Pain at the base of your thumb can make even the simplest everyday tasks frustrating. Activities like opening jars, turning a key, writing, gardening, or holding a coffee mug may become increasingly difficult as thumb pain worsens. One of the most common causes of this discomfort is carpometacarpal (CMC) arthritis. If you’re searching for a Hand Surgeon 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 thumb arthritis, helping them find relief through personalized treatment plans that focus on restoring comfort and function.
What Is CMC Arthritis?
The carpometacarpal (CMC) joint is located at the base of the thumb where the thumb meets the wrist. This highly mobile joint allows the thumb to pinch, grip, twist, and perform the wide range of movements that make the human hand so functional.
Over time, the cartilage that cushions the CMC joint can gradually wear away. As the protective cartilage deteriorates, the bones begin to rub against one another, causing pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of strength. This condition is known as CMC arthritis or thumb arthritis.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain at the base of the thumb
- Swelling around the thumb joint
- Weakness when gripping or pinching
- Difficulty opening jars or turning keys
- Reduced range of motion
- A grinding or popping sensation during thumb movement
CMC arthritis most commonly develops as part of the natural aging process but may also occur after previous injuries or repetitive stress to the thumb joint. Because several conditions can produce similar symptoms, an evaluation by a Hand Surgeon in Greeley is important to determine the exact cause of your discomfort.
Why Choose Dr. Billy Baumgartner?
Dr. Billy Baumgartner is a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon at Nadora Healthcare with specialized expertise in treating arthritis, injuries, and other conditions affecting the hand. His focused training allows him to accurately diagnose thumb pain and recommend treatment options based on each patient’s symptoms, activity level, and long-term goals.
During your appointment, Dr. Baumgartner will review your medical history, discuss your symptoms, perform a thorough physical examination, and may obtain X-rays to evaluate the condition of the thumb joint. These studies help determine the severity of arthritis while ruling out other possible causes of pain.
Patients searching for a trusted Hand Surgeon in Greeley appreciate Dr. Baumgartner’s patient-centered approach. He believes every patient should understand their diagnosis and all available treatment options before making decisions about their care.
Treatment Options for CMC Arthritis
Many patients with thumb arthritis experience significant improvement through conservative treatment. Depending on the severity of the condition, Dr. Baumgartner may recommend:
- Activity modification
- Thumb splinting or bracing
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Hand therapy and strengthening exercises
These treatments are often successful in reducing pain, improving joint function, and allowing patients to continue their normal daily activities.
If conservative treatments no longer provide adequate relief and thumb pain continues to interfere with everyday life, surgery may be considered.
Several surgical options are available depending on the severity of the arthritis and the patient’s individual needs. Dr. Baumgartner carefully evaluates each patient to determine the most appropriate procedure. The goals of surgery are to relieve pain, improve thumb stability, restore function, and help patients return to the activities they enjoy.
Following surgery, rehabilitation and hand therapy are often important components of recovery. Guided exercises help restore strength, flexibility, and coordination while promoting safe healing of the hand.
When to See a Hand Surgeon
Persistent thumb pain should not be ignored, especially if it limits your ability to work, participate in hobbies, or perform routine household tasks. Early evaluation can help identify arthritis before it progresses and may provide more opportunities for successful nonsurgical treatment.
Dr. Baumgartner develops individualized treatment plans for every patient, focusing on reducing pain while preserving as much thumb function and mobility as possible. Whether conservative care or surgery is recommended, his goal is to help patients regain confidence in using their hands.
If you are experiencing symptoms of CMC arthritis, Dr. Billy Baumgartner at Nadora Healthcare may be able to help. As a fellowship-trained Hand & Upper Extremity surgeon, he provides comprehensive evaluations and personalized treatment for a wide range of hand conditions. If you’re searching for a Hand Surgeon in Greeley, Dr. Baumgartner and the team at Nadora Healthcare are committed to helping you reduce pain, restore hand function, and return to the activities that matter most.
