I had trigger finger (middle finger). I had 2 steroid injections over a 2/3 year period (each lasted about 6 months before the symptoms came back). Eventually I had surgery. This was 3 years ago and it solved the problem completely. The only after effect is that I don't have as strong a grip in that hand.
The operation was pretty straightforward and the actual surgery (you are awake) only took about 4 minutes! I never needed to take any painkillers after surgery, the only discomfort I had was after a week, when the stitches began to sting a little. As soon as they were removed all was well.