Handling Arthritis

[farscott]

I just was informed that I have arthritis in several joints of my right (dominant) hand and a few in my left hand. While it is manageable now, other than moving to an area with a drier climate (which is not going to happen), it is not going to get better. My main symptoms are a bit of pain and a lack of grip strength from time to time. I find that I can power through it, but I suspect that will change. I want to get ahead of it. So how are others handling this?

My carry is a P30 LEM, I keep current with a Glock 17, and I still shoot Bullseye with a 1911. All are in 9x19. I also shoot about 100 rounds of .22 LR a week out of a 10/22 and Standard-pattern pistol, and I cannot imagine that is causing an issue. Even if it is an issue, I love the rimfires to much to stop shooting them.

[Peally]

I don't even have arthritis and shooting a 45 hurts my hands after a session, FWIW.

[farscott]

I don't even have arthritis and shooting a 45 hurts my hands after a session, FWIW.

Yeah, I used to be able to shoot 700 rounds of .45 ACP in a day. Now, not so much. Fifty rounds is all.

[Jim Watson]

I have gone to .45 Minor with reductions in powder charge and recoil spring, just to keep my .45 guns and Dillon in use.
I shot one USPSA match at Major and it just wasn't worth the aches.

[11B10]

farscott - I have significant arthritis throughout my body, including my hands. I recently rediscovered a device called the GRIPMASTER. There was a thread on pf about items just like it. It has not only restored a great deal of dexterity in my hands, it has also restored a great deal of strength. I strongly recommend you try either the GRIPMASTER or a similar tool.

[Bucky]

Another one with bad arthritis in the hands. It’s getting worse each year, too. My passion for shooting is such that, at the moment the shooting is OK, but I pay for it afterwards (I guess when the adrenaline subsides). It’s my fear I’ll have to cut back at some point. :(

[Malamute]

For those that currently have problems shooting because of arthritis, are 4" K frames with 38 wadcutters problematic? How about something like a Ruger 22 auto target pistol?

[Duces Tecum]

Welcome to the club. Have a seat over there by the fireplace and don't worry about getting up. Chester always comes around every so often to help us out of our chairs. In the meantime he'll bring you a bourbon. I can see you're wincing. May I offer you the institutional knowledge given to me back when I was a new member? It doesn't always work, but it seems to work more often than not.

01: Daily, whether you "need" it or not: Glucosamine with Chondroitin. Take as directed. I get mine at Costco. There's a bunch of us who meet at the Glucosamine rack and tell each other our complaints. No, it doesn't make any difference that they've been hearing the same complaints for years: nobody remembers. After "social hour" we visit the sample-ladies on our way to the bathroom.
02: Daily, for chronic pain: cocktail of 400 mg ibuprofen and 1000 mg acetaminophen. Follow maximum dosage guidance on the labels.
03: A topical cream for acute flare ups, particularly useful after saying, "Sure, I can do that. Used to do it all the time!": Voltaren Gel. Follow the directions.

[willie]

The arthritic knows that there is no such thing as one joint arthritis. The disease has greatly affected what guns I can shoot and how often. I will address shooting handguns. As recoil increases so does discomfort. With the same load, a lighter handgun will generate more discomfort than a heavier handgun. So we have two variables to manipulate: weight of gun and the load itself. Malamute may find that firing lightly loaded wadcutters through his 4 inch K frame remains pleasant. Using shooting gloves should allow him to extend shooting sessions. Grip choice is a consideration too. Using lighter than standard projectiles is another strategy. So we are searching for a combination that hits us with less apparent recoil. Apparent is the key term.

My strong opinion is that a full size 9mm 1911 is the softest shooting center fire handgun. The remark addresses out of the box pistols, but 1911 mechanics allow further adjustment. In the revolver world, the single action is a softly shooting handgun. A high bore axis in relation to grip produces a rolling motion as the barrel moves upward with recoil. The result is that some of the recoil force is deflected from straight line backwards movement. So, one combination selected for shooting comfort would be a Ruger Blackhawk using standard pressure .38 Spl ammo.

To the op and others I suggest taking glucosamine supplements which may alleviate some discomfort. Specialists recommended these many years ago. The widely advertised Joint Juice contains this chemical. The prescription drug Celebrex was a godsend at one time but lost its effectiveness. Ice helps. Inflammation causes arthritic pain. Medicines--even over the counter ones for pain--can have serious side effects and require physician supervision.

[scjbash]

The prescription drug Celebrex was a godsend at one time but lost its effectiveness. Ice helps. Inflammation causes arthritic pain. Medicines--even over the counter ones for pain--can have serious side effects and require physician supervision.

I don't have arthritis but I do have some jacked up joints. Fish oil helped the inflammation and I was able to get off of Celebrex except when I'm having a particularly bad flareup.

[luckyman]

Welcome to the club. Have a seat over there by the fireplace and don't worry about getting up. Chester always comes around every so often to help us out of our chairs. In the meantime he'll bring you a bourbon. I can see you're wincing. May I offer you the institutional knowledge given to me back when I was a new member? It doesn't always work, but it seems to work more often than not.

01: Daily, whether you "need" it or not: Glucosamine with Chondroitin. Take as directed. I get mine at Costco. There's a bunch of us who meet at the Glucosamine rack and tell each other our complaints. No, it doesn't make any difference that they've been hearing the same complaints for years: nobody remembers. After "social hour" we visit the sample-ladies on our way to the bathroom.
02: Daily, for chronic pain: cocktail of 400 mg ibuprofen and 1000 mg acetaminophen. Follow maximum dosage guidance on the labels.
03: A topical cream for acute flare ups, particularly useful after saying, "Sure, I can do that. Used to do it all the time!": Voltaren Gel. Follow the directions.

My doc is yelling at me for taking NSAIDs (Aleve seems to work best for me) way too many weeks (months) in a row. That not a good long term solution. I’ve at least managed to cut my Aleve use in half down to just at night by using the prescription topical stuff during the day.

I’m assuming OP has osteo arthritis and not a rheumatoid version. I’d have more suggestions if it was rheumatoid.

[Paso Quito]

I've fought joint inflammation for a decade or two. For years I took 2-4 Ibuprofen 3-4 times/day for pain & to reduce the inflammation. I read the book Protein Power by Dr. Eades and decided to try the diet... essentially what is called the Keto diet now. In this diet you get most of your caloric intake from fat, then protein, last carbs. I call it a high fat, adequate protein low, carb diet. I went whole hog and kept my daily carb intake below 20gr for a month. That meant no grains, no sugar. After one month I was able to completely stop the ibuprofen. I was able to increase carb intake slowly over time to 50 gr or so without the inflammation starting again. After a number of years I lapsed & it all started over.

I did the same process again and got the same results. No I take Theracurmin as well and it helps too.

Not only does this diet reduce inflammation dramatically (for me and my wife at least) it also raises HDL and lowers blood insulin levels. I personally believe that anyone that eats according to the current food pyramid is essentially guaranteed high blood pressure, bad cholesterol, possible diabetes, etc. in the long term.

The diet requires a major change (for us anyway) and you have to plan but once you get going you are not hungry.

One thing that you can do if you don't want to go this extreme is to cut out all wheat/gluten. This is a common irritant and often makes inflammation worse. If you don't replace all the wheat with almond/rice/??? flour you will get some of the same benefits listed above.

[YVK]

My doc is yelling at me for taking NSAIDs (Aleve seems to work best for me) way too many weeks (months) in a row. That not a good long term solution. I’ve at least managed to cut my Aleve use in half down to just at night by using the prescription topical stuff during the day.

I’m assuming OP has osteo arthritis and not a rheumatoid version. I’d have more suggestions if it was rheumatoid.

You have a good doc, and a right thought process.

Farscott, take some time to go see a rheumatologist and get a more specific diagnosis. Overuse vs inflammatory vs metabolic have different treatments and implications.

[Gary1911A1]

I have R.A. and shot a local USPSA Match last Sunday in Single Stack shooting Major. I don't think I'll ever be able to do it again so I can relate to the OP. From now on it will have to be steel frame 1911s' in 9MM. Shot 6 stages over 150 rounds and my trigger finger joint still hurts.

[farscott]

You have a good doc, and a right thought process.

Farscott, take some time to go see a rheumatologist and get a more specific diagnosis. Overuse vs inflammatory vs metabolic have different treatments and implications.

Will do. Trying to get into a specialist now. Initial blood tests were negative for RA, but my uric acid was high. I expect specialist will run more extensive battery of tests.

[Larry T]

Do strength training for your whole body. Do grip work (flexion) as well as finger extension.

[farscott]

For those that currently have problems shooting because of arthritis, are 4" K frames with 38 wadcutters problematic? How about something like a Ruger 22 auto target pistol?

I have had no issues at all with high round counts with a Ruger Standard-pattern pistol. I shoot a lot of .22, both pistol and rifle, as I really enjoy it. Yesterday after work I dug out my .22 spinner targets and spent a bit of time getting them to spin.

[Rex G]

:pI took a break from shooting .44 Magnum revolvers, beginning in March 1985, and when I resumed big-bore Magnum shooting in late 1985, it was with .41 Magnums. I soon sold the Model 629. By 1990, I had retired the Model 58, and soon sold the Model 657. Arthritis was not on my radar at that time; I just knew that training was becoming painful, but those large-frame, big-bore Magnums probably laid most of the foundation for the chronic wrist pain a couple of decades later.

By late 2011, shooting my duty pistol, a .40 P229R, really started to hurt. I could tolerate a 60-round qual, and learned it was best to use a Surefire X200 on the rail, to damp recoil. I soon broke from my usual practice of carrying the same pistols on and off the clock, and brought my 1911 from the safe, to again serve as my personal-time carry gun, after I verified that my skill level had not diminished. I started doing most of my DA shooting with an old favorite, an S&W Model 17-4, .22 LR revolver.

I completed my switch from the SIG P229, to pistols with a lower bore axis, namely G17/G19, in September 2015. This also ended my use of the .40 Snap & Whip; my chief had just authorized 9mm as an alternative duty cartridge. (I may try an all-steel 9mm P229, in the future.)

By late 2017, I had to stop shooting G19 pistols, right-handed, unless a WML was in place, to damp the recoil. This was a sign that, perhaps, I should soon retire from LEO-ing. (Of course, there were other factors, too.) By the end of January 2018, I had retired.

I have continued using all-steel 1911 pistols, shooting .45 ACP, but limit the number or rounds to 100, or less, per range session, and sessions spaced relatively farther apart. I think that 9mm 1911 pistols are in my future, but just bought a .45 ACP Les Baer Monolith, with its full-length, untapered steel dust cover, to damp recoil, and an ambidextrous safety, to facilitate shooting with my healthier left hand.

Revolvers with large and medium-large frames have a quite high bore axis, so I have largely become a lefty with such revolvers, and have limited my use of .357 Magnum ammo with all revolvers. The Speer Short Barrel Gold Dots have become my friends, in any revolver lighter than a GP100.

I have not yet started daily use of any NSAIDs, just the occasional Aleve or Motrin, and usually that is when something else is also aching.

[Malamute]

I discovered shooting full power magnums wasnt really that much fun in a 4" 29, so mostly shot medium loads for the vast majority of my 44 shooting. Similar to shooting 158 gr 357s in a 4" 19, not too bad if you dont do it a lot, but loses its charm fairly quickly. That may have saved me some grief in the long run, but I still think about geezer guns, like 148 gr wadcutters in 38s/357s, and even 38 Short Colt loads in those guns. Been on the lookout for a K frame 22 barrel and cylinder I can get bored to 32 S&W long for converting a K, such as a model 15 perhaps, for even more geezerly shooting. Shooting the K-22 and 22 autos is also fine so far. Id like to reserve a little ability to shoot hotter stuff without pain for defensive or game use, but have little ambition to shoot much in the way of hot loads as a regular thing. I think the heavy 45 Colt loads I have for bear country (300-325 gr@1250 fps) are the remains of 2 different boxes I loaded in the 90s. I have plenty left.

Despite the killed on the streetz matter connected with not using the most up to date arms, (its a given, right, if one uses older guns, they automatically lose?) theres still single action revolvers for heavier loads, they have always been easier on the hands to shoot in any given caliber or load.

[Shumba]

Farscott,
Talk with your internist or family doc.
You may benefit from seeing a hand specialist.
An anti inflammatory diet has also helped.
Celebrex or the generic has worked well for me for more than a decade, along with pharmaceutical grade fish oil daily.
When things turn ugly I take 50mg of Tramadol, only occasionally.
Repetitive motion injures need special care and a qualified physician. Exercises need to be supervised by a physical therapist IMHO.
Good luck,
Shumba

[farscott]

Waiting for my appointment with the specialist, but I have some instructions from my regular doc that mostly deal with diet due to the measured levels of uric acid.

I also invested (heh!!) in a STI Tactical 5.0 SS to reduce muzzle flip with .45 ACP and another STI Trojan in 9x19. So far, 9x19 in a 1911 has been fine, and a box of .45 ACP is about the same with the Tactical 5.0. I am still shooting a lot of .22 LR, and I do not see that changing. The G17.3 is easier on me than the P30 LEM, and that may prompt a change in my carry gun.

Some days are better than others and it seems to correlate to (positively) ambient humidity and (negatively) barometric pressure. Friday was nice, and I shot two hundred rounds through the STI Tactical 5.0. Yesterday was hot and dry, and I felt pretty good. I put a brick of .22 LR Gemtech Suppressor through a Volquartsen rifle and Ruger Standard-pattern pistol and shot Dot Torture with the P30 using 135-grain +P. Today is a rest day as the humidity is higher, and, of course, Mother's Day.

[Surf]

Ketogenic type of diet. Minimize carbohydrates, eliminate sugars, consume higher fats and moderate protein. Add Tumeric Curcumin to your daily intake.

ETA - I have had chronic back pain from injury going as far back as the mid 90's and have been on about everything to maintain the pain since. Throughout my career with gear, training, etc, I have had 7 surgeries in the last 15 years. I was near 240 in Jan 2018. Went on the above diet. Down to 208lbs as I sit here, but the biggest thing is that I am virtually pain free in the joints, all joints. I have been this same weight in the past but never pain free.

Father is 75 with swollen hands barely functioned. Same diet routine, his hands have little pain and he can use them again recently.

[GuanoLoco]

Costco - 1 x Glucosamine/Chondroitine + 1 x Glucosamine/MSM daily. Takes 4-6 weeks to build up in your system. Without it my arthritic knees ache 24x7. With it - they only when I do stuff to actually aggravate my knees.

Experimenting with Turmeric - jury is still out for me.

NSAIDs - I know two men who almost died from NSAID over-use (intestinal bleeding). I am trying hard to only use them when I really need them. When you need them - get enough in your bloodstream and keep enough in your bloodstream long enough (days) for them to actually work. Otherwise a simple pain relief like acetominophen may be a better short term solution.

Getting old beats the alternative.

[willie]

After using acetaminophen(Tylenol ingredient)frequently over time, blood tests showed unwanted effects on my liver. Remember, guys, that all these different medicines--prescription and otc--can cause harm and require monitoring. Acetaminophen is a component of Vicodin and maybe other pain meds so we can be taking the stuff and not know it.

[peterb]

For those that currently have problems shooting because of arthritis, are 4" K frames with 38 wadcutters problematic? How about something like a Ruger 22 auto target pistol?

From my sample of one, the steel Ruger Mk pistol is very comfortable to shoot. I added the Volquartsen trigger and sear which gave a very short, light pull. The fixed receiver and bolt instead of a slide makes mounting a red dot easy.

The grip angle may not work for everyone’s wrists. Some folks prefer the more vertical 22/45 versions.

[Nephrology]

Welcome to the club. Have a seat over there by the fireplace and don't worry about getting up. Chester always comes around every so often to help us out of our chairs. In the meantime he'll bring you a bourbon. I can see you're wincing. May I offer you the institutional knowledge given to me back when I was a new member? It doesn't always work, but it seems to work more often than not.

01: Daily, whether you "need" it or not: Glucosamine with Chondroitin. Take as directed. I get mine at Costco. There's a bunch of us who meet at the Glucosamine rack and tell each other our complaints. No, it doesn't make any difference that they've been hearing the same complaints for years: nobody remembers. After "social hour" we visit the sample-ladies on our way to the bathroom.
02: Daily, for chronic pain: cocktail of 400 mg ibuprofen and 1000 mg acetaminophen. Follow maximum dosage guidance on the labels.
03: A topical cream for acute flare ups, particularly useful after saying, "Sure, I can do that. Used to do it all the time!": Voltaren Gel. Follow the directions.

You should actually be using topical creams before you reach for the oral NSAIDs. Chronic use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen can lead to peptic ulcer disease - topical NSAIDs offer all of the benefits with none of the potential negative side effects of systemic NSAID use. Topical capsaicin is also worth considering, but is not as well tolerated as topical NSAIDs.

[Dog Guy]

Nephrology, is the Voltaren Gel mentioned above a legit option, or is there another formula with better results? Also, what's the limit as to how deeply the topical treatments work? It seems like they would be good for the hands and fingers where the joint itself has little covering between the joint and the skin. How about for tendonitis or arthritis in the knee, or the Achilles tendon?

[Nephrology]

Nephrology, is the Voltaren Gel mentioned above a legit option, or is there another formula with better results? Also, what's the limit as to how deeply the topical treatments work? It seems like they would be good for the hands and fingers where the joint itself has little covering between the joint and the skin. How about for tendonitis or arthritis in the knee, or the Achilles tendon?

Voltaren is just a brand of Dicolfenac sodium (NSAID) 1% gel. If your local drug store sells a generic equivalent, I'd get that to save some pennies, but either is fine.




Farscott, take some time to go see a rheumatologist and get a more specific diagnosis. Overuse vs inflammatory vs metabolic have different treatments and implications.

That too

[Doc_Glock]

Voltaren is just a brand of Dicolfenac sodium (NSAID) 1% gel. If your local drug store sells a generic equivalent, I'd get that to save some pennies, but either is fine.



That too

My understanding is that Voltaren gel works via systematic transdermal absorption and the local effects are pretty minimal. I don’t think it avoids the systemic problems of NSAIDS, but could stand to research it more.

ETA: nevermind, I was wrong. Serum concentrations are way lower with the cream.

http://www.pharmacytimes.com/contributor/jeffrey-fudin/2015/07/should-topical-nsaids-have-strict-heart-risk-warnings

[willie]

Many years ago I was in a drug store in Mexico and noticed this product: a topical cream made by Pfizer. The ingredient was Feldene. The topical cream gave almost instant relief. I bought a big sack full on the next trip. Later my doctor nixed Feldene pills for me because of its many side effects. If I could buy more now, I would. I don't know if the cream is available in the U.S.

[jwperry]

Ketogenic type of diet. Minimize carbohydrates, eliminate sugars, consume higher fats and moderate protein. Add Tumeric Curcumin to your daily intake.

ETA - I have had chronic back pain from injury going as far back as the mid 90's and have been on about everything to maintain the pain since. Throughout my career with gear, training, etc, I have had 7 surgeries in the last 15 years. I was near 240 in Jan 2018. Went on the above diet. Down to 208lbs as I sit here, but the biggest thing is that I am virtually pain free in the joints, all joints. I have been this same weight in the past but never pain free.

Father is 75 with swollen hands barely functioned. Same diet routine, his hands have little pain and he can use them again recently.

I've become more and more of a believer in the keto diet the longer I've been on it and the more aware I've become on what a healthy keto diet looks like. It isn't just butter covered, bacon wrapped steaks with almonds.

When I was having problems with (what I thought was) carpal tunnel, member Mjolnir recommended tumeric. After about a week I feel it started to help with some of the symptoms. I've continued to take it even after discovering that my issue wasn't carpal tunnel.


After using acetaminophen(Tylenol ingredient)frequently over time, blood tests showed unwanted effects on my liver. Remember, guys, that all these different medicines--prescription and otc--can cause harm and require monitoring. Acetaminophen is a component of Vicodin and maybe other pain meds so we can be taking the stuff and not know it.

My mom's liver started shutting down due to Tylenol abuse, so yeah it is easier to happen than you might think.

[Mjolnir]

I've become more and more of a believer in the keto diet the longer I've been on it and the more aware I've become on what a healthy keto diet looks like. It isn't just butter covered, bacon wrapped steaks with almonds.

When I was having problems with (what I thought was) carpal tunnel, member Mjolnir recommended tumeric. After about a week I feel it started to help with some of the symptoms. I've continued to take it even after discovering that my issue wasn't carpal tunnel.



My mom's liver started shutting down due to Tylenol abuse, so yeah it is easier to happen than you might think.

Good to hear you had good results, brother!

[emoji1431]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mark D]

Greg Ellefritz posted this on his Active Response Training Weekend Knowledge Dump:



7 Pistol-Shooting Tips For People With Arthritis

https://www.nrafamily.org/articles/2018/5/17/7-pistol-shooting-tips-for-people-with-arthritis/


A physician provides valuable information about strategies arthritic folks can implement to avoid painful shooting sessions. From personal experience, I can also highly recommend topical diclofenac gel (prescription only) before and after your practice sessions.

[breakingtime91]

Psoriasis has changed fro just a skin issue for me to starting to include my joints, specifically my hands. I have a really good doctor and have been put on a pretty aggressive anti inflammatory diet. Given the fact that I am already on humira for my skin, I have decided not to pursue any additional medication.

So here is my approach: Diet, intermittent fasting, ice baths when needed, and sauna. Through my diet I have already went from 186 to 177 in a couple weeks. Also changed my weightlifting regimen with help from a coach to start to "shore up" my joints and make sure they have some good muscle supporting them. Long term will tell but I have not weighed 177 since I was 21 and I feel great right now as most of it was body fat% and water weight from foods that didn't get along with my body well.

[luckyman]

Psoriasis has changed fro just a skin issue for me to starting to include my joints, specifically my hands. I have a really good doctor and have been put on a pretty aggressive anti inflammatory diet. ....

Any specifics on your diet that you would be comfortable sharing are of interest.

[breakingtime91]

Any specifics on your diet that you would be comfortable sharing are of interest.

Meats, vegetables (night shades such as peppers and potatoes don't seem to be an issue for me but may be for you, lots of leafy greens (spinach/kale), some fruit (limit the sugar though so i usually do a piece a day), nuts (I stick with almonds and pistachios), eggs.

That is pretty much it. I avoid things like soda (diet or regular), energy drinks, grains (besides brown rice), and dairy.

I started taking probiotics and drinks that have them at the same time and my gut is doing much better (I was going several times a day and having heart burn daily, hasn't occurred in the past three weeks since starting the probiotics and new diet.)

[CarloMNL]

Bumping this thread because of current issues.

I'm starting to have more frequent bouts with arthritis in my right index finger. None of my other fingers have ever suffered similar swelling or pain. I can press the trigger but it is painful so am thinking of switching over to my left hand in the meantime. I've put in a decent amount of work doing WHO drills over the past two years but my performance is nowhere near what I can do with two hands. I'll see if using my right hand as a support (instead of primary) hand helps me out.

Has anyone had to do something similar?

[breakingtime91]

Bumping this thread because of current issues.

I'm starting to have more frequent bouts with arthritis in my right index finger. None of my other fingers have ever suffered similar swelling or pain. I can press the trigger but it is painful so am thinking of switching over to my left hand in the meantime. I've put in a decent amount of work doing WHO drills over the past two years but my performance is nowhere near what I can do with two hands. I'll see if using my right hand as a support (instead of primary) hand helps me out.

Has anyone had to do something similar?

Recovering from pinky surgery the past 5 months. Has really shifted my perspective on what can happen, including me changing away from a manual safety. I have been carrying left handed exclusively for the last few months and it has taught my a lot. Right now I would say my left hand functions better and is more stable than my healing right hand, almost to where I was shooting strong hand only. As an aside, this has also made me really admire trigger systems like the lem that have an inherent safety aspect to them with their longer trigger pull and "auto decock". From now on I'll have a left handed holster for what ever gun is my primary just in case.. I also found it difficult to have a consistent draw with my left hand to my right eye with s dot and that has led me to fall in love with irons again. Quite the journey this year.

[BN]

https://www.amazon.com/Strengthener-Exerciser-Strength-Material-Stretcher/dp/B078L1KZBZ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1Q950R5U8E3TZ&keywords=hand%2Bexercisers%2Bfor%2Btherapy&qid=1674487728&sprefix=hand%2Bexercise%2Caps%2C2111&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOVZMWlk2TkVPTDg2J mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzMwMTMwT0xESUNTRktWN0U1JmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMzY5OTYzN1Y3OE1PRUFGQ0lOJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm9 0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

I use these exercise tools for the arthritis in my hands. I have them sitting by my computer and pick them up several times through the day and use them. It's helped me a lot. Motion is lotion.

I also take Glucosamine and fish oil.

Somebody on here recommended Blue Emu cream and I started using it.

[randyflycaster]

I am shooting with padded handball gloves.
Randy

[breakingtime91]

https://www.amazon.com/Strengthener-Exerciser-Strength-Material-Stretcher/dp/B078L1KZBZ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1Q950R5U8E3TZ&keywords=hand%2Bexercisers%2Bfor%2Btherapy&qid=1674487728&sprefix=hand%2Bexercise%2Caps%2C2111&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOVZMWlk2TkVPTDg2J mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzMwMTMwT0xESUNTRktWN0U1JmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMzY5OTYzN1Y3OE1PRUFGQ0lOJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm9 0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

I use these exercise tools for the arthritis in my hands. I have them sitting by my computer and pick them up several times through the day and use them. It's helped me a lot. Motion is lotion.

I also take Glucosamine and fish oil.

Somebody on here recommended Blue Emu cream and I started using it.

Thank you for this. Ordered today. Started taking fish oil again. Start occupational therapy soon, and after thst gonna start rebuilding my strength and dry fire routine.

[Danko]

Hey guys. I'm qualified to speak on the issue of arthritis in the fingers. I'm a 65 year old male who's played guitar for 50 years and have been pistol shooting for two. I've been using a product called Blue Emu cream on my fingers and wrists for near 10 years. The cream works quite well. It won't completely stop pain and stiffness, but it will reduce both symptoms to a comfortable level. Check out the reviews for it online, maybe at Amazon. I buy the stuff in 12 ounce jars for 25-30 dollars. It's not exactly cheap, but it's worth its price.

The cream only needs to be applied once a day. I tried applying it 2-4 times a day, and it doesn't change its effect.

Try it and please report back so other old bucks may benefit. No, I'm not a stockholder!

[HeavyDuty]

Hey guys. I'm qualified to speak on the issue of arthritis in the fingers. I'm a 65 year old male who's played guitar for 50 years and have been pistol shooting for two. I've been using a product called Blue Emu cream on my fingers and wrists for near 10 years. The cream works quite well. It won't completely stop pain and stiffness, but it will reduce both symptoms to a comfortable level. Check out the reviews for it online, maybe at Amazon. I buy the stuff in 12 ounce jars for 25-30 dollars. It's not exactly cheap, but it's worth its price.

The cream only needs to be applied once a day. I tried applying it 2-4 times a day, and it doesn't change its effect.

Try it and please report back so other old bucks may benefit. No, I'm not a stockholder!

Have you ever compared it to Aspercreme? It appears to be the same active ingredient (Trolamine Salicylate.) I’m looking for something for my thumbs, I’m having a hard time fretting - bass player here.

[Warped Mindless]

Haven’t read the entire thread but several people on keto and carnivore forums claims to have either “fixed” or greatly reduced their arthritis pain by using the keto diet or the carnivore diet.

And by “several” I actually mean a lot. If it were only a handful of people I wouldn’t give it much credit but when so many people are making the claim it would seem to have some merit.

[RoyGBiv]

Hey guys. I'm qualified to speak on the issue of arthritis in the fingers. I'm a 65 year old male who's played guitar for 50 years and have been pistol shooting for two. I've been using a product called Blue Emu cream on my fingers and wrists for near 10 years. The cream works quite well. It won't completely stop pain and stiffness, but it will reduce both symptoms to a comfortable level. Check out the reviews for it online, maybe at Amazon. I buy the stuff in 12 ounce jars for 25-30 dollars. It's not exactly cheap, but it's worth its price.

The cream only needs to be applied once a day. I tried applying it 2-4 times a day, and it doesn't change its effect.

Try it and please report back so other old bucks may benefit. No, I'm not a stockholder!

I've tried Blue Emu, but found Penetrex (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026HDURA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to work better for my neck. "Better" wasn't quite enough so I switched to Voltaren (generic is fine, available OTC).
IMO... I would try Blue Emu and Penetrex first.... Voltaren/Diclofenac is still an NSAID and better to avoid it if you find something else that works for you.

[HeavyDuty]

I've tried Blue Emu, but found Penetrex (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0026HDURA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) to work better for my neck. "Better" wasn't quite enough so I switched to Voltaren (generic is fine, available OTC).
IMO... I would try Blue Emu and Penetrex first.... Voltaren/Diclofenac is still an NSAID and better to avoid it if you find something else that works for you.

I just got a small tube of Voltaren yesterday, I think I’ll give it a try so I can compare it against other things.

[BN]

Hey guys. I'm qualified to speak on the issue of arthritis in the fingers. I'm a 65 year old male who's played guitar for 50 years and have been pistol shooting for two. I've been using a product called Blue Emu cream on my fingers and wrists for near 10 years. The cream works quite well. It won't completely stop pain and stiffness, but it will reduce both symptoms to a comfortable level. Check out the reviews for it online, maybe at Amazon. I buy the stuff in 12 ounce jars for 25-30 dollars. It's not exactly cheap, but it's worth its price.

The cream only needs to be applied once a day. I tried applying it 2-4 times a day, and it doesn't change its effect.

Try it and please report back so other old bucks may benefit. No, I'm not a stockholder!

I'm a 77 year old male who has been shooting pistols for 50 years but I don't play guitar. :)

Blue Emu is good stuff. I use on anything that hurts. Hips, back, neck, shoulders, wrists and hands. My wife has a shoulder that hurt in the night keeping her from sleeping. Blue Emu and she sleeps all night.

[RoyGBiv]

I just got a small tube of Voltaren yesterday, I think I’ll give it a try so I can compare it against other things.

The closer the inflammation is to the skin the better it should work. Bony fingers? Should be helpful. Sciatica underneath thick glutes? Probably not.

[HeavyDuty]

The closer the inflammation is to the skin the better it should work. Bony fingers? Should be helpful. Sciatica underneath thick glutes? Probably not.

This is for pain at the base of my thumbs. I’ll also do one at a time to have a comparison.

[HeavyDuty]

Ok, Blue Emu arrived. Let’s see if I sprout feathers.

[Jim Watson]

A friend applies Aspercream with Lidocane to sensitive areas of her hand before shooting.

[HeavyDuty]

Interesting. I put Blue Emu on the thumb that hurt more than the other, and now it hurts less than the other. I don’t think it’s placebo effect.

[boatdoc]

FWIW--NSAI meds like voltaren and motrin,if taken daily, increase your risks to heart attack by close to 30% as well as increased risk to GI ulcers

I use hyaluronic acid daily and it has helped decrease my pain in all of my joints greatly

the best way to handle arthritis is to warm up your joints and keep moving as long as you can(MHO) there is no cure

[Jim Watson]

Regular use of NSAIDS gave me a stomach ulcer.
I rarely take one now, maybe before a match.
I have an aching finger now after a practice session Sunday.

[willie]

Regular insaid use also increases kidney disease risk. I have severe arthritis and kidney disease. Voltaren(diclofenac)provides outstanding relief from inflammation and hence pain. Ceasing taking diclofenac raised pain level so high that hydrocodone was needed to control it. However, being zonked is a poor existence. I asked to be given diclofenac again and got immediate relief. I told my family doc to cut the dope script in half. Now things are much better. My aim is to continue tapering the hydrocodone and then use it infrequently. So far my test data continue to stay within desirable boundaries.

Voltaren creme is available over the counter. It works and if used as directed has slight risk.

[breakingtime91]

Journey has been interesting, learning what works for my joints and what doesn't. Mostly have found db weight lifting and cable work doesn't aggravate me anywhere near what barbell lifts can lead to. I also realized I needed to get back to low impact cardio to get the joints moving. So I have been lifting for about 40 minutes and 20-30 minutes of low impact cardio. I feel good, a lot less stiff. VA finally decided on my claim and have a lot of support at my disposal now. One thing my doctor told me was to maintain blood work and take a good multivitamin/ probiotic

[BN]

https://www.amazon.com/Strengthener-Exerciser-Strength-Material-Stretcher/dp/B078L1KZBZ/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=1Q950R5U8E3TZ&keywords=hand%2Bexercisers%2Bfor%2Btherapy&qid=1674487728&sprefix=hand%2Bexercise%2Caps%2C2111&sr=8-2-spons&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOVZMWlk2TkVPTDg2J mVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzMwMTMwT0xESUNTRktWN0U1JmVuY3J 5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAyMzY5OTYzN1Y3OE1PRUFGQ0lOJndpZGdld E5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm9 0TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ&th=1

I use these exercise tools for the arthritis in my hands. I have them sitting by my computer and pick them up several times through the day and use them. It's helped me a lot. Motion is lotion.

I also take Glucosamine and fish oil.

Somebody on here recommended Blue Emu cream and I started using it.

The arthritis in my hands had been acting up and I realized I hadn't been using my hand exercise tools. Better now after getting back to them more often. You gotta keep moving.