Comparing pain relief methods for trigger finger injections

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Vibratory Stimulus in Trigger Finger Injections

Phase 4 Interventional University of Arizona · NCT05405452

This study tests which pain relief method works best for people with trigger finger getting steroid injections, comparing no anesthesia, a cooling spray, and a vibrating device.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Arizona Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Tucson, Arizona and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05405452 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study compares the effectiveness of different pain relief methods during trigger finger injections, specifically evaluating no topical anesthesia, topical coolant, and vibratory anesthesia. Patients diagnosed with trigger finger who choose to receive a steroid injection will be randomly assigned to one of these anesthetic methods. The study will measure and compare the pain experienced by patients during the injection process. The goal is to determine which method provides the best analgesia for this common condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy adults diagnosed with trigger finger who require a steroid injection.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have trigger finger or those with decreased light touch sensation in the injection area may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved pain management techniques for patients undergoing trigger finger injections.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored various pain management techniques for injections, but the specific use of vibratory anesthesia in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Healthy Adult
* Diagnosed with trigger finger
* Warrants a trigger finger injection

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subjects with known decreased light touch sensation in the territory of the trigger finger injection.
* Not diagnosed with trigger finger or does not warrant a trigger finger injection per the typical treatment algorithm adopted by the attending physician.

Where this trial is running

Tucson, Arizona and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Trigger FingerPainAnesthesia, Local
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.