Hey yall, I’m new to the site. I’m on the Confined Spaces Rescue team at work, and this past week we’ve been doing the rope tying and system building portion of our training.
My hand started hurting about Wednesday. I’m almost positive (but not quite) that it has to do with manipulating the knots—using muscles in my hand that I’m not used to using, and all that. But I haven’t tied a single knot in almost 48 hours, and it STILL hurts to make a fist!
Anyone care to give a newb some insight? Thanks in advance
I did have similar problems while working as a rigger, but solved it by using various implements instead of pulling with my hand directly.
There are hardly any muscles in your hand that might hurt. The muscles involved in manipulating are mostly in the underarm, and the tendons are led through the carpal tunnel, a narrow passage in the wrist. There’s where “mouse arm” originates, which is mostly felt like stinging in the hand or fingers. If your hand hurts, there’s probably some more direct damage done to tissue or bones within the hand. Give it a rest, but don’t put any bandage on if it’s not swollen. If you suspect a fracture on a metatarse, they usually heal well if they are just left alone. Bandaging or plastering may make it worse. If it keeps hurting, you might seek a doctor, possibly taking an x-ray.
Most likely, it is the tissue that is hurt if you have jerked sharply at any time with a rope around the hand. That’s what riggers avoid by using the marlingspike as a handle.
Being a “handy” man I use my hands almost abusively and do experience the inner pains you describe. I am not playing doctor and care only to share some insight and what works for me.
The use of knot tying tools is a must and there is some functional art that works very, very well as in this link. > http://khww.net/viewpage.php?page_id=28
You will probably want to tie even more knots with one of those beauties.
Pliers that grab without damage and a fid/spike will generally help to prevent hand pains.
Using cold compresses will keep inflammation down and I think this may be the case with you perhaps.
I have used anti-inflammatory over the counter remedies as well.
But if you think it best, consider the expertise of a medical professional.
This is the general guide for most muscle and skelatal injuries: RICES; Rest, Ice, Compresion. Elevation. Support. If you are into confined space rescue, you probably already knew that.
Ibuprofen also works for me when I have exerted too much or heavely used muscles I don’t use often.
The real key is to recognize if it is normal soreness from using muscles that you don’t use often, or the begining of a more serious condition like carpel tunnel syndrome. If the soreness and aching continues for more than a few days, you should think about consulting your health care provider.
If you ask me, that is the important point!
Normal soreness when you begin using muscles that you did not before and/or in a different way will pass in time. (You will in time develop very strong hand muscles, which will take care of that problem ;))
Pain and soreness that does not go away in a week or so should always be checked. Tendinitis, tendovaginitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, damage to the joints - the list of possible problems in such a complex organ as the hand is very long, and most of them can get serious if ignored.
I’m also in the CS Rescue squad at work in the electricity industry in the UK. I’m sory to say we don’t do any knotting at all (unless you count tying a peice of string to the gas detector before lowering it into the well), it’s all manufactured wire rope hoists, tripods and harneses with crabs etc. What knots do you use in what configuration?
As Above, rest and medics if it dont get better- how is it doing?
Hands hurt, Yes it does and it will.
I sit here typing with sore thumbs, having had two days of full of knot tying " as a commission" in a sunny garden on Hayling Island,UK for more details read KM comming soon.
In another life I was a trainer for a Naval Fieldgun Crew, if there was a repetitive sore/abration, the answer was to put some tape on to stop the rub.
In short use the correct tools or cover up.
Now I am a softie, I use the chopped off fingers from garden/rig gloves, and use the fingers, with out the tips, like a thimble or stall, so when I pull on twine with both hands it does not cut into the soft part of my hand. I am lucky my other half is a witch and she mixes up a rubbing solution/brew of Ginger and Rosemary and rubbed into the hands this takes the edge off the throbbing.
Yours Aye
KenY
I occasionally suffer extreme weakness of a hand + forearm. The last time I think I must have slept on it badly.
I apply a compress of “Maria’s Swedish Bitters”. I soak a (cotton) pad of the appropriate size, or use strips of old cotton sheet which I used to have for a “bandage a mummy” game. I am quite liberal with it, given that it’s ?11 for 500ml or less. I wrap the affected area, then put on a layer of plastic bag, fingerless plastic glove or clingfilm to prevent cross-contamination of other stuff (the Bitters stain like iodine, and smell nearly as bad). Then I keep everything intact with either tubigrip elastic tube bandage, or ordinary bandage.
In most cases I have 90% usage back after 24 hours. Then I just top up the compress for another 24 hours. But I agree with the other advice: know the cause, get it checked out.
Incidentally, the Bitters are supposed to cure or otherwise improve some 40 conditions ranging from earache (as recommended to me by a friend) to muscular problems. They are drinkable: 1 teaspoon at least once a day is said to add years to your life. But I haven’t tried that myself. They have their own website. I get them at a local health shop.
