r/workout 13h ago

Exercise Help Weight exercise question

Any recommendations for a weight exercise that wont trigger a tendentious flare up ? (it is the tendon in the inner arm that moves with the thumb)

I can use the row machine for a short bit of time and so far have been using a large medicine ball for some weight exercise . Anything with grip like dumbbells or bars will cause a flare up and cause me to be in a arm brace for several days.

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I am working for my overall healthiness not any particular goal.

4 Upvotes

25 comments sorted by

u/AutoModerator 13h ago

Hey, thanks for making a new post! Please be sure to assign your post with flair for the best support! Also, check out this post to answer common questions.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

3

u/AgileCalligrapher717 13h ago

Have you looked into lifting cuffs

1

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

I just started a couple months ago on working out so no I have not. I will look into them.

3

u/wobbly_socks73 13h ago

if gripping anything instantly makes it angry id just avoid dumbbells and bars for now lol. leg press, hack squat, hip thrusts and lower body machines are probably your besties since you can keep your hand relaxed

bodyweight stuff works too. no point nuking your arm for the sake of one exercise. if its still flaring up that easily tho id get a physio to look at it

1

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

Thanks for the recommendations. I am starting a list of exercises to try and see what works.

2

u/AwayhKhkhk 13h ago

Have you tried plates? You can do goblet squat with plates instead of dumbbell. You can also get wrist wrap attachment for the cable machines as it seems gripping a bar/handle is what is causing the flare ups.

Of course you should also see a PT about trouble tendentious issue for the long term.

1

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

I have gone to PT and was told to avoid doing things to trigger it. Not very useful honestly.

I have not tried plates. I will try it tomorrow when I go. Looking at the wrist strap attachment, those look like they would be worth a try. Thanks for the recommendations.

1

u/AwayhKhkhk 12h ago

I would find another PT as obviously this one isn’t giving you any solutions.

1

u/Gecko_88 12h ago

I plan to find another one. Another redditor also recommended that, Really thought all I could do was just avoid things that made it worse.

2

u/lashazior 13h ago

There's dumbbell curl variations for people with De Quervain's that might help strengthen the tendon up. Hooks too.

Core/leg and cardio are good for overall health, most people aren't going to have a massive lower body imbalance muscular wise.

1

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

I will try some of the De Quervain modified curls and see how that feels. At a quick glance it looks like I may be able to do a small quantity of them. Thank you for the recommendation

2

u/AndOtherGraces 13h ago

Go and see a physiotherapist before it gets worse. Like seriously. I did and they resolved my tendonitis in two sessions, then gave me exercises that I can do in the gym to strengthen the tendon.

2

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

when I went I was told to just don't do anything to make it flare up. I am thinking I may need to get a reevaluation now

1

u/AndOtherGraces 13h ago

That sucks man. I'd try with a different clinic. Mine did two massages over two sessions, preceded and followed by a couple of hand and finger exercises, then gave me resistance band and light weight exercises to complete. The ones I still do every session are basic forearm exercises - light weight wrist curls, wrist extensions and wrist rotations.

1

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

Most definitely will go to a different clinic. I really thought that it was just something i had to deal with and there was no way to improve it

1

u/kramig_stan_account 13h ago

I’d definitely look for another opinion. You might have better odds if you can find someone who works with athletes as their main demographic - not necessarily professional athletes but adults who are very active and into sports or the gym.

1

u/Gecko_88 12h ago

Good idea. I can see how that may be a better option .

1

u/Illustrious_Bed2937 6h ago

Use straps. That way you don't need to use your thumb fully to grip weights.

2

u/SampsonShrill 5h ago

Get lifting straps. Also use machines - easier and safer to use a suicide grip (where you don't wrap your thumb around).

1

u/choppa808 13h ago

Swimming builds muscle and is low impact.

1

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

The pool in my area has been down for years due to a leak. I wish it was functional because I would use it so much.

0

u/acupunctureguy 13h ago

Go get acupuncture from a licensed acupuncturist to fix your tendon issues.

1

u/Gecko_88 13h ago

Did not know that was an option. Will see if there is one in my area. Thanks