the Mississauga and Oakville area [2][13 removed per rules].

Do you need a referral for trigger finger surgery in Mississauga?

No referral is required for OHIP-covered procedures at our clinic, including trigger finger release and trigger thumb surgery. You can book a free consultation directly.

This makes trigger finger surgery Peel residents need easier to access without first going through a family doctor. You will still need a valid Ontario health card, and appointments are required since the clinic doesn't accept walk-ins.

What happens during trigger finger release?

The procedure is a short, outpatient surgery performed under local anesthetic, meaning only the hand is numbed while you stay awake. It typically takes a short time in the operating room, and you go home the same day.

Consultation and diagnosis

A surgeon examines your hand, confirms the diagnosis (often based on the catching motion and the palpable nodule), and discusses whether surgery is appropriate given your history, including prior injections or splinting.

Open release under local anesthetic

The surgeon makes a small incision in the palm and divides the tight A1 pulley so the tendon can glide freely. This open technique is a standard approach described in hand surgery literature [1]. We do not offer steroid injections or percutaneous (needle) release at our clinic; call (647) 614-1611 to confirm current availability of services.

Going home the same day

Because it's done under local anesthetic in an outpatient setting, there's no need for an overnight hospital stay. A dressing is applied and you receive aftercare instructions before leaving.

What is recovery like after trigger finger surgery?

Recovery generally involves wound care for the first couple of weeks, gradual return to normal hand use, and attention to stiffness or swelling. Specific timelines vary by patient and should be confirmed with your surgical team.

First two weeks

Keep the hand clean and dry as instructed, and expect some soreness around the incision. Gentle finger motion is often encouraged early to prevent stiffness, but follow your surgeon's specific guidance.

Returning to work, typing and driving

Many patients resume light activities within days, though this depends on the job and healing progress. Our trigger finger surgery recovery post and the hand therapy roadmap after trigger finger release walk through typical milestones and when therapy exercises may help.

Long-term results

Surgical release is generally regarded as an effective, lasting solution for persistent trigger finger, according to hand surgery resources from organizations like AAOS and ASSH [1]. That said, no treatment, including surgery, guarantees symptoms will never return, particularly in patients with underlying conditions such as diabetes [1].

How long is the wait for trigger finger surgery in Ontario?

Wait times for elective hand surgery through hospital-based programs in Ontario can vary significantly and are tracked publicly by Ontario Health. Hospital programs, such as hand clinics affiliated with Trillium Health Partners, manage a broad range of hand and wrist conditions through surgical teams [3].

We cannot state TMSC-specific wait times here. Call (647) 614-1611 to confirm current availability for a free consultation and discuss scheduling for trigger finger release or trigger thumb surgery.

Who performs trigger finger surgery at The Minor Surgery Center?

Trigger finger release at our clinics is performed by board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons. Our team was co-founded by Dr. Kunaal Jindal and Dr. Roberto Tutino, both board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeons.

Our surgical team completed five-year surgical residencies, with training that includes institutions such as the University of Toronto, McMaster, Queen's, McGill, Western, UBC, Mayo Clinic, Yale, and Oxford. The clinic is highly rated on Google, with hundreds of patient reviews.

Where is the Mississauga trigger finger clinic?

Our Mississauga clinic is located at 1224 Dundas Street West, Unit 101, Mississauga, ON L5C 4G7, phone (647) 614-1611. It serves patients throughout Cooksville, Erin Mills, Port Credit, Square One/City Centre, Applewood, Mineola, Clarkson, Streetsville, and the broader Peel region.

If Oakville is more convenient, we also operate a clinic at 3075 Hospital Gate, Unit 109. TMSC has five GTA locations in total, including North York/Toronto, York Mills, and Vaughan. Learn more about our local team on the Mississauga clinic page, or compare with our trigger finger release in Toronto service if that location works better for your schedule. We also treat related hand conditions; see carpal tunnel syndrome for more information.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral?
No. OHIP-covered procedures at our Mississauga clinic, including trigger finger release, do not require a referral. You can book a free consultation directly.

Is it covered by OHIP?
Yes, trigger finger release is OHIP-covered with a valid Ontario health card. No extra insurance is needed for the covered procedure itself.

Am I awake during surgery?
Yes. The procedure is done under local anesthetic, so only the hand is numbed and you remain awake throughout.

How soon can I use my hand?
Light use often resumes within days, but timelines vary by patient. Your surgeon will give specific guidance based on your healing and job demands.

Can trigger finger come back after surgery?
Surgical release is generally considered a lasting solution, though recurrence is possible, especially in patients with conditions like diabetes [1]. Discuss your individual risk with your surgeon.

Can more than one finger be done at once?
This depends on your specific case and should be discussed during your consultation. See our post on managing multiple trigger fingers for more context.

Conclusion with booking CTA

Trigger finger release in Mississauga is accessible, OHIP-covered, and doesn't require a referral at our Dundas Street West clinic. If your finger is locking, catching, or hasn't improved after a splint or injection, a short consultation can clarify whether surgery is the right next step.

Call (647) 614-1611 or book a free consultation at our Mississauga clinic to discuss trigger finger or trigger thumb release with our surgical team.

References

1. Trigger Finger. anchorhp.ca.
2. Mhh0937. halton.cioc.ca.
3. Ambulatory. thp.ca.

Meta Title: Trigger Finger Release Mississauga | OHIP, No Referral

Meta Description: OHIP-covered trigger finger release in Mississauga, no referral needed. Local anesthetic, same-day home. Call (647) 614-1611 to book a free consultation.

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