Carpal Tunnel and handguns

[Jimmy Dean]

I am 25. This last week I started developing Carpal Tunnel in my right hand. So far, every day it has been slightly worse, I am wearinga b race right now to no affect.

So, does anyone who has this in their shooting hand able to give any advice on how mch it affects the ability to shoot? Right now it is my ring and pinkie finger that are going numb, have not had any problems with trigger or thumb

 

[PTK]

Get a .22lr rifle and pistol. You'll need them for those "bad" days if you want to go shooting.

 

[CWL]

Did a doctor diagnose carpal tunnel? Whle symptoms can come very quickly, you say that you can feel numbness increase daily from onset of only last week? If this is real, and at the speed you are reporting, you may lose use of your hands by the end of this year -so I don't think guns are your primary problem.

Somehow, I feel that you've probably pinched a nerve somewhere that's not carpal tunnel related. This could be from leaning on your elbows to type to twisting something in your back. If you haven't already done so, you need to have a doctor and orthopedic specialist perform necessary testing to determine the cause of your numbness.

(the last 2 fingers and sometimes other fingertips are always numb on my left hand, but that is from accumulated injuries I've had to my back & neck. Nothing can be done, but it doesn't affect my shooting at all.)

 

[chris in va]

I wasn't aware CT could happen that quick. Sounds more like inflammation to me. I have it to a degree, makes riding motorcycles...interesting.

 

[GearHead_1]

The test for carpal tunnel syndrome is quick, relatively painless and pretty much dead on if a problem exists. The surgery and recovery time has improved dramatically since I've had mine. Many are now done via a scope. I know a surgeon that had his done and was wielding a scalpel 4 days following surgery with no significant effects. If you can afford it or have insurance get it fixed. No big deal. Mine took a while to get better but the surgery was well worth it.

 

[Jimmy Dean]

I do plan on hitting up a doctor once the quarter is over and I am back home for the summer.

 

[Gator]

If it is carpal tunnel, get it taken care of (but I think you might be jumping to conclusions). I had it for years before getting the surgery. Because I went so long before treatment permanent nerve damage was done and I will never have full feeling in my fingers again. See the Doc!

 

[F4GIB]

It's also possible to get "tennis elbow" from shooting a handgun.

 

[Standing Wolf]

I've found shooting is a good thing to do for hand, wrist, and elbow problems. I have a hunch the different motions and stresses alleviate some of the repetition.

If it need be said, aspirin before leaving for the range is a good idea.

 

[Dienekes]

Get it diagnosed so you know what you are dealing with.

My wife had it in both wrists, had each operated on in turn. She is an occasional shooter, took a while to get back to .22 pistols. Things improved gradually, can now run two mags through her 1911 which is about all she cares to do anyway.

I have had to recuperate from "tennis elbow" type injuries, strains, etc., which affected my shooting, particularly presentations from the leather. With time and due regard for limitations, I find I can still come back almost 100%. I have found out by experience what my body will and will not put up with, and try to cut it some slack.

No sense falling apart before your time.

 

[greenled]

Get yourself one of these puppies:
http://www.powerballs.com/

Solved my CTS, and I had tingling on my hands, numbness, couldn't make fist... the whole nine yards. Exercising daily with that gyro took all of that away. I've been pain free for over a year and a half now. I actually don't even have to use the gyro anymore.

 

[doc2rn]

I have a recurring cyst in my dominant hand and it can be PITA but when it hurts I take out a hand cannon and bust it. Pain is temporary pride is forever. Nothing will keep me from enjoying my favorite pass-time.