Arthritis can be painful, frustrating, and often misunderstood—especially when it affects your hands and wrists. In this episode of The Hand to Shoulder Solution: Giving Pain the Middle Finger, board-certified hand therapist Carl Petitto explains how to manage arthritis symptoms effectively without making them worse.
He breaks down the different types of arthritis, explains the difference between inflammation and stiffness, and gives actionable advice to help you reduce pain while staying active.
🔍 Understanding the Root of Arthritis
According to Carl, osteoarthritis is one of the most common types that affects the hands and wrists. It’s the slow wear-and-tear breakdown of cartilage in the joints. Some individuals also deal with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own joints.
But what often gets overlooked is how everyday habits can either help or hurt your condition.
“Just because you have arthritis doesn’t mean it has to limit your life—there are ways to work with it, not against it.” – Carl Petitto
🔥 Inflammation vs. Stiffness: What’s the Difference?
Carl emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between inflammation and stiffness, as both require completely different approaches.
- Inflammation shows up as heat, swelling, and increased pain.
- Stiffness feels like tightness in the joints, especially in the morning.
Knowing the difference allows you to treat it correctly. Carl shares that:
- For inflammation, cold therapy is your best friend. It helps reduce swelling and calm irritation.
- For stiffness, especially in the morning, warm water or heat therapy can help loosen the joints.
✋ Common Mistakes That Make Arthritis Worse
Carl warns that rubbing or massaging inflamed joints can exacerbate the condition—even if it feels good temporarily.
“If you’re rubbing it every day and it’s inflamed, you’re actually making it worse,” Carl says.
He also notes that vibration from tools or driving can increase pain in already irritated joints. Wearing a brace during high-impact activities or using gel-padded gloves during exercise may help reduce this aggravation.
🧤 Should You Wear a Thumb or Wrist Brace?
Carl explains that while splints and braces can help, they should be used strategically, not all day long.
For example, if your CMC joint (base of the thumb) is painful during tasks like opening jars or holding a pen, a thumb brace can provide short-term relief. But long-term overuse may lead to stiffness and weakened muscles, so a proper assessment is crucial.
🧠 Know When to Seek Professional Help
If your pain persists or worsens, Carl strongly recommends consulting with a hand therapist or medical professional. They can help determine the root cause, offer custom orthoses (braces), and guide you through safe movement strategies.
“The sooner you seek support, the better your outcome.” – Carl Petitto
📺 Watch the Full Episode to Learn More
To dive deeper into arthritis management and hear Carl’s real-life examples:
👉 Watch the full episode on YouTube
🔗 Get Personalized Help from Carl Petitto
If you’re tired of guessing and want real support for your arthritis symptoms, Carl offers professional evaluations and custom treatment plans.