Arthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis

[CotesDuNone]

Help!

I have always, since the age of 16, been a gym bunny, runner, fitness freak. Earlier this year my knees gave up on mw which meant I could no longer even do a basic squat as it's just too painful and have been diagnosed with mild osteoarthritis and jumpers knee. Not a real issue as I was still able to work on my upper body and get my steps in during the day, however now I have swelling and chronic pain in both elbows which now looks as though its rheumatoid arthritis - (waiting for results). My issue is that now I cant even lift a dumbbell as I have little or no grip strength and chronic pain when i try to lift. I have bought a second hand exercise bike to make sure I'm still active but still want to be able to weight bear as its good for my menopausal bones and my MH.

Can anyone help with any weight baring exercises or a variation on what I could do that doesn't exacerbate the pain?

Many thanks in advance.

Hi, I have psoriatic arthritis. I strength train still, I wear gloves and wrist straps. I do notice my grip is weak when I'm lifting really heavy barbells, which means I can't always lift as heavy as my muscles are able to, or I do less reps, but I just go as heavy as I can manage.
Have a look at Caroline Girvan Calisthenics series, maybe that may work for you?

Grat idea. Thank you.

I love Caroline, I was doing lots of her workouts prior to the pain. I wish I could lift even the lightest dumbbell but I ever struggle to change gear in the car, that's how painful it is at the moment. Hoping a change in diet, cutting out the seed oils and sugar might help make a difference. I can only try I guess.

Are you starting meds for it? I started Methotrexate 4 weeks ago. A long time yet til I can expect to see some results, but I'm hopeful

I hope you are able to have this. My DH had early markers for RA and was given this and so far, it's not developed further. That was 4 years ago

Hi, I have RA and it's been trial and error. I did spend some time with a PT to work out what was best for me this year (and we'll all react differently). I am now using the exercise bike (make sure seat level is correct), doing some weight machines (lowest weight/high reps) and using resistance bands. Dumbells can be a struggle on days grip isn't good. Anything water based is also good for your joints. Good luck, the early months after diagnosis can be the hardest x