Middle Fingertip Numb

[SteelyDan]

For the last couple of months I have trying three fingers under and gap shooting. Lately the tip of my middle finger is going numb. I use a deep hook (first joint). I started with a tab and have since gone to a glove.

Is there something wrong with my form or am I not getting enough protection from my glove? Fingertip has been numb for a couple of days now and I am starting to get a little concerned.

Any recommendation for a tab or glove that will help solve the problem? Any help would be appreciated.
SD

[Sweetwater]

Hi SteelyDan!

I will leave form questions to the experienced archers, but I am curious about one thing:

How brisk is your capillary refill, judging from the nailbed of that numb finger. Test capillary refill in this manner: Press fingernail down with enough pressure to blanch nailbed, release pressure, count time to refill as indicated by return to normal colour.

Refill should be brisk which I define as 1-2 seconds. If a little slower due to inflammation around joints proximal to the numb section, then maybe not surprising, but I'd want to look closer at reason for a long refill.

Without a one-on-one assessment, I would only guess that your new draw has placed excessive tension on the delicate tendons/ligaments of that finger, they've become inflamed, putting pressure on the nerves, and the numbness is therefore nerve related, subsequent to inflammatory process.

I'd take a rest and see what happens...it isn't worth it to be hurt for a long time. I speak from experience as I never know when to quit        :cool:

[SteelyDan]

Sweetwater:

Thank you for your reply. Capillary refill is more like 3-4 seconds and the fingertip is still a little numb today.

Perhaps I can get a tab (maybe a Cavalier or Saunders) that would distribute the string tension differently or more evenly, to take the pressure off the nerve.

It is hard to quit shooting, but that is good advice. Maybe I'll use a (ugh!) mechanical release in the meantime until the numbness goes away.

Your response is much appreciated.
SD

[9 Shocks]

This happens to me as well with certain gloves.  i use an american leathers big shot buffalo glove.  Takes a little bit to break in but the protection is well worth it.

[Ron Vought]

+2 on the American Leather Big Shot glove. Takes a little while to break in but protection is superior versus the thinner gloves.

Ron