I have arthritis in my feet, big toes, back, neck and elbows. About a month ago I bent down and picked up a friend's two year old daughter. She is very petite, so it had nothing to do with her weight. I also do strength training when I work out, so I know its not just lack of strength in general. Anyway, when I went to put her down I nearly dropped her out of my arms as I got closer to the floor. There are also times when I feel like I cannot lift a bottle of Coke or something like that onto the top shelf of the fridge. Does anyone else with arthritis in your elbows have a problem with this type of weakness?
Thanks!
Nancy
I am not completely sure if I have the same problem as you. But I do have weakness and problems with my elbows.
That is why I do not pick up babies nor kids. Even when I was not as bad off as I am now, I did not pick my daughter up much when she was a baby, only for to tend to her, and even then I was afraid I would drop her. As for my son, I did not hardly ever pick him up when he was a baby, but to tend to him. My niece recently had a baby and she just gives the baby to me to hold, because I will not pick him up afraid I will drop him with the lack of strength in my hands, and having no grip, PLUS he is a chubby lil booger.
Nancy, I've learned to be really careful about what I pick up and have to put down. I've dropped the cats several times, for some reason I couldn't hold onto them when I was going to put them back on the floor. I don't know what the physical mechanism is, but I know it has to do with my elbows and wrist. I have psoriatic arthritis and RA in those joints, so there's considerable damage and since meds have started to work they're not as painful, but they're still weak.
I think just about all of us have some forms of muscle weakness. Take care. Lindy
Thanks guys! I hadn't heard too many folks talk about weakness, so I wasn't sure if this was even related to my arthritis.Hi Nancy
I'm sure this type of weakness is part and parcel of RA. When I was first dxd the occupational therapist gave me lots of tips on lifting things although I had sussed out a lot already (needs must!). Everything feels heavier to lift these days, the summer duvet is ok but sometimes trying to drag the winter one over me is a chore. I don't think I have the same grip in my hands as before.
My rheumy says its from inflammation anemia, which I researched and found is a true condition. I slowly have improved on my anemia blood factors and slowly am getting stronger as I go along with my prescribed treatment drugs.I have some weakness and as a general rule I do not pick up babies or anything over 5-10lbs because I will most likely drop it. My weakness is at it's worst when I am flaring.
The inflammation anemia like Cathy has could also be a factor. But I am not anemic. Mine is just from the general weakness that RA can cause.
Before taking medication my hands were so bad I couldnt even hold the coffee pot to pour my coffee. It was so painful. Yes, mine is caused by compression (caused by inflammation) on the nerves. I actually have enough strength to hold things but the feedback from touch to muscles is not working right. I drop more things when I am not paying attention to it but can drop them with all precautions. I don't pick up fragile things (especially babies) anymore without taking all sorts of extra precautions (like a spotter) and never overextend with them. Thanks all! I really wasn't sure if was related to the arthritis or not, so I was very worried about what else could be wrong. I really appreciate this info. I am learning more from this board each time I visit!