Trigger finger is a condition in which finger or thumb stiffness causes the fingers or thumb to become stuck in a curled position or randomly straighten out. When the tendons that connect bone to muscle become inflamed, the result can be painful. It may also result in difficulty bending or straightening the digits.

When searching for the right trigger finger doctor in NYC, it’s important to consider their experience, capabilities and certifications. You should also consider that the best doctor for you may not practice in NYC, but are available closer to home.

Qualities & Capabilities: Best Trigger Finger Doctor in NYC

As you begin to explore trigger finger surgery, look for a trigger finger doctor in NYC that is specialized in hand surgery and has microsurgery experience. The best trigger finger doctor in NYC should also have a board certification in plastic surgery.

You should also look for a doctor with a comforting and supportive bedside manner. Once you have found the right doctor, you should feel safe and comfortable with your procedure because he or she has taken the time to review the following information:

  • Step-by-step procedure overview
  • Possible risks and complications
  • Recovery timeline
  • Other patient-specific concerns

If your doctor isn’t board certified or doesn’t routinely perform hand surgery, you should consider looking for a different surgeon.

Finally, note that the best trigger finger doctor for you might not be located in NYC. There are a number of experienced, caring surgeons in New Jersey that are able to address your condition. These doctors may be located closer to your home, making it more convenient for you on the day of surgery and for follow-up appointments.

How to Find the Right Doctor for You

There are a number of ways to begin your search for the best trigger finger doctor in NYC.

  • Ask friends and family.
    • You trust your friends and family to understand what is best for you. When you are searching for the best trigger finger doctor in NYC, they may be able to suggest someone whom they know is experienced and caring.
  • Do an online search.
    • It’s important to use every resource at your disposal when you are searching for the right trigger finger doctor. Completing a simple online search for doctors in your area will provide you with a lot of information about which practice may be right for you.
  • Look for reviews and ratings.
    • Reviews and ratings from patients are very useful as you search for the right doctor. Try HealthGrades and Vitals.com to get comprehensive patient reviews of the doctors that you are vetting.

Your preliminary search for the right doctor should begin with these three steps. After you’ve talked to the people you trust, searched online and saw reviews for every doctor, you will be better equipped to make the right decision for your trigger finger treatment.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Trigger finger is the common term for stenosing tenosynovitis. Oftentimes the cause of trigger finger is unknown, but it can be related to other health conditions and diseases such as certain forms of arthritis, gout and diabetes. Many people that have trigger finger have also undergone carpal tunnel surgery in the recent past and the resulting trigger finger can be a complication of that surgery.

This condition causes people to lose their grip and the pain and stiffness may become uncontrollable. A trigger finger doctor can help to rectify the situation and alleviate any pain, popping, or limited finger range of motion that you may be experiencing. Trigger finger most commonly affects adults of both sexes, although it is more common in women, and rarely, it affects children.

Trigger Finger Treatment Options

Surgical measures for trigger finger are often successful and recovery is relatively quick. However, before undergoing surgery, there are other treatment options that may relieve your symptoms. The following treatments are usually suggested by the doctor before surgery is recommended.

  • Splinting the problem finger to prevent it from moving
  • Taking anti-inflammatory medications
  • Changing your activities if the cause of your trigger finger is thought to be repetitive motion
  • Steroid injections
  • Prescribed exercises to expand the range of motion

For some people, trigger finger can be alleviated without surgery. Once you have explored other treatment options, those that are tired of taking pills, receiving injections or have stopped experiencing relief from other treatments, should begin searching for a compassionate and skilled trigger finger doctor in NYC.

The hand surgeons of Cohen Winters know how frustrating it can be to have trigger finger holding you back from enjoying your favorite hobbies or making it difficult and embarrassing to perform mundane tasks due to losing your grip and dropping. At each consultation, they take the time to understand how trigger finger is affecting your life. This way, they can create a plan of action to have you back to business as usual as soon as possible.

Benefits and Risks of Undergoing Trigger Finger Surgery

Trigger finger surgery is an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia for minimal recovery time. During the procedure, your trigger finger doctor in NYC will place a small, hidden incision to release the tendon and allow for improved range of motion and flexibility within the finger.

By undergoing trigger finger surgery, your surgeon unblocks the “pulley” that is preventing the tendon’s ability to glide smoothly. The surgery is performed to improve the finger’s ability to move so that you experience improved ability to bend and straighten your finger without pain. After the procedure, many people see improved movement immediately after the anesthesia has worn off. Full recovery may take a few months, but most people experience relief within a few weeks.

As with any surgical procedure, no matter how simple, there are some risks and trigger finger surgery is no different. Your trigger finger doctor should explain the risks and benefits associated with trigger finger surgery. Risks of trigger finger surgery may include:

  • Infection and bleeding common to all surgeries
  • If the procedure was insufficient, symptoms of trigger finger, such as popping or snapping or difficulty straightening the joint, may continue.

The Best Trigger Finger Doctor in NYC

The hand specialists at Cohen Winters meet all of the leading criteria for the best trigger finger doctor in NYC. Board certified and specializing in minimally invasive procedures, the doctors at Cohen Winters offer expertise in the operating room as well as a caring manner to help you understand the procedure and how you can benefit from trigger finger surgery.

hand surgeon NJ

Dr. Yueh

About Dr. Yueh

Dr. Janet H. Yueh specializes in hand surgery including Trigger Finger, Basal Joint Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel and Tendonitis. Dr. Yueh did her undergraduate work at Harvard University in Cambridge where she graduated magna cum laude. She continued her education at Harvard Medical School where she earned her M.D.