Arthritis

[bluelinegolfer]

55 1/2 years old, starting to develop pain in hands which is mainly in trail hand knuckles and ring finger… currently using a Star Classic Wrap in standard size.  Looking for anyone that has similar issue and if switching to a midsize grip would benefit me.  I have switched from using an interlocking to overlap but still had some of the same feelings, working on 10 finger grip now and that seems to help 

[scomac2002]

Bigger grips will help.  I had a dalliance with reduced taper standard grips and they don't really cut it for me coming from tapered midsize.  

 

Lighter shafts will help also if you're playing full weight steel as will using inserts (Sensicore/Pro Soft).  

[Billfitz]

I used Winn oversize for years, just last season switched to JumboMax UL size small, which are 1/8" larger than the Winn. They're so easy to hold that you can use far less grip pressure. Also, research turmeric supplements. They're literally a life saver for me.

[Stuart_G]

18 hours ago, bluelinegolfer said:

55 1/2 years old, starting to develop pain in hands which is mainly in trail hand knuckles and ring finger… currently using a Star Classic Wrap in standard size.  Looking for anyone that has similar issue and if switching to a midsize grip would benefit me.  I have switched from using an interlocking to overlap but still had some of the same feelings, working on 10 finger grip now and that seems to help 

 

I started developing early onset osteoarthritis in my hands in my late 30's.

 

You should get it checkout by a rheumatologist if you haven't already.  Some types of arthritis are treatable and can progress faster if not treated.

 

Bigger grips can help a little - but only if the bigger size is still a good fit.   A poor fit for grip size will generally promote a less secure feeling - and therefore more grip tension - which will cascade into more pain.   So it's worth trying on one club before committing to a full set.  

 

Some grips are also just better at shock absorption than others.   GP CP2's or new CPX.   Lamkin Comfort Plus is another and what I use.

 

Shock abortion inserts like the prosofts can also add some relief.

https://www.golfworks.com/prosoft-shaft-dampening-inserts/p/ps5003/

 

BUT you'll always get the biggest relief by changing iron shafts to graphite.   That's the only thing that worked for me and I'd put money that you'll have to transition at some point in the future.    So might be best to take that leap sooner than later.

[bluelinegolfer]

59 minutes ago, Stuart_G said:

 

I started developing early onset osteoarthritis in my hands in my late 30's.

 

You should get it checkout by a rheumatologist if you haven't already.  Some types of arthritis are treatable and can progress faster if not treated.

 

Bigger grips can help a little - but only if the bigger size is still a good fit.   A poor fit for grip size will generally promote a less secure feeling - and therefore more grip tension - which will cascade into more pain.   So it's worth trying on one club before committing to a full set.  

 

Some grips are also just better at shock absorption than others.   GP CP2's or new CPX.   Lamkin Comfort Plus is another and what I use.

 

Shock abortion inserts like the prosofts can also add some relief.

https://www.golfworks.com/prosoft-shaft-dampening-inserts/p/ps5003/

 

BUT you'll always get the biggest relief by changing iron shafts to graphite.   That's the only thing that worked for me and I'd put money that you'll have to transition at some point in the future.    So might be best to take that leap sooner than later.

Done switched to graphite shafts and love them .   

[golfschnell]

I'm rapidly approaching 60 but my arthritis (genetic) started in my 30s as well and is exasperated by chronic Lyme.  Switched from steel to Speeder 757 graphite iron shafts many moons ago which kept me playing.  Building up the lower hand of my Iomic grips helped as well.  The grips Stuart mentioned above are good for pain and another that I have used in cold weather with good results are the grey superstroke cross comforts, can't stand the black varariants as they are glossy and cheap looking.  I stretch them on a bit with the compressor to get rid of some of the "mush" factor but they still offer very good shock relief and they have less taper built in. Switching to overlap helped me immensely in my lower hand particularly at night after a round.  You don't need to switch to baseball grip, but when using overlap place right lifeline (if you are right handed) on left thumb first and then place fingers on shaft.  Coming from interlocking like you my initial tendency was to place in my fingers first and then roll my right thumb over like I did with interlocking, this creates unnnecessary tension in your fingers.  

Edited May 14, 2022 by golfschnell

[596]

Jumbo Max large size grips and graphite shafts.  I'm 67 and have arthritis in both hands, and about every joint in my body! 😁

 

The really big grips are great for  lighter grip pressure as well as super shock absorption.  No way I'd ever go back to a regular size grip.

[Billfitz]

JumboMax for sure, but those considering them should be aware that size large are 11/32" oversize. I found even medium, at 5/16" oversize, were a bit much and settled on small, 1/4" oversize, for me. My glove size is XL.

[charliebrown]

On 4/29/2022 at 6:35 AM, bluelinegolfer said:

Done switched to graphite shafts and love them .   

On my doctor's advice (he also performed my shoulder surgery), I switched to graphite shafts and Winn oversize grips. So far, much more comfortable. I do avoid beating balls off range mats. Instead, I play nine as my practice routine. Best of luck to you, man. I literally feel your pain but hope you find something that helps. 

[gvogel]

On 4/29/2022 at 8:34 AM, Stuart_G said:

 

I started developing early onset osteoarthritis in my hands in my late 30's.

 

You should get it checkout by a rheumatologist if you haven't already.  Some types of arthritis are treatable and can progress faster if not treated.

 

Bigger grips can help a little - but only if the bigger size is still a good fit.   A poor fit for grip size will generally promote a less secure feeling - and therefore more grip tension - which will cascade into more pain.   So it's worth trying on one club before committing to a full set.  

 

Some grips are also just better at shock absorption than others.   GP CP2's or new CPX.   Lamkin Comfort Plus is another and what I use.

 

Shock abortion inserts like the prosofts can also add some relief.

https://www.golfworks.com/prosoft-shaft-dampening-inserts/p/ps5003/

 

BUT you'll always get the biggest relief by changing iron shafts to graphite.   That's the only thing that worked for me and I'd put money that you'll have to transition at some point in the future.    So might be best to take that leap sooner than later.

Would switching to hybrids from irons also help in that regard?

[Stuart_G]

34 minutes ago, gvogel said:

Would switching to hybrids from irons also help in that regard?

 

I wouldn't think so.  I didn't notice any difference between hybrids and long irons and I don't think I've heard of anyone else here reporting that switching to hybrids did anything to help with the arthritis pain.

[Pepperturbo]

1 hour ago, gvogel said:

Would switching to hybrids from irons also help in that regard?

For years, I have coped with osteoarthritis in the hands and knees.  Some days it's more pronounced than others.  On the ugly days, I apply Voltaren Arthritis Pain Gel, which, for me, does the trick.

 

Anyhow, using a proper swing, hybrids have little to nothing over long to mid-irons when it comes to arthritis.  But divots and short irons can cause greater irritation for many people.  I have PX Wedge 6.0 shafts in PW, Gap & LW, which haven't been a problem, maybe cause I don't take huge divots, not sure.  Thus far, my arthritis hasn't been inflamed by wedge shaft vibration. 

 

If irons have standard graphite shafts, there is no vibration, or wear and tear on the body.  In contrast, composite shafts such as MMT or SF provide minimal talk vibration, due to the steel & graphite in tip sections.  I play composite for that reason, and they talk to my hands, while zero wear and tear on the body.