Joint problems

Da_Chief

Hi All

Apologies for hi - jacking. Just wanted opinions of guys about someone with joint problems taking up a Martial Art. Found out just over a year ago I have a mild form of reumatoide artritis, which can flair up from time to time. I was wondering anybody here train with it? Don't think I'd do much damage, in fact keeping active generally helps. Also I'm mid 20's and go to the gym fairly regularly. Want to start MA as it'll give me something to focus on when training, a goal almost. Not looking to compete.

Zen65

Da_Chief wrote: »

Hi All

Found out just over a year ago I have a mild form of reumatoide artritis, which can flair up from time to time.

That's a most unfortunate burden to carry at your young age, but you are right to plough ahead and live an active life. Joints seize up if they are not used regularly. I'm fortunate not to share your complaint, though my joints occasionally ache with age and there is a family history of arthritis so I find it's important to keep training, but to be sensible about it. I would suggest you start with a MA like Tai Chi, so you can see how your joints behave with that kind of exercise. I would also suggest that you avoid anything which uses a lot of joint locks as these could be problematic for you.

Hard air-strikes such as are practised in karate or TKD are likely to damage your joints. A "soft" form of kung-fu might be more appropriate. Be sure to discuss your concerns with your instructors.

Good luck,

arybvtcw0eolkf

Where is the arthritis affecting you?.

Its not the same thing, however I train through Osteoarthritis in my back and all the joints in all fingers of both hands.

As Zen said, you can take up a style but you might have to choose carefully, is there any particular style your interested in?.

Da_Chief

Mohammad Grumpy Locket wrote: »

Where is the arthritis affecting you?.

Its not the same thing, however I train through Osteoarthritis in my back and all the joints in all fingers of both hands.

As Zen said, you can take up a style but you might have to choose carefully, is there any particular style your interested in?.

It tends to affect different parts, Back/hands/knees. Not always all together, and to be honest it's rare I feel much pain. Back is crippling though. Ya was thinking of avoiding the striking MA's, so I'm guessing brazilian jiu jitsu might be a goer. There's actually a gracie barra club not to far away.

I have done MMA Grappling in the past for a short time, and really enjoyed it. Dropped it cause, being honest, I'm bad at staying at things, and also was bit of a pain getting to club.

arybvtcw0eolkf

A lot of people start out by drifting from one club (or style) to another before finally settling for the one that eventually takes their fancy, so don't give up yet, if you've an interest in Martial Arts you'll find something.

BJJ is an option, and if your not in that much pain then the joint locks aren't going to be too bad, plus its almost zero impact.

As I said, I'm training through Osteoarthritis & it gives me terrible grief. But you can do things to help it, for me I strap up my finger's - this gives great relief, you'll find BJJ lads doing similar, although I don't think there's much (if any) grip fighting in BJJ any kind of grappling is tiring on your fingers.

I've tried various suppliments over the years and nothing worked, although I take Cod Liver Oil every morning, and when things are bad I rub in Tiger Balm & Nurofen Gel (sometimes together), although you might want to look at exercises to keep your back flexible.

Best of luck with things all the same, and if you take up BJJ or anything else please drop into the forum and don't be a stranger - there's a heap load of great guys here willing to help with anything training related.

Jason McCabe

I would go to gracie barra if its the one in belfast. Good club.

I was born with one kidney and advised to never do contact sports.


I did athletics for years but always enjoyed MA and rugby much more