arthritis question with shooting arm

[Grimjaws]

Well it sucks getting old. I have been having several issues with my right elbow near the top of the forearm that has been causing me some pain for a few months - doctor's gave me the news of arthritis.

Since I am stuck home due to the weather hitting WNY I got out all my handguns to give them a wipe down and oiling.

Well double action on a revolver is painful - just holding it at arms length is bad but pulling the trigger is worse.

686 6" too heavy to hold for any time couldn't even pull the trigger as I had to put it down - better with two handed grip but painful

19-5 4" not bad but double action was painful

10-11 and 10-14 4" both HB even with rubber grips painful to hold and double action not good - hurts to hold one or two handed - may have something to do with the grips not sure

37 2" could easily hold it and double action was OK - lightest of the bunch

The best of the handguns
Full size MP9 - I could hold it at arms length and had no issues just discomfort - even loaded a magazine and still was able to hold it one handed - two handed a breeze

I have always been a die hard revolver fan - cut my teeth on a 19 4" that I foolishly sold - but these polymer guns have me rethinking my collection.

9mm recoil in an MP is like a .22 so that helps too - not sure how I can handle revolver recoil now that my elbow hurts like an ***

So two questions
1. how do you folks handle arthritis especially with your shooting arm? Besides Alleve any idea on what to do with my elbow - maybe try a brace. Luckily my hands and fingers are fine just the elbow. I may have to try shooting lefty.

2. The full size MP 9 is a joy to shoot - I may look to switch over to another polymer frame gun for carry - is the mp9c just as tame in recoil? How about the Shield 9mm recoil?

Thanks for any advice.

Doesn't help having to plow or shovel today but have to get out sooner or later!

 

[H Richard]

I'm 73, have arthritis in mostly my hands and knee. Fused spine after the 5th back surgery a couple years ago. Just got a shot in my left knee and may be getting one in my right knee soon. I found you need to exercise the joint. Start gradually and work up. Having a Physical Therapist lay out the exercises for you is best. I take 4 Aleve a day, 2 in the AM and 2 in the PM. With my fused back, I can't bend down enough to pick up my brass, and I find myself carrying my pick up grabber to the range with me, or shooting my revolvers more often. In order to diagnosis your elbow I assume they took x-rays, and it isn't tendonitis, (that takes months to get past).

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I'm 73, have arthritis in mostly my hands and knee. Fused spine after the 5th back surgery a couple years ago. Just got a shot in my left knee and may be getting one in my right knee soon. I found you need to exercise the joint. Start gradually and work up. Having a Physical Therapist lay out the exercises for you is best. I take 4 Aleve a day, 2 in the AM and 2 in the PM. With my fused back, I can't bend down enough to pick up my brass, and I find myself carrying my pick up grabber to the range with me, or shooting my revolvers more often. In order to diagnosis your elbow I assume they took x-rays, and it isn't tendonitis, (that takes months to get past).

We are of an age and your advice is spot on. I have arthritis in several places, including my fingers. Advil helps but most important is exercise. I went to a PT over 20 years ago and bought a universal gym. Use it almost every day, along with hand weights. The PT gave me specific exercises for shooting handguns as well. The only thing that's changed is the amount of weight I lift, obviously less now than when I was 50. The key is to do exercises that strengthen you w/o causing injury. You'll learn to "work through the pain" and, over time, how much exercise you need. The key is to keep moving and, within safe limits, do weight bearing exercises. Use it or lose it. And a good PT is an investment in the future....find one ASAP. Good luck, we're all in this together.

 

[Goldstar225]

Arthritis in my wrists and the joints at the base of my thumb. I pop a couple of aleve arthritis tablets an hour or two before I go shooting.

And yes, getting older sucks, but it still beats the alternative.....

 

[PA Reb]

Wearing a brace while doing the motions you describe may also help a little.

 

[Double-O-Dave]

Grimjaws:

I have a condition known as polyarthritis, which means I'm lucky enough to have arthritis throughout my body - anywhere there is a joint basically, means I can have pain and problems there. As others have indicated, anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen and Alleve can be very beneficial. If you have not already done so, I'd suggest seeing a Sports Medicine Specialist, rather than a "regular" orthopedist, and you should also consider a Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Specialist (aka "PMR"s) for pain management as needed. Physical Therapy can be extremely helpful, though some doctors will denigrate their usefulness - you may have to insist on a prescription to visit a Physical Therapist. Some over the counter medications and supplements, such as Osteo-Bi-flex, may help as well.

Best of luck,

Dave

 

[carpriver]

I have Rumatoid Arthritis and I have pain in just about every joint. I have had this since 2004 I see a Rumatoligist. I have been taking a new biologic Humana. it help the inflammation, I avoid the over the counter Anti-inflammatory meds due to liver and kidney issues. Exercise is a must braches can help so can batting gloves. After shooting use ice or heat which ever helps. Use it or lose it

 

[cloud]

Well it sucks getting old. I have been having several issues with my right elbow near the top of the forearm that has been causing me some pain for a few months - doctor's gave me the news of arthritis.

Since I am stuck home due to the weather hitting WNY I got out all my handguns to give them a wipe down and oiling.

Well double action on a revolver is painful - just holding it at arms length is bad but pulling the trigger is worse.

686 6" too heavy to hold for any time couldn't even pull the trigger as I had to put it down - better with two handed grip but painful

19-5 4" not bad but double action was painful

10-11 and 10-14 4" both HB even with rubber grips painful to hold and double action not good - hurts to hold one or two handed - may have something to do with the grips not sure

37 2" could easily hold it and double action was OK - lightest of the bunch

The best of the handguns
Full size MP9 - I could hold it at arms length and had no issues just discomfort - even loaded a magazine and still was able to hold it one handed - two handed a breeze

I have always been a die hard revolver fan - cut my teeth on a 19 4" that I foolishly sold - but these polymer guns have me rethinking my collection.

9mm recoil in an MP is like a .22 so that helps too - not sure how I can handle revolver recoil now that my elbow hurts like an ***

So two questions
1. how do you folks handle arthritis especially with your shooting arm? Besides Alleve any idea on what to do with my elbow - maybe try a brace. Luckily my hands and fingers are fine just the elbow. I may have to try shooting lefty.

2. The full size MP 9 is a joy to shoot - I may look to switch over to another polymer frame gun for carry - is the mp9c just as tame in recoil? How about the Shield 9mm recoil?

Thanks for any advice.

Doesn't help having to plow or shovel today but have to get out sooner or later!

I broke my right elbow back in 1991. I have arthritis in it. It got so bad the Dr. wanted to fuse the elbow. I had to stop going to the range I could not even hold onto a pistol. Saw an app called 100 push ups in 6 weeks . Figured I had nothing to loose it took me more than 6 weeks to finish the program .(it was hard and hurt like hell) But it is an completely different elbow now. It still hurts a little now and than but I am back to doing stuff I use to do.I still do 50 push-ups a day to help the elbow. It might be worth a try for you.
www.hundredpushups.com

 

[Donn]

I feel ya, Grim. A series of torn rotator cuffs has resulted in acute arthritis in my right shoulder, (yeah, I'm right handed). Anything bigger than my Shield or J frame off-hand is out of the question. I shake so bad with my 9c I feared I had Parkinson's. Bottom line, two-handed is it at the range. Anything off-hand will be a roll of the dice.

 

[islamoradamark]

like another member said gloves help i use them when shooting magnum stops my hands from swelling as much. then switch to smaller caliper so i can enjoy all of my toys and this wonderful hobby

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
I am going on 77 yoa. I have both replacement knees, plus both shoulder joint replacements. In my career I have had broken bones in hands, arms, and feet. I know what you are going though. I have limited my shooting to 9mm (Glock) and .38spl (S&W and Colts). The Glock is easier to use than the DA Revolvers for me. Its payment for getting injured plus getting OLD.
Thank goodness I still have my good looks and sex appeal.
Jimmy

 

[hangnoose]

FROM A VICTIM, & FORMER ORTHO RN

Pain can be the body's way of telling you to STOP doing something that is irritating it, listen to it. Try and change the way you are doing what hurts, use both hands, use a rest, go back to 22 lr, give it time to heal, shoot lefty for a while,etc. A second opinion is never a bad idea. Arthritis is found in the joints, tendonitis may be the culprit. A correct diagnosis is a good start. It takes time to heal, so don't overuse/aggravate & make a bad situation worse. LIGHT/MILD exercise especially in a pool has helped me the most, BUT IT TAKES TIME SO BE PATIENT. I know you guys just got blasted with snow, but is there a YMCA with a heated pool or rehab that has one near you? A couple of 1 qt milk containers act as good resistance in a pool to start. Hydrocortisone/lidocaine injections may work fast, but don't think just because it's not currently hurting you can go back to doing what caused the injury in the first place. Braces, or a forearm band that puts pressure on the tendon may help (you have likely seen people with tennis elbow using one). Knee/hip replacements & spinal fusions were my bread & butter, my corniest but true old line was "inch by inch is a cinch, yard by yard is hard. Good luck & get someone else to shovel the snow for awhile.

 

[jimmyj]

Welcome News:
My Wife has put "electric heated mattress pad" under our bed sheet.
WOW ! it really helps my Arthritis pain at night.