Bowling is a popular sport, but if you have arthritis, you might have trouble executing the necessary movements to roll the ball down the lane toward the pins. Pain in your hands, back, hips, knees and feet can all keep you from enjoying time with friends and family at the lanes.
Significance
The joint pain, joint swelling and reduced range of motion of arthritis can affect how you release the ball, make your scores plummet and generally cause the game to be less enjoyable. In addition, the repetitive motions needed to bowl can cause the inflammation of arthritis to worsen over time if you don't take steps to prevent it. This can be a vicious cycle that ultimately can lead you to give up the sport.
Types
According to Web MD, there are more than 100 types of arthritis. Two of the most common types that affect your bowling ability are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage and fluid in a joint wear down, causing two bones to rub together in debilitating pain. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs when the body's immune system attacks tissue in the joints, causing inflammation and bones to rub together. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can also lead to deformities in the hand that make it nearly impossible to pick up a standard bowling ball.
Misconceptions
Arthritis can affect bowlers of all ages, not just the elderly. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 46 million adults in the United States have some form of arthritis, but nearly nearly 300,000 children under the age of 18 suffer from arthritis or a rheumatic condition. No matter what your age, talk to your doctor if you have pain during or after bowling.
Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment is the best approach to battling arthritis. If your arthritis is not too advanced, your doctor might prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. If your arthritis is severe, you might need to wear a brace or use a ball with specially drilled finger holes to compensate. There also are specialty ramps that let you set up your shot and roll your ball down the lane with a less painful range of motion.
Expert Insight
An article published July 2010 in the "Hernando Today" newspaper details the struggle of 18-year-old high school bowler Alexa Anderson, who suffers from poly-articular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. According to Anderson, bowling actually helped improve her condition by providing exercise and a chance to socialize with her friends. She adds that perseverance is a key component in living with arthritis and still enjoying a sport like bowling.
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