Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb is one of the most common forms of arthritis, affecting a specialized saddle joint that allows extensive movement but is prone to wear and tear. We explore what happens anatomically when the joint begins to degenerate, including the formation of a visible "shoulder sign" bump and how bone spurs develop as the body attempts to stabilize the damaged joint.

In this episode we will go over:

• The thumb's saddle joint allows movement in multiple directions but this mobility makes it vulnerable to arthritis
• As arthritis progresses, the thumb joint may begin to sublux (partially dislocate) creating a visible bump
• Arthritis doesn't always appear on X-rays despite physical symptoms being present
• Bone spurs form as the body attempts to fuse the joint but constant hand movement prevents fusion
• Kinesio tape can provide effective support by creating a sling around the base of the thumb
• Neoprene thumb braces without metal stays offer excellent support for heavy activities
• Support devices should be used selectively - "like a crutch" - only when needed for demanding tasks
• Early assessment by hand specialists is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment

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Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Arthritis in the hands and shoulders can be managed effectively with the right tools and techniques. From red light therapy to specialized adaptive equipment, these practical solutions help reduce inflammation and pain while supporting continued independence and activity.

• Red light therapy devices reduce inflammation while increasing blood flow to affected joints
• Use red light therapy for 10-15 minutes, 2-3 times daily, prioritizing morning treatment
• Motorized jar openers eliminate painful twisting motions for those with hand arthritis
• Vibration-absorbing gloves with gel padding protect joints during activities and driving
• Special vibration-dampening hammers and tools extend working life for those in construction
• Castor oil applied topically (not ingested) helps reduce joint inflammation naturally
• Kinesio tape provides an "exoskeleton" support system for painful finger joints
• Creating a tape "sling" at the base of the thumb supports the common arthritis site
• Maintain a relaxed grip on tools and steering wheels to minimize vibration absorption

Always follow up with your doctor and hand therapist for personalized advice.

Please MESSAGE us for links to these products shown! THANK YOU!

Support the show

SUPPORT THE SHOW HERE: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/BM23TS2LDQVFS

Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Understanding cubital tunnel syndrome is vital for managing elbow and hand pain effectively. This episode shares insights into common causes of numbness and tingling in the pinky and ring fingers.

• Discussion of cubital tunnel syndrome and its symptoms
• Important tips for alleviating pressure on the ulnar nerve
• Recommendations for treatment strategies and exercises

Thank you for watching, thanks for subscribing to the channel. I hope that this information is helpful. Please share and subscribe to help us help more people give pain the middle finger!

Support the show

Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Today, we explore the common yet often misunderstood topic of distal radius fractures. Understanding the mechanics of this injury can empower listeners to seek appropriate treatment and foster recovery.

• Definition and causes of distal radius fractures
• Treatment options: non-displaced vs. displaced fractures
• The importance of rehabilitation in recovery

Thank you for subscribing to the channel!

Support the show

Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

The episode explores the crucial differences between over-the-counter splints and custom orthoses, emphasizing how improperly fitted devices can actually worsen your injuries. You will gain valuable insights into how personalized care plays a pivotal role in effective recovery from a Certified Hand Therapsit with decades of experience!

You will learn:

• Importance of custom orthoses for hand and wrist injuries
• Dangers of over-the-counter splints in exacerbating conditions
• Patient experiences underline the need for proper fitting and assessment

If you're seeking a better understanding of your splinting options drop your questions below! Make sure you subscribe for more free tips for hand, wrist, elbow, and shoulder pain!

Support the show

Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Arthritis affects many people, often causing inflammation and joint stiffness. Understanding how to manage and cope with this condition can lead to significantly improved quality of life.

• Discussion of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• The role of inflammation in joint health and pain
• Importance of movement but caution due to potential for worsening inflammation
• Manual techniques: self-massage, hot and cold therapies
• Exploring tools like braces and kinesio tape for support

Thank you for tuning in! If you found this episode helpful, please share your thoughts with us.

Support the show

Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

This engaging discussion unpacks the key aspects of trigger finger and the intricacies of its release surgery, focusing on effective recovery strategies. Listeners can gain practical insights to enhance their recovery process.

• Explanation of trigger finger and its symptoms
• When surgery becomes necessary after conservative treatments
• Detailed overview of recovery: dos and don’ts
• Importance of scar management and healing techniques
• Encouragement to engage with healthcare professionals for optimal recovery

Thank you for subscribing and sharing your experiences with us!

Support the show

Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!

Get ready to uncover the causes and solutions for trigger finger, a condition that affects many people's daily lives. We dive deep into the mechanics of how the tendons and pulleys work together and the issues that can arise when they don't. Discover treatment options, including conservative methods and when to consider surgical options, alongside essential recovery tips.

• Explanation of what trigger finger is and how it occurs
• Overview of treatment methods, including conservative and surgical options
• Practical tips for recovery to prevent future occurrences

Listen to our episode and learn how to address trigger finger effectively.

Support the show

Hello and welcome to the new show, The Hand to Shoulder Solution, with me, Carl Petitto.

If you are experiencing pain in your arms and hands, this is your resource.

Subscribe, listen, and share to help us give pain the middle finger for good!

This is a resource to help you mitigate pain at home and become more educated on what to ask your doctors and therapists. No medical advice will be given, and you should always see your medical professional for any questions.

Thank you, and welcome to the show!