Dr. Turner joins A Global and Holistic Approach to Your Health as a guest to discuss treatments and solutions for common joint problems such as Arthritis, Carpal Tunnel, and Text Thumb.

Dr. Turner has successfully treated hundreds of patients over the years with these problems by utilizing a holistic approach.

In this episode Dr. Turner explores:

1. Causes of arthritis
2. A holistic 7-point plan for osteoarthritis treatment, including an effective supplement from our partners, DAO Labs
3. Diagnosis and treatment of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Text Thumb

Key Takeaways

• Diagnosing arthritis successfully begins with distinguishing systemic, inflammatory problems from degenerative, wear-and-tear type problems.
• Causes of degenerative arthritis include repetitive stress, misalignment, obesity, genetics, aging and hormonal deficiencies.
• Carpal Tunnel can be treated very successfully short of surgery, but, if required, surgery is safe and has excellent outcomes.
• Text Thumb will typically require a splint and lifestyle changes

Time Stamps

[0:30] Introduction

[1:22] Arthritis Overview

[2:38] Repetitive stress

• Running

  • 3-4 times body weight on joints

  • Jumping

  • 7-9 times body weight on joints

[4:39] Poor Biomechanics

• Untreated flat feet
• Leg length discrepancy
• Overweight

[5:24] Hereditary (unavoidable) joint wear and tear

• Genetics

  • Weaker Collagen

  • Aging

  • Loss of cellular activity, meaning a decrease in chondrocyte activity (cells in your joints that stimulate new cartilage production)

  • Postmenopausal

  • Drop in estrogen levels

7 Core Concepts for comprehensive Osteoarthritis treatment

1. [6:20] Safe movement

   1. To promote circulation of synovial fluid (basic limberness)
   2. Although movement might be painful it is necessary for your joints
   3. To do nothing is to get weaker and stiffer

   4. [7:18] Balance and symmetry with the movement

   5. If you’re limping, you’re only going to hasten the problem

   6. [8:08] Strong muscles to support the joint

   7. Arthritis knees like strong leg muscles

   8. [8:40] Cartilage Precursors

   9. What do you need to consume to keep your cartilage at optimal levels of health?

      1. Glucosamine
      2. Chondroitin
      3. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
      4. [9:00] Reducing oxidative stress

   10. Oxidation is a chemical reaction in which oxygen breaks down the molecular structure of something.

   11. Example: a piece of metal rusting; a sliced apple turning brown.
   12. You can imagine you don’t want that happening in your joints!

   13. [10:10] Reducing inflammation

   14. Dr. Turner recommends fish oil or other omega-3 fatty acids, Tumeric, certain kinds of enzymes (bromelain, protease, Wobenzyme)

   15. [11:08] Stimulating healing processes within the joint

   16. Regenerative injections

       1. Stem Cells (most aggressive)
       2. PRP (platelet rich plasma)
       3. Prolotherapy

[11:40] Carpal Tunnel

• Is a pressure problem over the median nerve as it enters your wrist

• Solutions:

  • Stretching
  • Braces
  • Cortisone injection
  • Surgery is the last option but is very effective.

[14:23] “Text Thumb” is typically “De Quervain's Tenosynovitis”

• An overuse phenomenon that causes micro tears and adhesions on the main tendon coming off the side of the thumb.

• Solutions:

  • Stretching forearm muscles
  • Wearing a splint to simply rest the area
  • Modifying the amount of texting you do
  • Getting a different-sized phone.
  • Ultimately making a lifestyle adjustment will solve this problem

What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be?

Let’s begin the journey