Better Health. At Your Fingertips.

NICK GOLINVAUX, MD March 9, 2024 Hi Reader, How is your week going? So far, I've had a productive one: I learned that Taylor Swift and poet Emily Dickinson are related. I accepted a generous invitation to be on an upcoming episode of an orthopedic surgery podcast (more details soon!). Due to popular demand, I wrote about upper extremity safety in the gym. If you workout regularly, you've surely had a hand or upper extremity twinge from time to time. It can be difficult to know...was that just...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux Good morning. We all want the secret food that makes bones harder, joints smoother, and muscles stronger. The truth? That magic bullet doesn’t exist. But that doesn’t mean nutrition doesn’t matter. What you eat can directly shape how your muscles perform, how your bones remodel, and how much inflammation your joints endure. The trick is knowing what’s actually supported by evidence — and what’s just another fad. This week, I’ll break...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and New Year. Let's get back at it! Your hands go numb at night. Typing feels clumsy. Buttons are harder than they should be. Could it be carpal tunnel syndrome? You don’t need to wonder — you can find out on your own in just 30 seconds. There’s a simple test that’s both surprisingly accurate and ridiculously easy to do at home. It’s called the Phalen’s Test, and it’s the one I rely on most in my...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux Good morning. Most broken bones need protection and rest. But when it comes to a certain common type of fractured elbow, that mindset can leave you with permanent stiffness and months of frustration. These injuries heal differently — and getting the right care early can make all the difference. In this week’s article, I’ll walk you through what makes radial head and neck fractures unique, what symptoms to watch for, and why...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux Good morning. It’s a familiar scene: the avocado’s in your hand, the knife is poised, and you’re one slip away from an ER visit. Every year, an estimated 9,000 people end up in emergency rooms with hand injuries from cutting avocados — and I’ve treated more than my share of them. This week, I’ll show you the exact technique I use to keep my own fingers safe, from the first cut to the last pit removal. Read It Here ↗ **This newsletter...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux Good morning. Diabetes doesn’t just affect your blood sugar — it changes the very fabric of your tissues. Over time, high glucose levels trigger chemical changes that stiffen tendons and impair nerve function. For your hands, that can mean painful, stubborn conditions like trigger finger and carpal tunnel syndrome. The good news? Understanding this connection gives you the power to protect your grip and function before damage sets in,...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux Good morning. A thumb sprain might sound minor, but it can take away your ability to perform the simplest daily tasks. Remember, it's that long thumb of ours that makes us a human, not a monkey. The truth is, a torn thumb ligament (often called “skier’s thumb”) isn’t just a skier’s problem — it can happen to anyone after a fall or sudden twist. Left untreated, it can rob you of your grip strength for life. This week's guide breaks down...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux Good morning. Pregnancy changes just about everything — sleep, energy, posture, and yes, even your hands and wrists. Many expectant mothers are initially surprised when hand pain, swelling, or tingling set in, only to learn these symptoms are unfortunately extremely common. From carpal tunnel syndrome to De Quervain’s tendinitis, the causes are rooted in the same hormonal and physical changes shaping the rest of the body. The good news?...

SUBSCRIBE | SHOP | ARCHIVE Written by Dr. Nick Golinvaux Good morning. Tennis elbow might hog the spotlight, but there’s another form of elbow pain that can be just as miserable — only this one hides on the inside of your arm. “Golfer’s elbow,” despite the name, doesn’t require a country club membership. It can strike anyone whose day involves gripping, twisting, or lifting, from weekend gardeners to construction workers. And once it shows up, even simple tasks like shaking hands, pouring...