Hand goes numb

[GTN-NY]

In my other post I said I haven’t been out fishing in a year. 
Besides my knee pain after surgery, now my right hand goes numb while holding a spinning rod and paddling the kayak. 

Anyone else have this problem?

[Scott F]

I had that problem. You’ve got nerve damage in either your wrist or elbow. Mine was a pinched ulnar nerve in my elbow. It required surgery to repair. You need to see a doctor and probably a neurologist. 

[Fishingmickey]

Hi GTN,

     I have had the same thing happen to me from excessive spinner bait chunking. It sounds like Carpel Tunnel syndrome. It's a repetitive motion injury. What happens is the tendon that goes through the hole in your wrist gets bigger and pinches the nerves going through the same hole. It makes your hands go numb.  The real cure is rest or surgery to enlarge the hole/tunnel.

     You might try a fatter grip or grip differently? I know that having a fatter grip for my big hands helped greatly when chunking the spinner. I know I hold the rod too tight, I like to "burn" and burble (make the blades break water for a second) when retrieving the spinner bait.

FM

[GTN-NY]

@Fishingmickey is there a way to add bulk to a handle?

[you]

3 minutes ago, GTN-NY said:

is there a way to add bulk to a handle?

 

Bike handlebar tape comes to mind. Some types are made of a thick foam material for shock absorption. Might be a little awkward to apply around the reel seat, though.

 

And I agree with @Scott F. See a doc soon.

[Skunkmaster-k]

I went to a chiropractor and it helped . I’m probably not going to be popping a jerkbait for a while though. 

[deaknh03]

5 hours ago, Skunkmaster-k said:

I went to a chiropractor and it helped . I’m probably not going to be popping a jerkbait for a while though. 

Are you still talking about fishing?

[Skunkmaster-k]

1 hour ago, deaknh03 said:

Are you still talking about fishing?

Yes 

[padlin]

Doesn’t sound quite the same but my casting hand fingers hurt to the point of going numb from casting heavy baits with spinning gear after an hour or 2. Switched to a bait caster, my first, for the heavy stuff, makes a big difference as long as I don’t need to be very accurate.

[Captain Phil]

Nerve damage. Comes from years of using your hands for everything from fishing, typing, hammering and most all manual activity you have ever done.  Many of those were stressful on your muscles and nervous system.  I have had the same aliment for over 20 years.  Using lighter fishing tackle helps some.  Flipping is a lot easier on your hands and arms.   I can fish for 3-4 hours, then I have to rest my hands.  I wear a brace when sleeping or my hand goes numb.  You most likely also have arthritis in your hands as well.   Ibuprofen helps, buy it's rough on your stomach.  Gout is also a possibility.  I take Allopurinol and it keeps my attacks minimal. See a hand specialist.

[Jig Man]

I had the same issue.  It was treated with NSAIDS for a few years then permanently fixed with carpal tunnel surgery.

[Captain Phil]

41 minutes ago, Jig Man said:

I had the same issue.  It was treated with NSAIDS for a few years then permanently fixed with carpal tunnel surgery.

 

Be careful with these drugs.  I took Advil and Advil PM for years.  Ended up with an ulcer.  These drugs are especially bad if taken on an empty stomach before going to bed.   I use Tylenol Arthritis and it helps some. Getting old is not for wimps. ?

[Jig Man]

Yep the neurologist threw mine away after I had a CVA.  

[Fishingmickey]

On 7/28/2023 at 4:29 PM, GTN-NY said:

@Fishingmickey is there a way to add bulk to a handle?

I used the baseball bat grip wrapping tape they sell in sporting goods stores.  I think both Academy and Dick's carry it.

FM

[Choporoz]

I need to rest my hands every dozen or so casts when chucking and winding....tingling and numbness comes on pretty quick nowadays

[GTN-NY]

1 hour ago, Choporoz said:

I need to rest my hands every dozen or so casts when chucking and winding....tingling and numbness comes on pretty quick nowadays

Yep exactly what is happening. 
It sucks!

[Bird]

I'm dealing with tennis elbow in the thumb ?...... from lipping so many bass.

 

Nah, 

Your describing what sounds like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Had surgery years ago and all is well.

 

Since I've retired and spend countless hours on the water another issue has arisen, ganglion cyst on casting wrist.

You gotta pay to play.

Hope you find relief.

[Choporoz]

53 minutes ago, GTN-NY said:

Yep exactly what is happening. 
It sucks!

Until this thread, I haven't thought too much about it.  It shakes out pretty fast...a few seconds.  After 60, there's so much stuff that doesn't always work the way it once did...that I hadn't dwelled on it yet.   If it gets to be more than a minute of recovery each time, I may think about considering seeing a doctor....maybe

[GTN-NY]

Now that I’m 63 every time I go to the doctor for something that hurts all she ever does is say “well you’re at that age”.

That doesn’t help!

[Kirtley Howe]

There is that old joke...An old man goes to the doctor and says "Doc, my left leg really hurts." Doctor says "Well at your age you have to expect that sort of thing." Old man says "Yeah? My right leg is just as old as my left leg, but the right leg doesn't hurt, so how about you do something about the problem..."

 

I think you need to find a new doctor...one who listens to you.