Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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achymom 05/24/2011

Have any of you tried some sort of supports for your wrists? Since I added enbrel last month mine are thankfully feeling a lot better, and I'm trying to get back into yoga. Went back to my first class in over a year, and it was great, but there are so many poses that are hard on my wrists. I'm avoiding a lot of those for now, but wondered if it's worth looking at some sort of wrap to protect them. I notice my wrists are the first thing to get achy with any type of exercise that I seem to like, but I would love to be able to add more than walking - and I hate running with a passion.

thanks, achymom

daizy8 05/24/2011

I wear a "cock up" style (for carpal tunnel) wrist brace for sleeping. Yes, every night.

One of my biggest aha moments (towards my RA diagnosis) was during a CPR training. I discovered the range of motion in my wrists had been greatly compromised to the point that I could not bend my hands back to the 90 degrees necessary to physically do CPR.

Good luck to you.

deleted_user 05/25/2011

Have you tried water aerobics? I'm just about to start my sessions next month. It's very gentle on all the joints and is a good workout.

I used to do yoga, but I know that the RA has seriously impeded the range of motion on my wrists too. I am just beginning to be able to play piano again for more than 10 minutes at a stretch (I used to play for 90-120 mins at a time).

Good luck!

Lifeis2short 05/25/2011

Hi! I get the Mueller sport care reversible splint wrist brace. It says it's for carpet tunnel but it works great and only 11.00 at wal-mart. It has a metal splint too. Hope this helps!

deleted_user 05/25/2011

When RA affects a joint, the process starts with loosening of the ligaments that hold the joint together. Eventually, as the process continues, the ligaments loosen to such an extent that the joint gets distorted and you can easily dislocate a joint. It happened to me. So, placing a bandage or a tight glove on your wrists before, during and after your exercise is a good idea, avoiding exercises that involves stretching and have the potential to dislocate your joint is smart, and avoiding any exercise that results in more pain is recommended. Good luck!

deleted_user 05/25/2011

My PT has me using light compression wrap while I do my day - to - day activities. My wrists and hands still hurt, but they don't swell as much. I wear heavier splints at night that also have a gel thing near my palm so I can position my fingers more comfortably.

deleted_user 05/25/2011

My rheumy only wanted support for arms, hands, etc. while sleeping. Was afraid I'd get to stiff during the day. I did not support my hand/arms the other night for less than 1/2 hr. while I fell back to sleep - been paying for it for the last 3 days.

achymom 05/26/2011

thanks all

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