Steve, surgery is not a panacea by any means, and for the most part, trigger finger can be successfully treated by merely placing your hands in warm water three times a day, then placing them in cold water 3 times a day. It is an inflammatory process that responds well to NSAIDS as well. Aspirin works quite well in reducing the inflammation. While steroidal injections will provide immediate relief, the side effects tend to worsen the problem with repeated usage. Conservative docs will tell you to just stop what triggers the problem for about six weeks and use the hot/cold treatment.

Good luck,

Gary