If one of your fingers becomes painful, stiff, or locks when you try to bend or straighten it, you may be experiencing trigger finger. This common condition can make everyday tasks like gripping a steering wheel, typing, writing, or opening jars uncomfortable and frustrating. While many patients find relief with conservative treatments, others may benefit from trigger finger release surgery. If you’re looking for a Hand Doctor in Greeley, Dr. Billy Baumgartner at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help.
Dr. Billy Baumgartner is a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon who specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the hand, wrist, elbow, and upper extremity. His advanced training allows him to provide comprehensive care for patients with trigger finger and many other hand conditions.
What Is Trigger Finger?
Trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis, develops when the tendon that bends your finger becomes irritated or inflamed. As the tendon passes through a small tunnel, called the tendon sheath, it may become difficult for it to glide smoothly. This can cause the finger to catch, click, or lock during movement.
Common symptoms of trigger finger include:
- Finger stiffness, especially in the morning
- A clicking or popping sensation when moving the finger
- Pain or tenderness near the base of the finger or thumb
- Difficulty straightening the finger
- A finger that locks in a bent position
- Weakness or discomfort when gripping objects
Trigger finger can affect any finger or thumb and may occur after repetitive hand use or in association with conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis. An evaluation by a Hand doctor in Greeley can help determine whether trigger finger is causing your symptoms and identify the most appropriate treatment.
Why Choose Dr. Billy Baumgartner?
Dr. Billy Baumgartner is a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon at Nadora Healthcare with specialized expertise in caring for disorders of the hand and upper extremity. Because his practice focuses specifically on these areas, he is able to accurately diagnose hand conditions and develop personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and goals.
During your appointment, Dr. Baumgartner will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, and perform a thorough physical examination. In many cases, trigger finger can be diagnosed during the office visit without extensive testing. If additional evaluation is needed, imaging or other diagnostic studies may be recommended.
Patients searching for a trusted Hand Doctor in Greeley appreciate Dr. Baumgartner’s commitment to patient education, ensuring they understand both conservative and surgical treatment options before moving forward with care.
When Is Trigger Finger Release Recommended?
Many patients improve without surgery, particularly when treatment begins early. Conservative treatment options may include:
- Activity modification
- Splinting
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hand therapy exercises
If symptoms continue despite nonsurgical treatment or if the finger frequently locks and interferes with daily activities, trigger finger release surgery may be recommended.
During trigger finger release, the tight portion of the tendon sheath is carefully released, allowing the tendon to move freely once again. The procedure is typically performed on an outpatient basis, and many patients notice improvement in finger movement soon after surgery. Recovery often includes gentle motion exercises, with most patients gradually returning to their normal activities as healing progresses.
Dr. Baumgartner will explain the procedure, expected recovery timeline, and rehabilitation process so you know what to expect before and after surgery.
When to Schedule an Evaluation
If you have persistent finger pain, stiffness, or locking that affects your ability to work, enjoy hobbies, or complete everyday tasks, it is important to seek evaluation before symptoms worsen. Early treatment may help prevent progression and improve your chances of successful recovery with conservative care.
Dr. Billy Baumgartner works closely with every patient to develop an individualized treatment plan that focuses on relieving pain, restoring finger movement, and improving hand function. Whether nonsurgical care or trigger finger release surgery is appropriate, his goal is to help patients regain confidence in using their hands.
If you are experiencing symptoms of trigger finger, Dr. Billy Baumgartner at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help. As a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon, he provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment for a wide range of hand conditions. If you’re searching for a Hand Doctor in Greeley, Dr. Baumgartner and the team at Nadora Healthcare are dedicated to helping you find lasting relief and get back to the activities you enjoy.
