7 Responses to “Karate and Arthritis”

1. Don Oberloh says:

   March 28, 2010 at 1:03 pm

   I have been training in and teaching classical Okinawan and Japanese Karate since 1971. Having been diagnosed last year with tri-compartmental arthritis in both kness, I understand the pain. But contrary to your article, movements such as kneeling, kicking, rapid stepping etc, are so painful I fall down. I cannot even kick the air. Do you have any suggestions?

   Thanks

   Don
2. Natalie Secretan says:

   March 29, 2010 at 10:40 am

   Hi Don – thank you for your comment. When you’re dealing with something as painful as arthritis, you need to take one day at a time and exercise at whatever level you feel like you’re at on that particular day. You also need to come to terms with the fact that you’re not going to be working out at the same level as you have all these years. For example, with kicks, you’ll need to kick a little lower, and there will be some moves you just won’t be able to do. You will also want to avoid too many repetitive motions, as this will aggravate your arthritic joints. You’ll also want to watch what foods you eat. Saturated fats are known to aggravate inflammation. Try keeping a food journal and notice which foods cause a reaction and which foods don’t. There are some excellent joint recovery and pain management supplements out there, containing chondroitin and and glucosamine that also help, but make sure you check with your physician first.

   There are all sorts of arthritis support groups out there that can help, as well as communities like Joints in Motion. These are a good way of finding out more information and meeting people with the same health issues that could share their experiences with you.

   Just keep doing what you’re doing and learn to recognize and accept your limitations, but don’t let it take away from a sport that you enjoy and love.

   Hope this helps.
3. wes tanaka says:

   June 2, 2010 at 4:35 pm

   Just an old student who wanted to get in contact with Don O.
4. Sandy says:

   January 1, 2011 at 9:09 pm

   It’s nice to read a good blog post. I really enjoy lots of the blog posts on your site.
5. Catherine says:

   February 28, 2011 at 7:28 pm

   I have been training in Karate for 12 years. Was first diagnosed with arthritis in my hip in 2004. One of the things I would really caution people about with regards to training and arthritis is making impact. I can rarely resist kicking a bag when one’s presented, but I usually regret it when I do. The impact puts more strain on my hip joints (one reason I gave up kickboxing and moved to karate). Please be very careful when making impact with anything, even something soft, like a bag.
6. Syed Fida Ali Shah says:

   May 5, 2011 at 3:19 am

   Thank you very much for such a great article.

   Fida Ali – Pakistan
7. LaKeesha Hester says:

   May 20, 2011 at 11:20 pm

   I was diagnosed with arthritis 4 years ago. I just started karate and i will say that i expected to be in excruciating pain…Not experiencing joint pain however…just muscle pain….