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Thumb Arthritis And Lifting

mcemino2
mcemino2 Posts: 427 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have arthritis in the base of both my thumbs, with the right one being the worst. Does anybody have any suggestions to help alleviate some of the pain when working out? Have thought about trying gloves, but not sure I would feel comfortable wearing them.

Replies

  • Jelaan
    Jelaan Posts: 815 Member
    edited March 2019
    I have it in exactly the same place in both hands, my left being my worst. I use my hand braces with lifting gloves over them for traction and extra support around the joints. It's pretty comfortable but a bit hot after a while but I can't really lift without the braces.
  • mcemino2
    mcemino2 Posts: 427 Member
    Are you using a thumb brace or more like a wrist brace?
  • Theoldguy1
    Theoldguy1 Posts: 2,514 Member
    If it's really bad check into this surgery:
    https://www.surgery.wisc.edu/2017/11/09/basal-joint-arthritis-evaluation-treatment-and-postop-expectations/

    I had both thumb joints rebuilt (30+ years on a computer will do that). Had great results.
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    Can you be more specific on what exactly makes the pain more uncomfortable.

    I deal with pain with most of my joints 24/7(especially hands) due to a progressive joint disease and might be able to help being a powerlifter and also coaching arthritic lifters.
  • mcemino2
    mcemino2 Posts: 427 Member
    Chieflrg wrote: »
    Can you be more specific on what exactly makes the pain more uncomfortable.

    I deal with pain with most of my joints 24/7(especially hands) due to a progressive joint disease and might be able to help being a powerlifter and also coaching arthritic lifters.

    Any lifting involving weight resting on palm/thumb joint, such as bench press. No problems with anything that requires gripping.
  • gunmaker45
    gunmaker45 Posts: 1 Member
    Look around the web to find a sup called Arnica. This stuff is amazing. It comes from some plant and really works on reducing inflammation. My wife started using it for her shoulder, then I started using for my arthritic knee and ankle. Not a magic pill, but it really helped me and the Mrs.
  • Jelaan
    Jelaan Posts: 815 Member
    edited March 2019
    mcemino2 wrote: »
    Are you using a thumb brace or more like a wrist brace?

    It supports both as my problem joint is right at the base of my thumb just above my wrist. I used to be worried that I would drop the bar or it would just roll over my thumb but the brace and glove seems to give more strength to my grip.

    I know what you mean about the bench press, but the brace/glove combo tightness give me support in the heel of my hand and I don't get the bruised sore feeling after having weight resting there. I know everyone is different, but it seems to work for me.
  • Keto_Vampire
    Keto_Vampire Posts: 1,670 Member
    edited March 2019
    Consider trying a "suicide" grip if you've already got plenty of years of experience lifting (compromises safety but puts less pressure on your joints, esp. digits). There are work arounds too if concerned about safety...for instance, do hammer press (horizontal) instead of bench press. May be awkward @ first/take time to get use to. I have been lifting this way for about 15+ years now
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    mcemino2 wrote: »
    Chieflrg wrote: »
    Can you be more specific on what exactly makes the pain more uncomfortable.

    I deal with pain with most of my joints 24/7(especially hands) due to a progressive joint disease and might be able to help being a powerlifter and also coaching arthritic lifters.

    Any lifting involving weight resting on palm/thumb joint, such as bench press. No problems with anything that requires gripping.

    Try the bull dog grip. It rotates balance of the barbell over the radius bone of your forearm and if performed correctly might give you some relief from your thumb pain.

    Dr Feigenbaum explains the setup well in this video.

    https://youtu.be/u5jarGiErp4
  • mcemino2
    mcemino2 Posts: 427 Member
    Thanks for the suggestions, will give all a try.
  • drpeterson01
    drpeterson01 Posts: 1 Member
    Theoldguy1 wrote: »
    If it's really bad check into this surgery:
    https://www.surgery.wisc.edu/2017/11/09/basal-joint-arthritis-evaluation-treatment-and-postop-expectations/

    I had both thumb joints rebuilt (30+ years on a computer will do that). Had great results.

    I have been diagnosed with basal joint arthritis in the left thumb. Looking at the surgery but don't want to quit lifting long term, only been doing it for < year.

    How long ago did you have the surgery?
    Are you able to lift as much as you were before the surgery?
    How long was your recovery?

    I will be trying the "bulldog grip" from the video posted below at the gym today to see if that helps, presses and benching are the worst.

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