SSM Health Ripon Community Hospital, 845 Parkside Street, is hosting two information sessions about new treatments available for individuals with trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome at 3:30 pm and 5:30 pm on Thursday, October 27.

The sessions are followed by free individual consultations with Richard B. Schaefer, MD, SSM Health Fond du Lac Regional Clinic board-certified plastic surgeon.

For individuals who find that trigger finger or carpal tunnel pain is limiting their ability to function, it’s time to do something about it.

“Rapid relief from these conditions and a quick return to normal activities is possible, thanks to new treatment options using a small instrument and ultrasound guidance,” according to Dr. Schaefer.

During these free sessions, participants will learn more about these innovative procedures and find out if they are a candidate for one of these treatments during a free 10-minute consultation.

More than 8.5 million Americans currently experience trigger finger. This condition can dramatically impact the lives of these individuals depending on their profession or hobbies.

Trigger finger is a condition in which one or more fingers gets stuck in a bent position. The finger may bend or straighten with a snap – like a trigger being pulled and released. Trigger finger is also known as stenosing tenosynovitis.

Trigger finger occurs due to inflammation of the tendons that flex the fingers, causing finger tenderness and pain. The condition limits the finger’s movement and can make it difficult to straighten and bend.

Symptoms can include a lingering soreness in the base of the thumb or another finger, a bump or lump around the base of the finger near the palm, tenderness around the base of the finger, a clicking or snapping noise with movement, or finger stiffness.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a common condition that causes numbness, tingling, and pain in the hand and forearm. The condition occurs when one of the major nerves to the hand – the median nerve – is squeezed or compressed as it travels through the wrist.

In most patients, carpal tunnel syndrome gets worse over time. If untreated for too long, it can lead to permanent dysfunction of the hand, including loss of sensation in the fingers and weakness. For this reason, it is important to diagnose and treat carpal tunnel syndrome promptly.

The good news is that trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome are treatable, and thanks to a new device, individuals can rebound more quickly and benefit from immediate resolution.

Dr. Schaefer became the first surgeon in the United States in early 2022 to utilize UltraGuideTFR™ – a new device allowing Dr. Schaefer to perform trigger finger release with ultrasound guidance.

Patients are able to receive the procedure in an office setting with no sedation. “The procedure requires only a small incision into the palm of the hand – only four milliliters – with only local anesthetic,” according to Dr. Schaefer. “No stitches are needed, and patients experience a quick recovery. Patients appreciate getting back to their lives more quickly.”

Once started, the procedure only takes just minutes. Patients leave with a hand dressing, which can be removed two days later, and they can use their hand as tolerated. Over-the-counter medications can help with any pain, although generally minimal.

“By offering this procedure, individuals can benefit from a better patient experience, and return to their normal work routines or outside activities at a better pace,” says Dr. Schaefer. “And, without needing full anesthesia, they can drive themselves to and from the office for the more cost-effective procedure.”

Patients can self-refer for the procedure and should check with their insurance provider to verify coverage.

To register, visit ssmhealth.com/handrelief. To learn about SSM Health Plastic Surgery & Cosmetic Services, call 920-926-8614.