Swimming with osteoarthritis in fingers

WendyAnne

Hi, I used to love swimming, having eventually joined swimming lessons when I was 60. I am now 63 and have just been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis in the fingers. The cold water and moving my hands to swim has become too painful. Can anyone offer any advice to how I might be able to carry on swimming without the pain ?

chrisb

Hi @WendyAnne  

Welcome to the versus arthritis forum. 

I see that you have OA in your fingers which is preventing you from continuing with your swimming as it’s too painful. You’d like to hear from any forum members who can offer any advice/tips on how you might mitigate the pain to enable you to continue with your hobby. 

If you’ve not visited our website you may find these fingers exercises beneficial:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

 

I couldn’t find any past forum discussions that specifically relate to your query, but have you considered buying some swimming gloves? These might at least keep your hands warmer. If you google the term there appear to be a number of providers. 

I hope you receive some useful feedback from forum members. 

Best Wishes

ChrisB (Moderator)

WendyAnne

Thank you very much for your response. I will look into using swimming gloves as you suggest.

janiebin

I had not really thought about using swimming gloves but they sound a great idea. Let us know how you get on

Janiebin

WendyAnne

Will do.