Work Around, Arthritic Ring Finger

[Bowwild]

I've been shooting LH since 1996. Shot 28 years before that RH.

I don't know why but a couple of years ago the knuckle above the wedding band on the LH became swollen and a cyst formed to boot. Nut shell, starting last fall I could no longer shoot with fingers.

I tried an injection that almost made me pass out (not cortisone) and only helped for 30 days. I considered joint replacement, but a positive prognosis of that, from a pain standpoint, isn't high enough. I had been using tabs (have way too many of them now).

I was about to give up recurves and sell em all, even my beloved ones with Macassar Ebony!  But, I decided to mess around with a release aid before I quit.  I tried straps and thumb rings. I could see how they'd work but they were just ok, I didn't love em. 

As a long shot, I put a D-loop (release the Kraken and reach for a barf bag ...sorry ) on the string and attached an index finger activated release aid. Wow, zero pain, tight groups, and a huge aha! So I'm not done after all. Also shooting some with a "back motion" release aids (some call em back tension).

I am still having some trouble establishing and getting comfortable with a new, consistent anchor point. The release at the corner of the mouth doesn't feel right and shortens my draw length. At a 26" draw length I can't afford to go shorter or Disney won't let me ride the rides.  I won't be in the woods with a recurve this season. But, I have high hopes for the future.

In fact, my hopes are so high, I decided today to add to my small stable of curves.  I just ordered a TT Lobo with RC Carbon/Wood limbs.  Don't need it, just want to celebrate a bit.

I know I can't show my face in some circles now, but I never frequented those orbs much anyway.
 

[Roy from Pa]

Roy, I have no problems with all that.

 

Also ya have a PM..

[ksbowman]

My ring finger on my RH no longer straightens and I shoot RH. My game plan is the same as yours when it gets where it hurts too much to continue finger shooting. Great it's working so well.

[Bowwild]

This will sound silly, but the "aha" moment felt like years off my life!  As we age, get sick, or are injured, we have to face giving up some things.

[durp]

good on ya for fessing up!!!  ... we do  what we must...wont be long before i go that way too.

try  putting ur top knuckle on ur earlobe to get a longer draw...thats what my wheelie shooting grand son does it

[Trenton G.]

When I shot compound I used to tuck the first joint of my pointer finger right up under my ear. It's a good solid spot and consistent. Give it a try.

[Friend]

Two fingers under works quite well for some and  one premier archer that I am aware of. Also, in using two fingers, when locating the string on the finger pads between the the first and second joints permits one of the smoothest releases.

Merely,  a thought.

Note: have shot some of my best groups utilizing two under.

[huntryx]

Various joints replaced, others painful esp. in hands. Gotta love osteoarthritis! Good news is, there are workarounds. Anything that keeps you shooting the stick and string is AOK! My form is kinda odd, and bow weight is down to 40# or less but the arrow goes where I want it, high FOC and sharp heads so I have high hopes for success.

[Sam McMichael]

The release aid is just fine, especially since you have a health condition that you need to work around. The release aid may disqualify you from certain 3D contests, but that is only a rule in a shooting contest with no real relation to bow hunting. If it keeps you able to proficiently shoot your bow then go for it.

[RJonesRCRV]

Gotta do what you gotta do.  Just wait until the nay-sayers are in your shoes; if they actually love shooting, they will do what they must to keep up the sport.

[Terry Lightle]

Just enjoy doing what you love and do not worry about what anybody else thinks
Terry

[Bowwild]

Appreciate the comments.

I’m not concerned about critics of choices, my comments about that sort of thing are mostly in jest.

I added a kisser button. I’ve known about those for decades but never used one. It provides a consistent reference.