Wrist injuries are prevalent in the winter months because of slipping on the ice and other sports involving falls. A fall on an outstretched hand (FOOSH) can result in a fracture of the scaphoid. The scaphoid bone is located on the thumb side of the wrist and spans across the 2 rows of eight carpal…
Hand Therapy
Do you have pain at the base of your thumb?
Have pain at the base of your thumb? You may have osteoarthritis (OA) at the carpal metacarpal (CMC) joint. OA presents with a wearing down of cartilage between the bones, and can occur over time becoming more prominent as we age. Signs of OA at the CMC joint of the thumb can include pain that…
Hand Therapy at Missoula Bone & Joint
We are excited to announce that our Hand Therapy Program at Missoula Bone & Joint orthopedic clinic now has two hand therapists: Kristin Biggins, OT, CHT and Theresa Brooke, OT, CHT. Hand therapy is a specialty practice in orthopedics that focuses not only on the hand but can include the entire upper extremity. The overall goal…
A Hand Therapist can help with Hand and Wrist Pain
April is national Occupational Therapy month so we are celebrating this important profession by highlighting our very own Kristin Biggins, OTD, OTR/L, CHT. Kristin joined Missoula Bone & Joint in 2020, bringing years of experience as a Certified Hand Therapist, CHT to our therapy team. She received her MS in Occupational Therapy in 1992 at…
Hand and Wrist Conditions and Injuries
Hand and Wrist Conditions Wrist injuries, hand disorders, and elbow conditions are common and can cause pain, loss of sensation, loss of movement, and impaired function. Our hand and upper extremity specialists are prepared to treat these problems so that you can return to work or your favorite activities as quickly as possible. Missoula Bone…
How does gardening affect osteoarthritis
April showers bring May flowers and alongside those flowers emerge dried up leaves, weeds, and unidentifiable matter. Many of us dream about gardening, and when the first sunny day comes we are out there with rakes, shovels, spades, and wheelbarrows. We become the weekend warrior gardeners. Moving, lifting, pushing, and pulling feels good initially, but…
What is Hand Therapy?
Hand therapy is a specialty practice in orthopedics that focuses not only on the hand but can include the entire upper extremity. The overall goal of hand therapy is to restore as much return of hand/arm use as possible given the patient’s particular condition. The discipline is practiced by occupational and physical therapists. After treating hand and…