Arthritis and lifting

BigAnnieG
BigAnnieG Posts: 89 Member
edited 6:43PM in Fitness and Exercise
Hi

I really love lifting weights, but the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands doesn't. Does anyone have a similar problem, and if so how do you get around it? It doesn't matter if I lift light or heavy, after just a few reps my hands are too sore - but my arms (and the rest of me) are still raring to go. Any ideas on how to adapt?
Thanks!

Replies

  • ocrXfitter
    ocrXfitter Posts: 123 Member
    My mom has RA. Was diagnosed about 20 years ago and tries to stay active. She recently started seeing a physical therapist who is helping her out with exercises, especially lifting.
  • chunky_pinup
    chunky_pinup Posts: 758 Member
    When my RA or Lupus is flaring badly enough for it to effect my hands, I use straps so that there's less pressure on my grip. Everyone is different, but even in the worst flare-ups, I won't give up my lifting as it's completely changed the effect my autoimmune diseases has on me.

    https://smile.amazon.com/Harbinger-Heavy-Cotton-Lifting-Straps/dp/B001181RSY/ref=sr_1_7?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1492434422&sr=1-7&keywords=weightlifting+straps
  • BigAnnieG
    BigAnnieG Posts: 89 Member
    chunky_pinup wrote: »
    When my RA or Lupus is flaring badly enough for it to effect my hands, I use straps so that there's less pressure on my grip. Everyone is different, but even in the worst flare-ups, I won't give up my lifting as it's completely changed the effect my autoimmune diseases has on me.

    https://smile.amazon.com/Harbinger-Heavy-Cotton-Lifting-Straps/dp/B001181RSY/ref=sr_1_7?s=sports-and-fitness&ie=UTF8&qid=1492434422&sr=1-7&keywords=weightlifting+straps

    Thanks! Yep I had a chat with some of the gym staff yesterday too and they showed me straps - think it's going to revolutionise my lifting! It has been so frustrating in the past to know I *could* go further if only my grip wouldn't give out. They showed me normal straps and figure 8 straps, I think the latter are best because even if you fail completely the weight isn't going to just fall. Sometimes my thumbs "pop out" and I worry about dropping several kgs on my foot!!
  • BigAnnieG
    BigAnnieG Posts: 89 Member
    And also yes, as a fellow autoimmune champion, I totally agree that weights give a feeling of power and achievement even on the really rough days.
  • asugar1390
    asugar1390 Posts: 46 Member
    I can relate. Sometimes I get super sore and feel like I have some kind of anti inflammatory thing -- want to support each other ?
  • Jelaan
    Jelaan Posts: 815 Member
    I wear my hand braces (the joint at the base of my thumbs is most affected) with my lifting gloves over top for traction. When I have flare ups I just can't lift for as long or as heavy - sucks but that's life. The straps are a good idea, I will have to look into that.
  • BigAnnieG
    BigAnnieG Posts: 89 Member
    Jelaan wrote: »
    I wear my hand braces (the joint at the base of my thumbs is most affected) with my lifting gloves over top for traction. When I have flare ups I just can't lift for as long or as heavy - sucks but that's life. The straps are a good idea, I will have to look into that.

    Oh you know, I hadn't even thought of wearing my hand braces to lift! Doh! Will give it a go :-)

    And yes, always looking for fellow buddies! It's hard to explain to truly fit and healthy people sometimes that when you say you can't do something it's true - and not a get-out clause because you don't WANT to do it!!
  • Chieflrg
    Chieflrg Posts: 9,097 Member
    edited April 2017
    BigAnnieG wrote: »
    Hi

    I really love lifting weights, but the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands doesn't. Does anyone have a similar problem, and if so how do you get around it? It doesn't matter if I lift light or heavy, after just a few reps my hands are too sore - but my arms (and the rest of me) are still raring to go. Any ideas on how to adapt?
    Thanks!

    I have RA and I'm a powerlifter.

    Besides a couple Advils every now and again I'm completely med free. I take nothing for RA.

    I've discovered alternatives for the training I do more recently in the past few years.

    If hands/fingers are too flared up, I use lifting wrist straps on my pulls. Staying away from isolation exercises and focus on compound lifts. A thumbless over the bar grip for squats is a must for the wrists and fingers. Chalk or liquid chalk helps with my grip. Lastly form, must be on point as possible with the joint deformities and the extreme pain we deal with, a possible layoff as you know sucks from having the disease.

    *edited to add do not use lifting gloves. They actually are worse for grip for all lifters, they can cut off circulation as your hands/fingers swell for those with autoimmune disease or the like.
  • Dazzler21
    Dazzler21 Posts: 1,249 Member
    BigAnnieG wrote: »
    Hi

    I really love lifting weights, but the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands doesn't. Does anyone have a similar problem, and if so how do you get around it? It doesn't matter if I lift light or heavy, after just a few reps my hands are too sore - but my arms (and the rest of me) are still raring to go. Any ideas on how to adapt?
    Thanks!

    1. Lifting straps
    2. Compound lifts
    3. Use grip/wrist trainers such as the powerball it will help over time.
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