Topgun
member
Got a ligament or tendon sumpin and just HOLDING a P-38 hurts like hell. I fear I am gettin REAL close to sellin a BUNCHA guns.
Gotta go back to rifles.
Damn thumb.
Gotta go back to rifles.
Damn thumb.
My THUMB is gonna get me to sell my handguns.
- Thread starter Topgun
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ducktapehero
Member
Have ya been to the doctor?
Valkman
Member
Switch hands? I shoot pretty well with my left - it'd be hard to actually switch but if I had to I would. Hope you find a solution other than selling!
Preacherman
Member
Topgun, I'm sure you've sought medical treatment, but may I make a suggestion? Get an MRI done on your hand and wrist, and perhaps all the way up the forearm as well. You may have some tendonitis issues that are manifested in the thumb, but actually begin well away from there. This has happened to more than a few people I know.
Also, consider massage therapy. I don't mean by scantily-clad young ladies walking up and down your back (although that may have its place sometimes...
), but a serious, therapeutically-trained masseur can work wonders in easing strain on tendons and muscles in injured limbs. I'm facing back surgery right now for a slipped disc, and the only thing that has kept me on my feet before the surgery has been some very skilled massage work by a therapist, which has kept the locked muscles and sore tendons in a relatively "fluid" state.
Also, consider massage therapy. I don't mean by scantily-clad young ladies walking up and down your back (although that may have its place sometimes...
), but a serious, therapeutically-trained masseur can work wonders in easing strain on tendons and muscles in injured limbs. I'm facing back surgery right now for a slipped disc, and the only thing that has kept me on my feet before the surgery has been some very skilled massage work by a therapist, which has kept the locked muscles and sore tendons in a relatively "fluid" state.Standing Wolf
Member in memoriam
I'll second the Preacherman's suggestions, and add that I always take aspirin before leaving for the range.
I tore some ligaments in my palm and thumb once. Aside from physical therapy and rest, there is a stopgap alternative. Go to a sports trainer (football, baseball, wrestling) and ask them to demonstrate how to tape your hand with adhesive sports tape. Done properly, it will both restrict movement and add strength.
The_Antibubba
Member
Wrong guns
Maybe you should get some of them guns Rosie's always talkin about-you know, the one's that shoots all by themselfs.
Seriously, I second the massage angle, especially after you get a diagnosis. I'm in deep-tissue massage for a back injury-man, I had no idea how stiff I was when I started!
Myofascial massage-great stuff.
Maybe you should get some of them guns Rosie's always talkin about-you know, the one's that shoots all by themselfs.
Seriously, I second the massage angle, especially after you get a diagnosis. I'm in deep-tissue massage for a back injury-man, I had no idea how stiff I was when I started!
Myofascial massage-great stuff.
Topgun
member
Best I had was acupuncture. Did wonders. It settles down but recoil brings it right back.
I ....have.... switched to .22 which seems OK. Heck, that's ALL I used to shoot.
Also have got rid of the G30 and the wide handle. Just gonna use the Luger and P-38 to LOOK at.
Sanded down my Herrett's on the Hi Standard and went back to stock grip on the K-22 with an .....OOOOLLLLLLDDDDD......Pachmayr grip filler.
As long as the grip doesn't impinge directly on that lil bone at the base, it's OK.
But that 9422 just keeps a-callin to me.
BIGGEST loss is the use of the FWB65 match airgun. Gotta cock from the left which means holding the gun with the RIGHT thumb not only to shoot but ALSO to cock it. OWWWW!
And THAT is my MOST accurate gun even though not a firearm.
But.....fortunately still got the Beeman R8 and that shoots like a dream too. Just bigger than the pistol.
..........................
Be careful, you'll shoot your THUMB out. heh heh
general
Member
Had a phlebotomist injure a nerve in my right arm... appt with a neurologist tomorrow AM.
Topgun
member
Looks like we-all better trade our guns for CANES.
I had a bad wrist that took years to heal, but it did. What helped most was gentle exercise. I bought a bunch of Silly Putty and just kept it handy. Worked it several times a day.
Your's sounds more acute than mine, though. Hit the vitamin C hard - work up to 10 grams a day. (Don't start too heavy - you'll be spending a lot of time on The Porcelain Throne if you do!
) Vitamin C is a basic building block of connective tissue. Very few of us get enough in our diets.
Take the buffered kind if the acid bothers you - works just as well. Great for muscle aches after a hard workout. (Like cleaning out the garage!) Take a bunch before going to bed and you'll be amazed at how much less sore you are the next day.
Also look up a rather amazing product called Dr. Christopher's BF&C . We discovered this about 2 years ago - it is GOOD stuff. We've proven it in our home, and quite a few friends of our's have, too.
Makes more sense than accepting pain and giving up your guns!
Your's sounds more acute than mine, though. Hit the vitamin C hard - work up to 10 grams a day. (Don't start too heavy - you'll be spending a lot of time on The Porcelain Throne if you do!
) Vitamin C is a basic building block of connective tissue. Very few of us get enough in our diets.Take the buffered kind if the acid bothers you - works just as well. Great for muscle aches after a hard workout. (Like cleaning out the garage!) Take a bunch before going to bed and you'll be amazed at how much less sore you are the next day.
Also look up a rather amazing product called Dr. Christopher's BF&C . We discovered this about 2 years ago - it is GOOD stuff. We've proven it in our home, and quite a few friends of our's have, too.
Makes more sense than accepting pain and giving up your guns!
SDAL
Member
Try a hot wax dip. You can get that gizmo at Mal-Mart.
BluesBear
member
Shoot with your weak side hand for a few months and give your strong side had a chance to rejuvinate itself.
Ashendale
Member
TopGun,
Sounds like you might have what's called, "Gamekeeper's thumb" (from wringing birds necks) also called, "Skier's thumb" (from hooking the nasty pole).
That pain at the base of your thumb, is it on the side towards your index finger? If so, it's likely an ulnar collateral ligament injury. One way to test it is to apply pressure as in the following picture:
If you feel pain, heh heh, when doing the maneuver, go see your primary care doc and tell him what you've got. He'll refer you to an orthopod and you'll probably be OK. Don't sell your guns yet!
In the meantime, get a thumb spica splint, and avoid heavy grasping and gripping.
Ian
Sounds like you might have what's called, "Gamekeeper's thumb" (from wringing birds necks) also called, "Skier's thumb" (from hooking the nasty pole).
That pain at the base of your thumb, is it on the side towards your index finger? If so, it's likely an ulnar collateral ligament injury. One way to test it is to apply pressure as in the following picture:
If you feel pain, heh heh, when doing the maneuver, go see your primary care doc and tell him what you've got. He'll refer you to an orthopod and you'll probably be OK. Don't sell your guns yet!
In the meantime, get a thumb spica splint, and avoid heavy grasping and gripping.
Ian
Bowlcut
Member
Or do like a few of my friends ahve done if that pain doesnt go away. shoot from the weak side. my co worker has problem bowling right handed, so he switched. took a while but hes now better lefty than righty. plus he has started shooting his usp from the left hand....took a while but got just as good that way.
my dad is having to do the same thing right now. but his is where he cut off part of his finger at work . First treat the pain....then see about a new approach to your fun. going lefty might introduce ya into more fun than you were having cause you are now having to relearn everything
my dad is having to do the same thing right now. but his is where he cut off part of his finger at work
. First treat the pain....then see about a new approach to your fun. going lefty might introduce ya into more fun than you were having cause you are now having to relearn everythingBiff
Member
The cartilage in the base of my right thumb was destroyed and bone was impinging on bone, due to a skiing accident two years prior. Pain was pretty constant. Went to an orthopedic surgeon who recommended fusing the bones in the first joint. I told him that I shoot, and would like to continue to. He had me bring in my 1911 frame, and took all the measurments necessary for a good grip. Surgury went very well. Full recovery for the bones to become completely healed takes about a year. That was about 9 years ago. .44 Mag is no problem. Grip strength is very good - in the 98th percentile. I can use all the power and hand tools in my shop. Range of motion is limited to the degree that I cannot place my hand flat on a table. All in all I am very satisfied with the results.
45R
Member
Topgun,
I hope you get better soon. We are going to have another THR get together and your not going to be able to load your mags.............................. Is this the same hand that was injuried in the Gemco ammo accident?
45R
I hope you get better soon. We are going to have another THR get together and your not going to be able to load your mags.............................. Is this the same hand that was injuried in the Gemco ammo accident?
45R
artherd
member
I shoot equally well (poorly?) with weak or strong hand. Try just switching. With pistols it's not a big deal.
general
Member
Topgun:
My new 1911 walker just arrived! And yes, I always walker cocked and locked!
Anyway- not to hijack - just a note on my DR. experience today...
I got together with my dad and decided to hit the docs office at 8:30 (appt @ 9) then go to breakfast... Dad comes by @ 8 - were at the Dr's office at 8:30 - paperwork done by 8:45....... and wait........... and wait........... and wait........... and wait.... around 9:15 they decide to tell me he's not even here yet - which we have deduced by listening to the telephone conversations.. (BTW - dude makes $500.00 and hour for depositions + 200.00 per diem if out of town) - he don't need no patients?!?!? - Anyway -He arrives and walks thru the waiting area at 9:25 and into his office.. and I wait.. they show me in @ 9:32 - nurse asks the rundown questions.. "are you currently conscious?" ect... tell her I never had a problem till someone stuck a needle into my forearm to try to take blood from the SIDE of my arm.!?!?! - Now get this.... the doc comes in and the first thing out of his mouth is "Do you mind if I go get a Coke? I'm really parched this morning." And out he walks... I had to hold my tongue.. and not say " On, no, nothing for me, I filled up in the waiting room!"
Now I start looking around... bummer - he's got real large prints of his hunting dog and himself out hunting.. and what looks like his dad... damn! I want to tell this dude off! He comes back with his Coke and I notice he's got monogrammed cuffs on his shirt. So - poke and prod and tickle and tap.. Him -'you're showing me a classic case of carpal tunnel' - me - "but I never had a problem till they poked me and left me with a hematoma (big bruise) for 3 weeks"... him - 'ok, take these sample anti-inflammatories and come back when we get approval to do a EMT? test' - Oh, and wear a wrist brace at nite'
<rantasaurus³>Great - just frickin' great. No answers - and not too many more questions. My hand goes numb at least 5 times a day - I can barely hold a pen to sign my name on a check???? now maybe we'll get somewhere. </rantasaurus³>
Sucks when the weather is nice and your hand goes numb after a mag or 2.
My new 1911 walker just arrived! And yes, I always walker cocked and locked!
Anyway- not to hijack - just a note on my DR. experience today...
I got together with my dad and decided to hit the docs office at 8:30 (appt @ 9) then go to breakfast... Dad comes by @ 8 - were at the Dr's office at 8:30 - paperwork done by 8:45....... and wait........... and wait........... and wait........... and wait.... around 9:15 they decide to tell me he's not even here yet - which we have deduced by listening to the telephone conversations.. (BTW - dude makes $500.00 and hour for depositions + 200.00 per diem if out of town) - he don't need no patients?!?!? - Anyway -He arrives and walks thru the waiting area at 9:25 and into his office.. and I wait.. they show me in @ 9:32 - nurse asks the rundown questions.. "are you currently conscious?" ect... tell her I never had a problem till someone stuck a needle into my forearm to try to take blood from the SIDE of my arm.!?!?! - Now get this.... the doc comes in and the first thing out of his mouth is "Do you mind if I go get a Coke? I'm really parched this morning." And out he walks... I had to hold my tongue.. and not say " On, no, nothing for me, I filled up in the waiting room!"
Now I start looking around... bummer - he's got real large prints of his hunting dog and himself out hunting.. and what looks like his dad... damn! I want to tell this dude off! He comes back with his Coke and I notice he's got monogrammed cuffs on his shirt. So - poke and prod and tickle and tap.. Him -'you're showing me a classic case of carpal tunnel' - me - "but I never had a problem till they poked me and left me with a hematoma (big bruise) for 3 weeks"... him - 'ok, take these sample anti-inflammatories and come back when we get approval to do a EMT? test' - Oh, and wear a wrist brace at nite'
<rantasaurus³>Great - just frickin' great. No answers - and not too many more questions. My hand goes numb at least 5 times a day - I can barely hold a pen to sign my name on a check???? now maybe we'll get somewhere. </rantasaurus³>
Sucks when the weather is nice and your hand goes numb after a mag or 2.
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- Dec 19, 2002
- Messages
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Topgun - I hope you've read Ashendale's post and check it out with your doc. Don't rush out and part with your cherished handguns because of what may be a temporary thing (or something that requires some adjustment).
Ashendale - kudos to you.
Ashendale - kudos to you.
Ashendale
Member
Bummer experience, General.
"monogrammed cuffs" *laugh* I made a pledge to myself in residency to never, ever get monogrammed cuffs.
EMG- electromyelography. He wants to check your nerve conduction, to see if it's stunned or damaged. BTW, poked on the side of your arm? That's odd. The median nerve goes down the middle of your arm, hence "median" and that's the one responsible for carpal tunnel syndrome. Was just rereading your post (and mine) and I'd say that it's doubtful it's carpal tunnel syndrome unless you got pricked right on the inside of your wrist and or/ you do a repetitive movement with your wrist. By poked and prodded and tapped, did he tap on the inside of the middle of your wrist? And did it elicit a not too pleasant shock to the thumb, index, middle, and half of your 4th finger? If so, that's a positive Tinnel sign for carpal tunnel syndrome. Wear the brace (even at night while asleep). Sometimes physical therapy helps a lot. Don't let him talk you into surgery right way.
If he tapped on the middle and didn't elicit the shock or numbness, and if he flexed both your wrists and touched them together (Phalen's sign) and didn't elicit similar symptoms, it's probably not carpal tunnel. Being poked anywhere along the median nerve can elicit radiating symptoms to the first 3 and a half fingers but wearing a brace won't help at all if it's not carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel is due to inflammation within one of the wrist sheaths through which the median nerve passes through. The brace helps prevent further inflammation in that area.
If you got poked on the side of your arm, are the symptoms sorta similar to hitting the funny bone? If so that's the ulnar nerve and you should be feeling a radiation to the little finger and half of the 4th finger. Anways, a brace won't help that either. Hopefully, your nerve was just stunned. Called neuropraxia. Can take weeks for it to return to normal. (I've had a similar experience, volunteered for an arterial draw in the wrist and felt like a little Thor dude god of thunder was throwing his hammer down my arm every night) Sorry, long post. Hope this helps.
a Coke eh? man... I'm lucky to be able to hit the john by noon... ah well..
Ian
"monogrammed cuffs" *laugh* I made a pledge to myself in residency to never, ever get monogrammed cuffs.
EMG- electromyelography. He wants to check your nerve conduction, to see if it's stunned or damaged. BTW, poked on the side of your arm? That's odd. The median nerve goes down the middle of your arm, hence "median" and that's the one responsible for carpal tunnel syndrome. Was just rereading your post (and mine) and I'd say that it's doubtful it's carpal tunnel syndrome unless you got pricked right on the inside of your wrist and or/ you do a repetitive movement with your wrist. By poked and prodded and tapped, did he tap on the inside of the middle of your wrist? And did it elicit a not too pleasant shock to the thumb, index, middle, and half of your 4th finger? If so, that's a positive Tinnel sign for carpal tunnel syndrome. Wear the brace (even at night while asleep). Sometimes physical therapy helps a lot. Don't let him talk you into surgery right way.
If he tapped on the middle and didn't elicit the shock or numbness, and if he flexed both your wrists and touched them together (Phalen's sign) and didn't elicit similar symptoms, it's probably not carpal tunnel. Being poked anywhere along the median nerve can elicit radiating symptoms to the first 3 and a half fingers but wearing a brace won't help at all if it's not carpal tunnel. Carpal tunnel is due to inflammation within one of the wrist sheaths through which the median nerve passes through. The brace helps prevent further inflammation in that area.
If you got poked on the side of your arm, are the symptoms sorta similar to hitting the funny bone? If so that's the ulnar nerve and you should be feeling a radiation to the little finger and half of the 4th finger. Anways, a brace won't help that either. Hopefully, your nerve was just stunned. Called neuropraxia. Can take weeks for it to return to normal. (I've had a similar experience, volunteered for an arterial draw in the wrist and felt like a little Thor dude god of thunder was throwing his hammer down my arm every night) Sorry, long post. Hope this helps.
a Coke eh? man... I'm lucky to be able to hit the john by noon... ah well..
Ian
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general
Member
Ashendale:
Yeah- thank you.. the most info I've gotten so far... need to search it..
Yep -they took my blood on the outside of he crook of my arm....
wrist tap-yep -shock / numb type sensation..
neuropraxia- i hope...appt on 14th..
Yeah- thank you.. the most info I've gotten so far... need to search it..
Yep -they took my blood on the outside of he crook of my arm....
wrist tap-yep -shock / numb type sensation..
neuropraxia- i hope...appt on 14th..
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