| Arthritic Thumbs |
| Splints |
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15% |
[ 3 ] |
| Shots |
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36% |
[ 7 ] |
| Surgery |
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15% |
[ 3 ] |
| Therapy |
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31% |
[ 6 ] |
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| Total Votes : 19 |
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| Author |
Topic: Arthritis in base of Thumbs |
Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 8:13 am |
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Over the last several years I’ve been experiencing increasing pain and discomfort in both of my thumbs... lack of strength, easily torqued causing pain, and on my mind way more than I’d like...
So I’m wondering how many of you have the same thing, and what you’ve done; i.e. (Splints, Steroid Shots, Surgery) to remedy... what worked and what didn’t... I’d like them to last another 5 years as I’m not ready to retire, and I want to continue to be able to play my steel.... Hey, I just ordered a New one I’ll be picking up in Dallas in March, so I need to find some solution.... I’ll be visiting my Dr. AGAIN this week, but what do they know? 
Thanks for you input.
_________________
Dale Rottacker, Steelinatune™
https://www.youtube.com/@steelinatune
*2021 MSA Legend, "Jolly Rancher" D10 10x9
*2021 Rittenberry, "The Concord" D10 9x9
*1977 Blue Sho-Bud Pro 3 Custom 8x6
https://msapedalsteels.com
http://rittenberrysteelguitars.com
https://www.telonics.com/index.php
https://www.p2pamps.com
https://www.quilterlabs.com |
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Sonny Jenkins
From:
Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 9:23 am
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Hey Dale,,,I'm going through the same,,except mine is primarily in my index finger, right hand,,,some in the index on left but not as much. First joint (from knuckle) is starting to look bigger and a little "deformed". Can't bend that finger fully,,,luckily I pick mostly with thumb and middle. I think at one time Buddy E had pain at base of thumb and used some sort of ointment that he wasn't sure if it helped or that the problem just corrected itself.
I would certainly like to find some sort of solution,,,all the new meds you see on TV directed at this problem have so many side effects,,,,some even fatal,,,makes one question,,,,THIS is an option???? I don't think so!! |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 9:24 am
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| Quote: |
| I’ll be visiting my Dr. AGAIN this week, but what do they know? |
They know there's much more money to be made treating something than curing it...  |
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Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 1:34 pm
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| Sonny Jenkins wrote: |
Hey Dale,,,I'm going through the same,,except mine is primarily in my index finger, right hand,,,some in the index on left but not as much. First joint (from knuckle) is starting to look bigger and a little "deformed". Can't bend that finger fully,,,luckily I pick mostly with thumb and middle. I think at one time Buddy E had pain at base of thumb and used some sort of ointment that he wasn't sure if it helped or that the problem just corrected itself.
I would certainly like to find some sort of solution,,,all the new meds you see on TV directed at this problem have so many side effects,,,,some even fatal,,,makes one question,,,,THIS is an option???? I don't think so!! |
Thanks Sonny... hope you get relief... I wonder if Buddy was using Capzasin?... they say it deadens the nerves that transmit the pain.
| Barry Blackwood wrote: |
| Quote: |
| I’ll be visiting my Dr. AGAIN this week, but what do they know? |
They know there’s much more money to be made treating something than curing it... |
Sadly I’m told there is no cure, only treatment... I’m trying to determine which approach to to take, and thinking it will probably be a shot first... Looking for the best success rate
_________________
Dale Rottacker, Steelinatune™
https://www.youtube.com/@steelinatune
*2021 MSA Legend, "Jolly Rancher" D10 10x9
*2021 Rittenberry, "The Concord" D10 9x9
*1977 Blue Sho-Bud Pro 3 Custom 8x6
https://msapedalsteels.com
http://rittenberrysteelguitars.com
https://www.telonics.com/index.php
https://www.p2pamps.com
https://www.quilterlabs.com |
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Sonny Jenkins
From:
Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 2:02 pm
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No Dale, I don't think it was capzasin,,,it was some ointment that I had heard of before, when I talked to him he didn't seem thoroughly convince it was the ointment that did it. ( like me, Buddy had a difficult time believing that all these "rub on" products actually penetrate the skin).
I'm to see my VA Dr. Thursday,,,,I'm going to request the steroid injection,,,,I know when I had back problems many years ago they helped.
I don't think modern medicine addresses "cures",,,only treatment,,,,and MORE test (you get to keep your affliction!) No more 14 day supply of 'scrips and you're well,,,,,it's all lifetime drug therapy now,,,(sounds like "legal" drug addition huh???) 3-4 different heart meds, a couple of cholesterol meds, acid reflux med, maybe anxiety med,,,,all lifetime addictions,,,,,, |
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Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 2:12 pm
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| Sonny Jenkins wrote: |
( like me, Buddy had a difficult time believing that all these "rub on" products actually penetrate the skin).
I'm to see my VA Dr. Thursday,,,,I'm going to request the steroid injection,,,,I know when I had back problems many years ago they helped.
it's all lifetime drug therapy now,,,(sounds like "legal" drug addition huh???) |
I don’t have much confidence in lotions either, but everything I’ve read about Capzasin sounds like it does help... but you better wear gloves after applying and then wash off well after, or your gonna sting your eyes when you take your contacts out...
I see my Dr. Thursday too... if you get the shot, let me know how effective it is... I’ve been told about stem cell therapy too, that may have some good results, but kinda speedy... Seem’s like surgery is perhaps the most beneficial, but quite a recovery time.
Already tied of the amount of drugs I’m on now... LOL
_________________
Dale Rottacker, Steelinatune™
https://www.youtube.com/@steelinatune
*2021 MSA Legend, "Jolly Rancher" D10 10x9
*2021 Rittenberry, "The Concord" D10 9x9
*1977 Blue Sho-Bud Pro 3 Custom 8x6
https://msapedalsteels.com
http://rittenberrysteelguitars.com
https://www.telonics.com/index.php
https://www.p2pamps.com
https://www.quilterlabs.com |
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Fred Treece
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 7:22 pm
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If you are sure the pain is arthritis, then it is probably osteoarthritis and there is only treatment and no cure. If over the counter meds like Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, etc. don't relieve pain then you could ask your sawbones about prescriptions.
There is a prescrption topical ointment called Voltaren that my wife used for shoulder pain relief. Worked like a charm. Don't know if it's the same crap Buddy used.
Physical therapy / range of motion exercises & yoga. |
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Bob Russell
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 8:37 pm
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Dale, I have had really good luck using a salve that contains CBD oil. I got a cortisone shot a few years ago; that got me some relief but the pain eventually came back after a year or so.
Using the CBD salve, I get several hours pain-free from one application. And there are no side effects as far as I can tell. I was skeptical, but I can't deny that it's working for me.
_________________
Lots of stringy things, many of them slidey. |
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Earnest Bovine
From:
Los Angeles CA USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 9:21 pm
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| Steel Guitar Forum is always my first stop for medical advice. |
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Fred Treece
From:
California, USA
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Posted 13 Nov 2017 11:38 pm
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| Earnest Bovine wrote: |
| Steel Guitar Forum is always my first stop for medical advice. |
Hey that's pretty funny! But...
Musicians very often get similar ailments from playing their instruments of choice, especially joint and muscle problems from repetitive strain. You could do far worse than here as a first stop for advice. |
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Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Bob Russell
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 6:11 am
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| Earnest Bovine wrote: |
| Steel Guitar Forum is always my first stop for medical advice. |
Earnest is dead right; no internet forum should ever be considered a substitute for a doctor's advice. But in Dale's case, he's already seen a doctor who has confirmed that he has arthritis, a condition for which there are few effective "traditional" treatment methods. So it seems reasonable that he would explore other options, especially if he asks his doctor about potential side effects/interactions before he tries any of the methods suggested.
_________________
Lots of stringy things, many of them slidey. |
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Tom Campbell
From:
Houston, Texas, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 6:57 am
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For Bob Russell
What is the brand name of the salve, CBD oil your using?
Thanks for the info! |
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Bob Russell
From:
Virginia, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 7:17 am
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| Tom Campbell wrote: |
For Bob Russell
What is the brand name of the salve, CBD oil your using?
Thanks for the info! |
It's made by a company called Blue Ridge Hemp Co., from Asheville, NC. I'll see if I can post a photo of the bottle.
**Obligatory disclaimer: ** I'm not a doctor; I don't even play one on TV. I have no financial interest in this company or its products. I just tried the stuff and it helped me. I hope it helps you too. Always check with your doctor first and see if they're OK with you using this or anything else you might try.
_________________
Lots of stringy things, many of them slidey. |
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Barry Blackwood
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 8:49 am
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| Quote: |
| Steel Guitar Forum is always my first stop for medical advice. |
In my experience it's as good as any...
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 9:44 am
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| Bob Russell wrote: |
| Always check with your doctor first and see if they're OK with you using this or anything else you might try. |
No recommendation, but: I told my doctor to "GTH", threw out all painkillers and other recommended remedies, and started taking serious doses of Turmeric with Black Pepper, and Hemp oil. Two months later the arthritis in my hands - and other painful bodily problems - was all but gone. |
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Sonny Jenkins
From:
Texas Masonic Retirement Center,,,Arlington Tx
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 10:12 am
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| Georg,,,what brands of product did you take???? |
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Gary Cosden
From:
Florida, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 11:11 am
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| I've been using Turmeric for some time and CBD oil (from hemp oil) for about 4 months. I can't say my arthritis is close to being gone but it's better. CBD oil is pricey but it works. I use and recommend the "Charlottes Web" brand of CBD oil. I'll go through $35 - $40 worth a month. |
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Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 11:27 am
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| Georg Sørtun wrote: |
| Bob Russell wrote: |
| Always check with your doctor first and see if they're OK with you using this or anything else you might try. |
No recommendation, but: I told my doctor to "GTH", threw out all painkillers and other recommended remedies, and started taking serious doses of Turmeric with Black Pepper, and Hemp oil. Two months later the arthritis in my hands - and other painful bodily problems - was all but gone. |
Georg, I’m not taking anything for it, not even aspirin, but I’m curious what the formula/dosage is that your using... I’ve heard about the benefits of Turmeric for other things... I think I might want to try your method.
Gary, I may be going on a shopping date with my Son... 
_________________
Dale Rottacker, Steelinatune™
https://www.youtube.com/@steelinatune
*2021 MSA Legend, "Jolly Rancher" D10 10x9
*2021 Rittenberry, "The Concord" D10 9x9
*1977 Blue Sho-Bud Pro 3 Custom 8x6
https://msapedalsteels.com
http://rittenberrysteelguitars.com
https://www.telonics.com/index.php
https://www.p2pamps.com
https://www.quilterlabs.com |
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Georg Sørtun
From:
Mandal, Agder, Norway
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 11:58 am
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| Let me add that Turmeric in the large amounts I use - about two tablespoons a day, will go straight through the system. So unless one wants to run to the toilet right after every intake, start with small amounts of Turmeric and increase over time. Also, add a quarter/half teaspoon of Black Pepper to the mix to increase uptake of the Turmeric (up to 2000%). I usually buy organic Black Pepper locally. |
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Dale Rottacker
From:
Walla Walla Washington, USA
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Charlie Hansen
From:
Halifax, NS Canada and Various Southern Towns.
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 4:38 pm
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I occasionally have some pain here and there and the doctor prescribed declofinac compound. You apply it where the pain is and it works very well.
_________________
I don't know much but what I know I know very well.
Carter S-10 3X5, Peavey Nashville 112, plus Regal dobro and too many other instruments to mention.
Bluegrass Island CFCY FM 95.1 Charlottetown, PE, Canada, on the web at cfcy.fm.
A Touch Of Texas CIOE FM 97.5 Sackville, NS, Canada,
on the web at cioe975.ca. |
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Jim Fogarty
From:
Phila, Pa, USA
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Posted 14 Nov 2017 7:07 pm
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Dale,
Go to a Rheumatologist and get a good, accurate diagnosis. I had a sudden onset of SERIOUS joint issues a couple years back, and thought my playing days were over (I'm a fulltime pro guitarist, too!) It took about a year, but I eventually found out what I had was Psoriatic Arthritis, which is an auto-immune condition, like Rheumatoid. Anyway, after trying a few things, I went on Humira, and it was like a miracle. Within a month, I was pain-free mostly.......and soon back to normal.
Don't mess around. With some of these conditions, the longer they go untreated, the more permanent damage can be done.
Good luck! |
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