Any success for those who play with arthritis in their racquet hand? Trying hard to stay in the game, but cortisone is losing its' effect on my condition. Am considering methotrexate to control my psoriatic arthritis - have any readers used methtrexate and had success? I'm a bit apprehensive - kind of like my last step before giving up tennis. Have played for 39 years and not ready to do so...
Arthritis in racquet hand issues
- Thread starter heartman
- Start date
Caloi
Semi-Pro
Hate to hear this. I'm heading the PT regarding my wrist. It began hurting last spring and has just gotten worse over time. I'm to the point now that It's affecting daily chores. I just got done with a bathroom remodel that about killed my wrist. I went to hit serves this weekend and couldn't finish because fo the pain.
I was told something called Arnica could help, I read it's a topical cream but I'm just goign to try the PT first.
I've rehab'd a shoulder with a serious effort and gym time to make it strong again, I'm hoping I can do the wrist as well. SHould know more tomorrow. :-|
I was told something called Arnica could help, I read it's a topical cream but I'm just goign to try the PT first.
I've rehab'd a shoulder with a serious effort and gym time to make it strong again, I'm hoping I can do the wrist as well. SHould know more tomorrow. :-|
Voltron
Hall of Fame
^^^
Hey, if you haven't already gotten a solid diagnosis, check to see if you have a ganglian cyst, I'm trying to deal with one right now actually, and it was I guess hard-ish to diagnose, as they thought it was tendinitis at the beginning , and it was completely under the skin. Admittedly though I also had a stress fracture in my wrist, so that could have made it worse, but I think you might be in the same boat with the way that pain sounds. Actually if you're near Chicago, or in the suburbs, I've got a great wrist specialist that I could recommend. (just email me)
Hey, if you haven't already gotten a solid diagnosis, check to see if you have a ganglian cyst, I'm trying to deal with one right now actually, and it was I guess hard-ish to diagnose, as they thought it was tendinitis at the beginning , and it was completely under the skin. Admittedly though I also had a stress fracture in my wrist, so that could have made it worse, but I think you might be in the same boat with the way that pain sounds. Actually if you're near Chicago, or in the suburbs, I've got a great wrist specialist that I could recommend. (just email me)
netman
Hall of Fame
Heartman, how old are you? If I add 39 to X I get somewhere between 48 and 63.
The continental grip may be your savior. You can hit FHs, BHs, both volleys and serves with it. Heck, you could duct tape your hand to the grip in a continental and beat a lot of the young guns who use an extreme Western and struggle with any ball below waist level.
That theres' a good one...
Brother, I'm 51. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 3 years ago. Have issues in both wrists, and knuckles and fingers of right hand, which I play tennis with, and hips. Early success with cortisone injections, although they are losing their effectiveness each time. Borderline carpal tunnel symptoms in wrists, but most pain is due to the arthritic condition.
Continental grip has done me well for many years, but thanks for the thought. Tried to play while on pain meds - it almost works, but the torque and impact of racquet when contact is made takes ALL the fun out of playing. Drinking beer afterwards does help though...
Although we face many transitions in life, this one is really giving me a hard time. Tennis has been a foundation for me - not being able to play will be a great personal loss. Things could be worse, I guess. Just wish there was a magic cure - is that too much to ask?
Brother, I'm 51. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 3 years ago. Have issues in both wrists, and knuckles and fingers of right hand, which I play tennis with, and hips. Early success with cortisone injections, although they are losing their effectiveness each time. Borderline carpal tunnel symptoms in wrists, but most pain is due to the arthritic condition.
Continental grip has done me well for many years, but thanks for the thought. Tried to play while on pain meds - it almost works, but the torque and impact of racquet when contact is made takes ALL the fun out of playing. Drinking beer afterwards does help though...
Although we face many transitions in life, this one is really giving me a hard time. Tennis has been a foundation for me - not being able to play will be a great personal loss. Things could be worse, I guess. Just wish there was a magic cure - is that too much to ask?
S
Slicendicer
Guest
Brother, I'm 51. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 3 years ago. Have issues in both wrists, and knuckles and fingers of right hand, which I play tennis with, and hips. Early success with cortisone injections, although they are losing their effectiveness each time. Borderline carpal tunnel symptoms in wrists, but most pain is due to the arthritic condition.
Continental grip has done me well for many years, but thanks for the thought. Tried to play while on pain meds - it almost works, but the torque and impact of racquet when contact is made takes ALL the fun out of playing. Drinking beer afterwards does help though...
Although we face many transitions in life, this one is really giving me a hard time. Tennis has been a foundation for me - not being able to play will be a great personal loss. Things could be worse, I guess. Just wish there was a magic cure - is that too much to ask?
try a magnetic copper bracelet. Wear it 24/7 if your wrist turns green, that is good. Give it 2 weeks, it worked for me.
http://cnb-host2.clickandbuild.com/cnb/shop/magnets4health?op=catalogue-products-null&prodCategoryID=18
SystemicAnomaly
Bionic Poster
I had started experiencing arthritis in my racquet hand in my early 40s (this was more than 15 yrs ago). I started eating more fish (esp salmon & sardines) and flax seeds (ground). I also started supplementing with glucosamine -- in both a capsule form and in a topical cream form. Also used a capsaicin lotion as well. In something like 4-6 months, the problem disappeared and has not returned.
Not certain, but I may have also been using chondroitin and MSM back then as well. Some studies have shown benefits with the use of glucosamine and these other substances while other studies have not. It could be the combination of a good capsule supplement in addition to the topical lotion & dietary changes that really did the trick for me.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoarthritis#Dietary
.
Not certain, but I may have also been using chondroitin and MSM back then as well. Some studies have shown benefits with the use of glucosamine and these other substances while other studies have not. It could be the combination of a good capsule supplement in addition to the topical lotion & dietary changes that really did the trick for me.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osteoarthritis#Dietary
.
netman
Hall of Fame
Brother, I'm 51. Diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis about 3 years ago. Have issues in both wrists, and knuckles and fingers of right hand, which I play tennis with, and hips. Early success with cortisone injections, although they are losing their effectiveness each time. Borderline carpal tunnel symptoms in wrists, but most pain is due to the arthritic condition.
Continental grip has done me well for many years, but thanks for the thought. Tried to play while on pain meds - it almost works, but the torque and impact of racquet when contact is made takes ALL the fun out of playing. Drinking beer afterwards does help though...
Although we face many transitions in life, this one is really giving me a hard time. Tennis has been a foundation for me - not being able to play will be a great personal loss. Things could be worse, I guess. Just wish there was a magic cure - is that too much to ask?
I hear you on the tennis. It has been my refuge for over 35 years. I was diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and arthritis in my lumbar spine and arthritis in my knees back in my mid-40s. I take Glucosamine, Chondritin and MSM daily. I take them all every morning along with 3000mg of clinical grade fish oil. Numerous studies have shown that high doses of Omega-3 oils reduce inflammation almost as well as anti-inflammatories like Ibuprofen. You can get all of the above at Costco for very reasonable prices. Since starting my doses of Glucosamine, Chondritin, MSM and Fish Oil I have seen a dramatic reduction in symptoms. These supplements, combined with a daily regimen of strengthening exercises, allow me to play high level tennis. It still can take a couple of days to recover from a hard doubles match, but I'm playing pain free during the actual match. Its the next 48 hours that are tough, but they really aren't that bad.
Find a physical therapist/trainer that has experience with your specific issues and work with them to design an exercise and diet regimen that will help you stay on the court. Then stick with it religiously. If you want to stay on the court bad enough you can find a way to make it happen. Will never be like when you were 20, but it will be worth the effort.
BTW, cortisone has limited effectiveness. If I remember correctly, after 3 injections it actually can start causing tissue damage. It is not a long term solution.
-k-
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