Can You Lift Weights with Triscaphoid Joint Arthritis?

The triscaphoid joint, which is made up of the scaphoid, trapezium, and trapezoid bones and is located at the base of the thumb, is important in maintaining stability in the wrist and facilitating movement in the thumb.

When arthritis strikes this joint, performing simple tasks such as turning a doorknob or holding a cup of coffee may be a painful experience.

The key issue that weightlifters are concerned about is whether they can keep lifting weights without further harm. Many patients can continue modified weightlifting with proper precautions and medical guidance.

Why Weight Lifting Is Hard on This Joint

The triscaphoid joint is subjected to pressure during the lifting of heavy weights. Exercises that require the use of a strong grip, like deadlifts, as well as those that involve the extreme extension of the wrist, like bench press and squat, can cause pressure on the joint.

In an arthritic joint, cartilage may wear down over time, allowing bones to rub against each other and cause pain.

Tips for Safe Weightlifting

Here are some strategies to protect your triscaphoid joint:

Change Your Grip

The way you hold your weights can make a huge difference in protecting your triscaphoid joint. The conventional method of wrapping your thumb around the bar can put a lot of pressure on the base of your thumb, which is not good if you have arthritis.

Changing your grip to a thumbless grip is recommended if you’re using your arms to press weights, such as a bench press or overhead press. This type of grip allows you to use your palms instead of your thumbs.

If you’re using your arms to pull, then using a lifting strap is recommended. This helps reduce strain on the grip and thumb joint, allowing you to focus on your back and arms.

Keep Your Wrist Neutral

Exercises that involve extreme backward bending of your wrist, also known as extension, can put more pressure on your triscaphoid joint, which may aggravate symptoms. To avoid this, it might be a good idea to use dumbbells or a Swiss bar instead of a straight barbell.

With this equipment, it is also possible to use a neutral grip, which means that your hands are facing each other, thus avoiding more pressure on your wrist bones, which can otherwise cause pain.

Use Wrist Wraps or Splints

Giving extra support to your wrist can greatly help reduce strain on the triscaphoid joint. A stiff wrist wrap can provide external stability to the joint, which can help compensate if there is weakness in ligaments or cartilage.

A thumb spica splint may also be advised in some instances. This splint can hold the base of your thumb in place, allowing your fingers to move freely, which can help protect this joint during lifting actions.

Choose Machines Over Free Weights

Although free weights are excellent for developing overall strength, they require a great deal of wrist stability and isometric control. This may not always be possible with an arthritic triscaphoid.

Using machines such as the chest press machine or the cable rows allows the muscles to be exercised without putting the wrist in awkward positions. The machines give the wrist a fixed movement and are safer for the joint.

Final Thoughts

Triscaphoid joint arthritis doesn’t mean you have to stop lifting weights. However, always check with an orthopedic specialist to assess your arthritis before starting a new lifting routine.

Consult our hand and upper extremity specialist, Dr. Randy Y. Luo, MD, MBA, for any hand or wrist injury-related concerns. Call us today to book your appointment.