I have an appointment with a hand specialist tomorrow concerning trigger finger on my plucking hand. The condition has gotten worse over time, and now the finger locks up annoyingly, and with pain. Has anyone had treatment for trigger finger? Just wondering what the prognosis would be if I’m given the choice of surgery or the less invasive cortisone shot. The condition is a symptom of the type of work I do, (aerospace manufacturing), and playing bass has aggravated it to some degree. Maybe I’ll have to take up playing with a pick! 
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Hope it goes well. If playing with a pick is the way you have to go then that’s not the end of the world. Better than having to give up the bass entirely. Anyway, best of luck at the doctor.
BTW, not sure if you’ve considered it, but thinner strings might help? Not sure what gauge you are using and if this would make much difference, but just a thought.
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Some of us play with picks by choice 
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Best wishes with that condition and whichever solution you go with.
There are some world class bassist who play exclusively with a pick.
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Thanks all,
I am currrently using D’Addario half rounds, 45/100. Love the way they feel, and it’s not so much the string gauge or tension, as it’s the way the finger has to move to pluck. Hopefully I’ll see improvement soon.
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I’ve got trigger finger. I had the surgery on my left hand, and it fully recovered. There was therapy to buid the strength back up and get the finger to bend again. Now it’s as good as new.
My right hand has it too, and causes issues on occasion. I did try the shot and for me it didn’t fix it.
I pluck with my fingers rather straight and so don’t trigger the lock up (no pun intended). But I would absolutely use a pick first. There are plenty of top bassists who use picks.
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Thanks, @Wombat-metal, that is good to hear. I think I’ll pass on the shot if it’s only a temporary measure. Surgery sounds like a more permanent fix.
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the problem with cortisone shots is they are a band aid, they don’t fix the underlying problem. and different ortho guys have different regimens, there are a lot of guys that won’t give you cortisone for very long. there is some (conflicting) evidence that it can damage joints.
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I wish I could play well with a pick 
Good luck however you decide to proceed!
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Good luck with whatever direction you take.
In my experience the cortisone injection was bloody painful and really didn’t do much.
I managed to peel the skin completely off of my index finger by being in too much of a hurry working on a Land Rover. A good stitch up job and a few months of physio and it’s nearly as good as new
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Thanks for the info, everyone. I’ve decided on surgery, just waiting for them to set a date.
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I was just reading today that Steve Vai has trigger finger and is going through surgery too. You’re in great company.
Keep us posted
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Please keep us posted on how it goes. I’m sure your insight will benefit others with the same issue.
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Fingers crossed! No pun intended 
… Well… Maybe a little 
Hope it works out for you!
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be proud of that one
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. . . Hope it all works out well.