Surfing with Osteoarthritis

[FelixHayoz]

Hey@all

First, sorry for my bad English skills Im from switzerland ...

I often visit France for surfing , its the nearest from Switzerland.. Im 19 years young and deal with Osteoarthritis I want to know if anyone here has the same and is able to keep surfing ? Anyone got tips for me against the pain? I don´t wont a Replacement because im just 19.

I hope you understand what im saying Thank you all 4 answering

Greets from Switzerland Felix

[MSL]

Hi Felix, I can't give you any advice myself but check out surfstrengthcoach.com , maybe be some advice there.

[oldmansurfer]

There are many different joints. What to do depends on which joint but basically don't overdo it. If you are more sore the next day you are making it worse.

[jaffa1949]

Felix, I will get back to you tomorrow with a fairly comprehensive answer. Your age means that we are talking about different issues than standard osteoarthritis .
Cheers Uncle Jaffa

[jaffa1949]

Felix it took a little longer , have you a clear diagnosis of the the type, Lupus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis arthritis?
One Aussie woman World Champion had Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and succeeded to world champ level even rolling up to a final and getting out of a wheel chair.
(not sure as a health professional I would advocate that).
If your problem is a specific joint only ( which joint?) and is Osteoarthritis then you are very sensible to avoid a replacement as they do not last as long as the real thing and you would need several or more over your life.
Each operation would involve the risk of infection and complications.

If it is OA then it may be worth seeing Sports medicine doctor and /or Physiotherapist to see if there is a structural or muscle balancing solution to the wear ( osteoarthritis is based on wear) and there may be an orthotic item or a joint brace that will help bring alignment and muscle balance around the joint. That may reduce wear if misalignment is the cause.
Exercise above and beyond that which is designed to restructure around the problem is another way to go.
Please bear in mind I have not actually seen your problem and so I am giving general advice which needs to bee confirmed with a medical practitioner at home. With world class sports institutes for top athletes in Switzerland I would be seeking advice there !
Good luck keep us informed on how you get on!

[joefrease]

Sorry for the late reply, first I hope you’re still surfing. Question to all, my wrists have “major arthritis” from lots of falls skateboarding. Push up pop up technique is impossible due to lack of range of motion in wrists.
Any advice if you had similar issues?
Again hope you are well, keep going

[jaffa1949]

Welcome and rest easy Joe, the original poster has never been back to see what advice was offered
The wrist damage is a real challenge one way to go is kneeboard surfing this was the original ancestor of shortboard surf, have a lok. at George Greenough prejudice pushes surfers into corners and denies access to surfing, have a look see what you think, I would love to see you successfully in the surf. There are also amputees and other challenged surfers butchered there is a will there is a wave.
Me I am beyond cancer diabetes and need for knee replacements from rugby.!
We will helpful find a way

[oldmansurfer]

Other surfing options that don't require pushing up are bodysurfing, bodyboarding and SUP. Another option might be to use knuckles to push up? Not sure how that would work out though.