Re: [Paddlewise] to feather and carpal tunnel

Bob Apter wrote:
> 
> The carpal tunnel is most likely brought on by swelling in the wrist from
> tendonitis, so anything that helps the tendonitis should help.  This
> includes rest, ice, and elevation, none of which may be high on your list of
> things you want to do!  Splinting is one way of resting the wrist.

Wore a brace for about 6 months after it's inception and occasionally
when wielding a hammer doing construction.  With my normal tool
operations and computer work I have managed to adjust technique so I
don't really have reoccurances.
> 
> I assume you are using a right hand controlled feathered paddle.  You can
> reduce the stress on your right wrist by raising your right elbow higher as
> you enter, using a more vertical entry with your left paddle blade.

I am very new at this, and though I learned to feather recently,  I feel
it is important that I start out with high concentration on technique
and consciously adjusting my stroke for peak efficiency-  I have to take
this CTS as a factor.  Most of the advice has been for a non feathered
Greenland style paddle which I hope to try tomorrow.
 
> 
> Tendonitis can take a long time to heal.  It is generally caused by overuse,
> especially of a muscle/tendon unit that hasn't gone through enough
> conditioning.  Once it sets in, a relatively small amount of use/stress of
> the muscle/tendon unit will keep it going.  Give it time and at least
> relative rest.

It's been about 8 years now, brought on by a rather foolish deadline on
scraping and finishing a ceiling.
> 
> But if the nerve symptoms (numbness, weakness) don't respond to rest and
> splinting, surgery is the treatment;  you don't want permanent
> pressure-caused nerve damage.  If you are having nerve symptoms, you should
> be consulting your doctor.

Got the diagnoses from a neural surgeon when it had occurred.  Hope I
don't have to see him again.  The first time didn't cost anything. 
Thanks a lot for your well considered response Bob.
> 
> Bob Apter


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