Deer season's here and I have a problem.

[Straitshot]

Over the past two or three months I have begun to develop some pain in the knuckles of my fingers on my drawing hand. Especially the middle finger. At first I was able to shoot through it but it seems as though of late the pain seems to be getting worse. I have spent the last 30 years or so as a carpenter gripping a hammer amoung other tools. I am wondering if it could be the beginnings of arthritis. It is really beginning to affect my release. Any one else ever experience this or have any advise.

Thanks, Louis

[MJB]

Louis,
I don't know how you feel about this , but I met a guy at a 3D shoot Trad shooter who has had major problems with carpal tunnel. He still shoots his recurve but uses a release. Just a thought for you.
Mike    

[macbow]

Louis have you tried taking ibuprophen about an hour before shooting. Thisused to help me a lot when I still tossed a bowling ball around.
Ron

[Danny Rowan]

Second the ibuprofin. Also some of the joint meds/vitamins with glucosamine/chondroitin. Worked for me with my shoulder and hands.

Danny

[guzzi2000]

I had a similar problem with the middle finger. I tried three under for quite awhile, as well as taking aleve and ibuprofin. I thought it might be arthritis, but it eventually went away and I'm shooting split finger again.

[kawika b]

maybe a tab? assuming you use a glove that is. tab's are supposed to distribute the pressure more evenly from what i've read.

[insttech1]

Louis if you shoot a super-thin tab you might want to try one with 3 layers.

Less string feel, but I find it to be much more comfortable.

Of course if it persists, I'd see a doc' and see if there is some onset of carpal tunnel or arthritis.

Hope you're doing well otherwise!!

Take Care,
Marc

[Straitshot]

Thanks for the advise guys. I appreciate the imput.

I use a tab. The heavy cordovan with the finger seperator. I have used this tab for a number of years.

I also take glucosamine/chondroitin and have for years. I have bad knees and the g/c helps.

I have not tried the ibuprofin. Have been afraid it might bother my stomach, but I may give it a try to see if it will help.

Thanks, Louis

[hoebow]

Louis,
try icing your hand then warm it up a bit, then try heat right after the ice. Repeat this and give your hand a brake for a few days. do that as much as you can tolerate. sleep with it elevated. consult your doctor. good luck
HOEBOW RN

[laddy]

I went through it with heavy bows many times.  I would advise against pain killers, you accually want to know if you are hurting yourself. I wouldn't call what you have arthitis just yet. Tendon damage is more like it.  You may even have adhetions on your tendons. glucosamine complex with msm and hyaluronic acid and fish oil is what I used to get my hands back, i am a classic guitarist.   I had locking joints painful lumps on my knuckles and clicking sounds when I curled my fingers. A good excersize is, do a reverse release putting resistance with your opposite fingers on the nail side of your fingers, walking the spider i call it, to balance the strength if you hands.

[laddy]

It hasn't seemed to help with my typing skills, however.

[David Bartholomew]

Louis, email sent to ya.

[LoneWolf73]

Acupuncture got rid of my wife's carpal tunnel. Just another avenue for you. Stuff works.

[knife river]

I've seen this condition before.  Nasty stuff.  Caused by having too many Borders.  Send me a couple Black Douglas and one Blacktail and I guarantee you won't notice the finger problem again.      

Seriously, there are some good suggestions here.  I'd see a doc if ibuprofen didn't help.

[portugeejn]

Eat a little bit before you take the ibuprofen.  It helps not to take it on an empty stomach-at least it does me.

RonP

[NY Yankee]

The Ibuprofen is not just for pain relief. It is also a good treatment for the inflammation that causes pain. I was advised to take 800mg 2x per day for my broken foot. Ive also found Bayer Ex strength aspirin to help the pain as well. Eat a little something before you take any of it to help the stomach.

[Straitshot]

Knife river,

My wife also thinks that would probably help solve the problem.

Me thinks, however, my arm would have to be ready to fall off before I would resort to that.

Nice try though!   :p  

Take care, Louis