Finger Tendonitis Questions

[AdAstraAiroh]

As I have increased my daily practice shooting, I have developed a mild case of finger tendonitis, which is characterised by stiffness in the finger joints, mild swelling, and a lack of normal index finger mobility and dexterity. Other than taking over-the-counter AF meds, are there any additional "cures" that others on this forum have found effective?  

How long should I expect before the symptoms subside, and I can resume?

Thanks in advance for the direction.

Mark

[Mitch-In-NJ]

Ice it as often as you can for as long as you can.

[dpg]

I am experiencing similar symtoms with the addition of pain in my palm when i flex my ring finger against resistance.  I can shoot 10 arrows or so before I have to quit.  I'm hoping ice and rest will help, but would also be interested in others experiences. Deer season is coming up too soon!!

[Steelhead]

Ice and anti inflammatories should help.

I would cut back on shooting for a bit.Maybe shoot less arrows per session.Possibly less arrows per session and more sessions.Shoot every other day instead of every day may be of benefit.

You may want to try a deeper hook on the string.Its a stronger hold and may take some of the stress off your fingers vs holding the string more toward the tips.

I had more problems with tewndon soreness when I held the string more toward the tips.

I shoot a deep hook now and dont have any tendon soreness or stiffness.

A lighter poundage bow should help as well if all else fails.

[TRAD101]

I had the same problem 3 years ago,I went to a deep hook and that fixed it for me, Its worth a try. I have to say it took about a year for my
fingers to get back to normal but I am kinda old
and I refused to quit shooting for any lenght of time. good luck with it.

[Pete McMiller]

A couple of things to try.  The first has already been said - a deeper hook.  At least to the first joint in the fingers.  The other thing is to make sure your drawing hand is relaxed and flat, not cupped and under strain.  Your forearm, wrist and hand should be a straight line with the only tension being on the finger joint that is holding the string.  Too much tension will cause cramping, blisters, sore fingers, etc.  I had your problem last year but not since I started shooting more relaxed.

Swelling and stiffness sounds more arthritic to me. Tendonitis kind of burns and hurts. Stretching and heat plus NSAIDs will help if that's what it is.

[njloco]

Arnica Montana, pill and gel form, no caffeine or booze. Place the magnets from the advertising on the fridge, on the area when sitting around relaxed, also ice and warm compresses when possible.

Try to avoid sugar and anything that turns into sugar, like white flower.

Good luck.

P.S. Almost forgot, get a hand excersizer, you know the kind you squeeze and go nice and easy.

I do reverse of bow pulling exercises, that is i hold fingers with the opposite hand and expand the draw fingers.  It is an old lute players trick I call walking the spider. I helps increase flexibility balanced strength and speed for guitarists. I went to shooting mostly left handed because of wear and tear of my release fingers. Just recently I can once again do some shooting right handed again without causing inflamation to my release fingers, but it took a  long time to heal. It is also possible that your finger joints can be out of place from always having the repetitive strain. This is nothing to take lightly, the damage can take years to heal if it goes to far. I would for sure at a minimum hit the ice and let the fingers rest for a couple of weeks.

[Walt Francis]

Had the same problem and cured it by going to a thick cordovan tab/glove and a deeper hook.  Over time, after the soreness went away, I went back to the old hook/grip without any problems.  Skinny strings exacerbate the problem so I pad the serving when using them.

[GabeGa]

get some slip on string- FINGER SAVERS- , also use a good glove , or get a thick tab

[Pat B.]

Listen to how many say to go to a deeper hook..

I've had the same problem for a year or so, coupled with a bit of CPS.. But going to a deep hook has just about cured my discomfort.. An easy fix !

[YORNOC]

Arnica montana (pill form) helped me through my hand surgery last fall.

[BRONZ]

You're the second person I've commented on tonight.  I'm a Certified Hand Therapist and would recommend a trip to your doctor for a referral to an Occupational Hand Therapist; a CHT if possible.
If it's tendonitis, one of the reasons that using a deeper hook decreases pain is that it involves both major finger flexors, the FDS and FDP, not just one.
Ice (no less than 20 min), a regiment of anti-inflammatories, composite extension stretching, etc... may help.  Get a therapist's advice and home program.
PM me if you have questions.  Good luck!