Can’t lift weights??

Pepps

Hi, I was recently diagnosed with RA. I’ve always been active and liked to run and workout at home. Due to wrist and thumb pain I’m struggling to know how to continue. The articles I read talk about maintaining fitness, is this still possible at my current level? How can I lift weights or do I have to stop?

Poppyjane

Hello @Pepps welcome to the online community

When we are first diagnosed we often want to continue as before but our bodies can't manage it. So maybe as you adjust to the pain in your wrist and thumb you might ask for a referral to a physiotherapist or a hand therapist who have experience of people with arthritis. So that you can be advised about movements and exercises which will help and not damage your hands.

Meanwhile I attach a link to the hand and wrist exercises.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/

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

We are glad you got in touch , keep us posted as to how you get on.

Take care

Poppyjane

Moira

I agree - see a physio. I can no longer do the things I used to - my dancing days are over.

It takes some getting used to but I have now accepted it.

Instead of weight try tins of soup or 1/2 kilo weights.

Keep moving but be sensible or you can do damage. The videos and advice on Versus Arthritis are very helpful.

Good luck.

Moira