Arthritic Fingers?

[Crash]

Thanks for the tips guys.  I knew I wouldn't be the only one with this problem.  I have seen a Dr. and am taking Celebrex and Plaquenil.

[Harmless]

I dont have arthritis but my neighbor does, really bad. He had to give up shooting and almost had to retire because of the pain in his right wrist. His doctor tryed something differnt. He put him on high doses of vitiman D. After about 3 weeks he was back to work and back to shooting his bow. He's been on the vitiman D for about 2 years now with no more pain or sighns of the arthritis. Ya might want to ask your doctor about this...Good Luck...Dave

[Nake]

grippers or a bucket of rice work on your hand strength. then soak in ice water for 2 min then hot water 1 min 3 rounds of that and advil. my wife had carpal tunnel issues that fixed it right up

[bowmofo]

Crash
 If you decide to go lefty I may have a bow for ya I use a Super glove from Alaskan Bow hunting co. it helps with my release. Mike

[Ranger B]

15 years later and this topic is still helping. Sadly, the middle finger on my string hand is killing me. It doesn't hurt shooting but the night after I shoot it wakes me up and I can no longer straighten it. It really sucks. The ring finger on the same hand is also starting to hurt. I know it is arthritis, but I'll get it confirmed with a doc soon. Here we go.

I guess I'll try the release when I can no longer stand it.

[McDave]

Don't shoot the messenger here, ok...I also have arthritis in my shooting fingers but mostly at the base of my thumb. I purchased a Q-Ray bracelet on line and within 24 hours most of my pain went away.  Having acreage, I found myself struggling to hold a hammer when working around the place until I bought the Q-Ray.  After about 5 years now I can do most anything I want to.  The pain is about 95% gone.  Just wear it 24/7/365.  Don't know about everyone but it sure helped me.

I had a very similar experience with an UltraBand bracelet.  I am almost embarrassed to mention this, because my thinking is very scientific 99% of the time.  But I was walking around a Sportsman's Expo one day, and since I had nothing better to do I glanced at the UB display and the guy asked me if I had any aches and pains.  I explained about some shoulder pain I was having, and he said, “here, try this on.”  The pain went away as I was standing there!  I've worn one ever since, more than 10 years.  I was in line for knee surgery, and before my number came up, my knee pain went away!  A few years later, the assistant for my arthopedic doctor called and asked if I had a new doctor.  I told her that no, the pain just went away.  Nobody had ever heard of chronic knee pain just going away by itself.

A funny thing happened last year.  The clasp on my UB was worn out, and it started falling off my wrist all the time.  It must have fallen off and been returned by strangers at least 20 times, which is another strange story in itself.  Anyway, I waited until there was a sale, and bought a new UB for 50% off.  A month or so after I started wearing the new one, I started getting the same old aches and pains as before.  I still had the old one, so took the clasp off the new one and put it on the old one.  The aches and pains went away again.  I guess either my body didn't like the new UB, or maybe it didn't work, but the old band worked fine with the new clasp.

Sorry to ramble on.  I still half don't believe it myself, but I’ll keep on wearing it until it doesn't work anymore.  At 78, I still get up and go shoot my bow just about every morning without any pain. It's possible that it's just a placebo effect, but I would think that 10 years is a long time for a placebo effect to last. 

[Chuck Jones]

This old thread still has lots of meaning for those of us that have arthritis in our hands. My fingers in both hands got so bad I could only shoot a few times before the pain made me stop. I could not make a fist with either hand, they were so stiff.

Six months or so ago, my wife and I went on a strict, very low carb diet. No sugar, bread, potatoes, or other high carb foods. We also stopped using any seed oils, like corn oil, soybean, or canola. We cook in bacon grease, beef tallow, or olive oil. The weight came off easily. I lost over 50 pounds. However, the best thing that happened was reduced pain and stiffness from arthritis! It’s nearly gone from my hands now. I can shoot as long as I like without pain now.

Some say giving up on sugar and carbs is not worth it. I’ll say it is! I feel years younger and can do things I haven’t been able to do in many years.

[hawkeye n pa]

Congrats on being able to shoot more often.

[Ranger B]

I may have to try it Chuck. I have to do something.

[JohnV]

How are the fingers on your other hand?  If okay try shooting opposite handed.  A release aid may be helpful.  I know a few trad archers that successfully used a release aid due to finger injuries.

[Bigriver]

After 40 plus years of painting and spraying finishes, my hands are terrible arthritic. I bought the new Barbee tab with the little tube adder and can shoot my bows again without pain. It act as sort of a release aid, taking almost all the pressure off my joints. Might be an option.

[Ranger B]

Do you have a picture of it?

[Bigriver]

[Crash]

Where do you buy one?   I've been a glove shooter for years but if it helps with the pain, I'm sure I could get used to shooting a tab.

[MnFn]

Tart cherry juice and vinegar may help as well as bing cherries.

Also, I went to a physical therapist who specializes in hands and he devised a set of stretches or exercises that really helped me. It might help you as well.

[Terry Green]

Jimmy, I have something that might help.... let me find it.....

[Terry Green]

Here ya go Jimmy.... try this for kicks and see, it will relieve pinch for sure. But, it sounds like you might be torquing the string if the outside ring finger hurts.

https://www.tradgang.com/tgsmf/index.php?topic=175231.msg2955797;topicseen#msg2955797

And yes, glucosamine can help .

[Russell Southerland]

Good stuff all around. 

[acolobowhunter]

Check out "Red Light Therapy".  I know some people that have had great results using it.

[Gun]

Another for trying lefty. I've had a lot of issues over the last 5 years. Mostly w nerves. I tried a few different kinds of releases but just couldn't get them to work.

When I had some fingers straightened on my right hand and able to grab the bow I shot lefty. It only took a month to get used to it and be accurate. I did use a sight of sorts (single nut) to help w accuracy. I just didn't feel as good being a lifetime right handed shooter.

I'm back to somewhat normal right handed and instinctive. Just needing to ramp up in poundage before season. Good luck w your quest. Don't give up!!!