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RazorCat.
I think Ive seen some doctors on here or maybe some of you have the same problem and have some suggestions. I have had this problem in the past come and go but this year especially I cant hardly hang on to my rod at times. When Im running a crankbait, jerk bait or top water my rod hand just goes numb. I try to muscle through it but I ultimately have to put down my baitcaster and pick up my spinning rod. ( I hold my baitcaster with my left and spinning with my right, I know weird right). Does anybody have any suggestions on how to combat this? Its becoming a serious problem, this morning after working top water all afternoon yesterday my hand is half numb and I can feel it all the way into my shoulder.
Not a doctor but have dealt with the problem. Probably carpel tunnel syndrome. I ended up having surgery after trying other things for years. There are stretches you can do for your hands/wrist that can help via physical therapy. There is lots of info on-line Im sure. If you do a lot of repetitive work with your hands (keyboard, assembly line work, fishing, etc.) you can experience this numbness which is extremely annoying. Some things I did before got to point of needing surgery (which worked great by the way). Try holding rod at different angles but be careful not to put to much pressure on elbows. I ended up with Tennis Elbow too because of adjustments I made to compensate for hands. Thats no fun either. I also bought both right hand and left hand handled bait casters so I could switch hands frequently which provided some relief. You get used to it pretty fast and I still use both. Just taking a minute to stop fishing and flexing hands helps too.Good luck.
Its a cumulative effect. Buy some over the counter wrist braces and wear them when you are not fishing, and if you can when you fish. Ice after and before helps. My wrists used to be awful, Ive had carpal tunnel and arthritus for many many years, never had surgery, but it has gotten better. Take care of your hands 24/7, not just when they hurt, and you will be more comfortable while you fish.
Had the same problem last year, but mine ended up being 2 sets of discs in my neck that I ended up getting fused, and I am doing great now. Granted when I was young I always thought I was Superman and I am paying for it nowadays with aches and pains and joint damage. I wish you luck.
Go see a doctor. There isnt anyone on a message board that can diagnose your issue. It could be something small, or it could be something serious. There is no shame in seeing a doctor to make sure.
There are several possibilities here:Cervical (neck disc)Carpal TunnelNerve impingement of some type.Is the problem worse when your hands are cold? If so, Raynauds is always a possibility.Probably need to see MD for detailed evaluation.Hope this helps.Last edited by cef1965 on July 8th, 2013, 7:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Best advice given so far: See a orthopedic doctor. Could be CT or back/neck issue. Best remedy I ever found for carpal tunnel was wearing a wrist brace at night. The one I bought was a Mueller from WalGreen. The natural tendency is to curl your wrist downward towards your forearm at night. I wore one on each wrist for about two weeks and was amazed at how much better they felt. As recommended, exercises for flexibility also help.
I had the same problem about 5 years ago. I could fish about 3 to 4 hours, and couldn’t hold a rod after half a day. I couldn’t even pick up a twelve pack without using both hands. I saw an orthopedic guy, and was diagnosed with radial tunnel syndrome. I tried all the stretching and PT to no avail. Over the off season, I had surgery. The surgeon reshaped the nerve and cut the nerve channel a bit. It was the best thing I ever did. I got all the strength back in my arm, and no longer have pain in my hand/fingers. It’s been 5 years now, and all is good. I can fish all day now, and can pick up as much beer as I need, LOL. Best advice is to see a hand/arm specialist.
Dont go to a orthopedic doc. They are bones your issue is nerve. See a neurologist. I had carpel tunnel syndrome and waited 2 years to get surgery. Big mistake now I have been on SSD due to permanent damage to the nerves in my hands plus some other issues. Youll have to get a EMG of your hand to find out if you have CTS or not. Dont wait get it done!Builder of fine Bass Fishing RodsReel Bearing and Drag upgrades.B2 Custom RodsBoca Bearings
Orthopedic doctors specialize in diagnosis and treatment of problems of the musculoskeletal system, such as diseases or injuries of bones, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves and muscles. Only reason I recommended one is because one of friends is a Neurogeon and he recommended an Ortho or a Chiropractor. The Chiro, in addition to the wrist braces mentioned previously, ended up doing me the most good.
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