Fishing through wrist pain 2024
FryDog62 reply :
Anyone out there with significant wrist pain and continues to fish? Could be just over use, or tendinitis, arthritis, etc. What do you do to deal with it, do you continue, use pain relievers, switch from right to left hand ... or maybe a sign to give up (gulp) fishing altogether...
Torn Thumb reply :
Somewhat similar but not... I've been fishing through elbow pain from work lately. Working behind a serial over tightener on second shift, removing molds with bolts so tight you should be using breaker bars or cheater pipes but are too cool to do that and over working the elbows and wrists.
So I've been focusing on every cast to make sure to use extra care to use the correct motions and not over extend myself. Otherwise ice probably helps.i be fished less in the last week or so due to this. SUCKS.
Do not however give up fishing as you will probably die from a broken heart.
Scott F reply :
Is there a reason you are asking for medical advise on a fishing forum instead of from a doctor?
QUAKEnSHAKE reply :
If you keep doing what caused the inflammation hows it going to go away. Is your equipment causing discomfort. I have a rod LTB that is tip heavy and has small grip. Due to how I hold the rod/reel this lead to pain in my palm throughout the day so I basically stopped using the rod.
Mike L reply :
Go to your local bowling alley and try on every wrist and/or elbow support they have.
You might be surprised
Mike
papajoe222 reply :
Prior to wrist surgery, I tried everything. The only things that did give temporary relief were wearing a wrist brace in conjunction with taking 600mg of ibuprofen and a shot of cortisone that helped for a few months. You can try the first, but like others, I suggest seeing a Dr.
FryDog62 reply :
Well, I'm 54 and I've had 4 wrist surgeries including 2 bones removed. Really thought I had it fixed but now have pain in a whole new area. Is it a sign of decline, or just an irritation with rest and Ibuprofen goes away? Hope so, otherwise it's a little discouraging to think its always going to be this way and eventually get worse.
Oregon Native reply :
I too have had issues over the years with my wrists....have had a couple surgeries , accupunture, therepy. Good days and bad days. Get a good doctor....this is HUGE.
"hamma" reply :
I used to have alot of wrist issues, and it was due to my excessive fishing. I just stretched the painful muscles as much as possible every day, and kept up with good eating and good health. Of course my right hand and wrist ended up larger and stronger than my left . But after a few months, the pain disappeared.
Stop fishing? wasnt gunna happen
frogflogger reply :
At age 60 I was told I needed a knee operation - My shoulder was hurting so bad I had injections for the pain. I wore a wrist brace. I fished and/or guided 200-250 days a year and was about to give up. I was lucky to read about Egoscue exercises in a Ned Kehde article - bought a used copy of Pete Egoscue's book Pain Free for $3 and now (15 yrs. later) I fish relatively pain free in wrist, elbow, shoulder and knees. But I do have to do the exercises.
FryDog62 reply :
Thanks for all the suggestions.. Last night I wore a splint to bed and took Ibuprofen and it feels better today. Will switch over to more use of a baitcaster in my left hand than a spinning reel in my right. Anyone have a good suggestion for a baitcaster for wacky-worming and light plastics?
Appreciate the pep talk guys... not going to quit yet 
iiTzChunky reply :
Stop fishing? What's that?
I have bad wrists as well from doing stuff I shouldn't have at work. The only time I really feel the pain is when I try to top water and walk baits for too long. I basically just try to stretch my wrists out and either power through it or if it's that bad I stop with the top water and go to somthing else for a while.
Raul reply :
Can´t say nuthin´ bout them wrists cuz those are fine, but some years ago I suffered a severe case of tennis elbow ( hell, and I don´t even play tennis ! ) on my right arm, which is my casting arm 99% of the time, couldn´t cast with BCs ( tried to do it and ...... son "!)(%#= !!!!! the pain was horrendous ) so -----> spinning gear here I come !
WRB reply :
Pain is your early warning system that something is wrong. You need to determine what is causing your pain before trying to mask it with medication, stretch it or rehabilitate it. We all have different levels of pain thresholds. When pain prevents your range of motion it's time to get professional help from a good othropedic physician so you don't do more damage.
Tom
chadmack282 reply :
On 9/11/2016 at 7:03 AM, Scott F said:Is there a reason you are asking for medical advise on a fishing forum instead of from a doctor?
probably for the advice from other BR members that have had the same situation.
Scott F reply :
On 9/12/2016 at 7:02 AM, chadmack282 said:probably for the advice from other BR members that have had the same situation.
There are so many things that can cause wrist pain. 10 people can have 10 different problems. I see you've had problems before, you really should check with your doctor.
custer reply :
I'm currently recovering from the 5th surgery on my right arm due to work accident.
Like had been said, theres a reason your hurting. Find an orthopedic specialist on hands. Get treated
I waited too long and the Arthur can be debilitating. I spend too much time watching folks fish then fishing.
Not a good outcome.
Jaderose reply :
I was having pretty bad shoulder pain....especially after fishing. I have a little bass raider I tool around in on my local 80 acre lake. Stern mounted Trolling motor. The pain got so bad I went to the Dr. who said I had arthritis and stuck me on Mobic. Fast forward a week or so and I went back out...BUT...this time I turned the head on my trolling motor around and mounted it on the bow. Pain gone.....no more Mobic. No arthritis. Just took changing up what I was doing a little.
Gundog reply :
I've got 50% arthritis in my right hand, the one I grip my reel with. Doc says its gonna get worse. After a couple hours of fishing I notice it gets tougher to open my hand. I take ibuprofen and soak my hands in ice cold water after a day out. Not much more I can do for it but I'll be danged if I'm gonna give up fishing. Not till the day they put me in the ground and even then I'll be looking for a lake nearby.
BrianSnat reply :
On 9/11/2016 at 7:22 AM, Mike L said:Go to your local bowling alley and try on every wrist and/or elbow support they have.
You might be surprised
Mike
When I had a real bad case of wrist tendonitis that is exactly what I did, grabbed one of my old bowling wrist supports. At first it was good, but as the tendonitis got worse, I took a wooden ruler and placed it over the back of the wrist support and then wrapped the hand and wrist with an ace bandage, which totally immobilized it. After about two months it went away, thankfully never to return.
FryDog62 reply :
On 9/12/2016 at 2:57 AM, WRB said:Pain is your early warning system that something is wrong. You need to determine what is causing your pain before trying to mask it with medication, stretch it or rehabilitate it. We all have different levels of pain thresholds. When pain prevents your range of motion it's time to get professional help from a good othropedic physician so you don't do more damage.
Tom
Unfortunately I know my orthopedic surgeon on a first name basis after 4 surgeries between both wrists. I really thought I was fixed after the last one, and maybe it is and I just over did it recently. But another part of my is afraid that any repetitive motion is going to take its toll on me. I hope that's not the case and plan to switch off between right/left, baitcast/spin, etc.. Wear the splint, stretch, take Ibuprofen when needed.
Fingers crossed ...
WRB reply :
As long as you know what the problems are then treating the problem should resolve the pain. Carpel tunnel surgery is fairly common, the following PT is important, listen to the what you are being told to do and do it!
Tom
Catt reply :
Pain is part of getting old, how you deal with it is up to you.
Staying active as much as your body allows is essential, to stop fishing would not be wise.
Exercise targeting specific muscle groups
"I ain't as good as I once was
But I'm as good once as I ever was!"
Needless to say gone are the days of marathon (12-14 hrs) fishing, I pick & choose my days to allow ample time for recuperation.
FryDog62 reply :
Sage advice from all, thx again!!
RAMBLER reply :
Ace Bandage.
FryDog62 reply :
On 9/12/2016 at 10:56 AM, briansnat said:When I had a real bad case of wrist tendonitis that is exactly what I did, grabbed one of my old bowling wrist supports. At first it was good, but as the tendonitis got worse, I took a wooden ruler and placed it over the back of the wrist support and then wrapped the hand and wrist with an ace bandage, which totally immobilized it. After about two months it went away, thankfully never to return.
I took the advice... Wore a splint today and went fishing. Threw spinnerbaits, wacky worms, skipped tubes under docks. No pain! And had most of the mobility I need. Easy trade off. In 3 hours I caught 11 fish including this 21 3/8 inch, 5.55 lb LMB. A splint seemed like it would Limit mobility too much... But it didnt. I'm ecstatic 
CrustyMono reply :
its all part of growing up-dad
boostr reply :
I had the same problem, but it was my hook set technique with the bait caster. I would use my wrist the majority of the time to set the hook. Fixed that problem by using my arm and body. No more pain.
FryDog62 reply :
Well ... update --
pain got worse even with the splint. Saw doctor yesterday and had X-ray. He suspects a torn ligament, so back in for an MRI in 2 days. If torn he didn't seem optimistic that even with a cast, therapy, surgery, etc may heal this type of injury. Will find out soon, but am concerned I may be done fishing at age 54. Dam
Sam reply :
On 9/11/2016 at 6:24 AM, FryDog62 said:Anyone out there with significant wrist pain and continues to fish? Could be just over use, or tendinitis, arthritis, etc. What do you do to deal with it, do you continue, use pain relievers, switch from right to left hand ... or maybe a sign to give up (gulp) fishing altogether...
FryDog, see a doctor.
The problem could be solved as easy as a cortisone shot in the tendon to relieve the pressure and pain.
Or, you may have to have surgery during the winter months so you will be ready to rock and roll.
Have you tried heat and rest? Living in Wisconsin means that the snow and ice is right around the corner so you will have the time to heal.
Aleve is great for pain but bad for your kidney's. Be careful when taking Aleve and other pain meds unless you are under a doctor's guidance.
Hope you feel better, soon.
lo n slo reply :
On 11/5/2016 at 9:16 AM, FryDog62 said:Well ... update --
pain got worse even with the splint. Saw doctor yesterday and had X-ray. He suspects a torn ligament, so back in for an MRI in 2 days. If torn he didn't seem optimistic that even with a cast, therapy, surgery, etc may heal this type of injury. Will find out soon, but am concerned I may be done fishing at age 54. Dam
hate to hear that. hang in there man.
ING reply :
I've switch to another hand (in my case - left). It is not so difficult like seems. I made at home special exercises with rubber band and fishing rod. It is significantly help.
scaleface reply :
A lot of bowling wrist supports have a built in piece of metal for a splint . Thy are well made and inexpensive . II wore them for years bowling ,
N Florida Mike reply :
I broke my thumb on my right hand when I was 19 in 3 places .My hand goes numb every night and sometimes during the day.It also hurts occasionally,but ESP.a after a long day of fishing.Had a nice bass up in the eel grass a couple weeks ago and I turned my wrist over quickly to pull him in a different direction. Wrist pain on the same area as the thumb .!!! I suppose it will slowly get worse.
The good thing is I am ambidextrous so I can switch to left hand ( on spinning anyway ). Might be a good thing to learn in your case.( beside the dr )
FryDog62 reply :
Well I received diagnosis from the MRI... a torn scaphoid lunate ligament, surgery first week of December. Probably not a total fix but may prevent/delay arthritis. Some level of hope anyway to be back fishing by spring.
the reel ess reply :
Is it the reel hand? You can get the opposite-handed reel or use spinning. I have resorted to using T-rigs a lot more. You can use a reel with a burner ratio to limit the revolutions. You can also take up trolling for crappies. Or you can fish smaller waters where you know your bait will be seen by fish to limit your number of casts.
On days when I have to crank it to get them, I just suffer later, but more so with shoulder pain from slinging the bait all day. If you're going to have *** worked on, you can do it now and be ready for spring.
edit: I see the last post. Good deal and good luck with it.
ING reply :
I've switch to another hand (in my case - left). It is not so difficult like seems. I made at home special exercises with rubber band and fishing rod. It is significantly help
So, at now I could use both hands. When pain in right hand subsiding, I return to right hand casting. If became stronger, switch to left. It is very useful.
Mr Swim Jig reply :
I have tried all the things listed and finally have given into my Doctor and am having surgery for carpal tunnel, I just told him I couldn't have the surgery till fishing season was over...lol
Trying different things helped but it would eventually come back and come back a little worse each time...
Paul Roberts reply :
On 9/11/2016 at 6:24 AM, FryDog62 said:Anyone out there with significant wrist pain and continues to fish? Could be just over use, or tendinitis, arthritis, etc. What do you do to deal with it, do you continue, use pain relievers, switch from right to left hand ... or maybe a sign to give up (gulp) fishing altogether...
I have had epicondylitis in my right elbow. It was my doc's first case of "bass elbow". For most people it's golfer's or tennis elbow. Doc gave me exercises and a forearm brace, and he warned me to rest it before going back at it or I could have more permanent damage and surgery. So... I switched to fishing lefty. Man, that was a frustrating challenge at first. I had to train my well-honed arms and hands to switch jobs.
That was back in 2008 and it took a year for it to heal entirely. Then I re-injured it in 2015 and have been fishing left ever since. Nervous about going back. But, I am now almost a completely ambidextrous angler.
Bankbeater reply :
Most of the time I fish only during the weekends. If my wrist starts acting up on a weekend it usually clears up by the next weekend. If it didn't I would go to a Dr.
Jeff H reply :
It'll work out, you'll be fine by spring. I've got more than my share of joint pain(arthritis) to deal with at the same age as you. I take 800mg of ibuprofen when I fish and just grit it out. I'm lucky my pain level still allows me to do that. Lots of times it's the loss of mobility that bothers me more than the pain.
ING reply :
I've switch to another hand (in my case - left). It is not so difficult like seems. I made at home special exercises with rubber band and fishing rod. It is significantly help.
Guys, I couldn't understand: Nobody doesn't want consider switching to another hand?
It is much better than to poison yourself by ibuprofen or other drugs. God has provided us by two hands, Use both!
FryDog62 reply :
Had the surgery 3 days ago... MRI ahead of time was inconclusive if the ligament was partially or fully torn. The hope was partial so they could do some reconstruction. Unfortunately when they got in there it was a complete tear. Doc wondered how I put up with it the past 3 months.
So they cleaned up the frayed ends, and snipped a few of the nerves in the area - both to minimize discomfort, but not a fix.
Choices are to either live with it the way it is, but likely arthritis will form and get worse over time (I'm 54). Or explore total reconstruction surgery - which he said is a 50-50 prognosis and a very involved healing/rehab process.
Last resort might be to fuse the wrist and lose 50% strength and range of motion but take most/all the pain away and lessen likelihood of arthritis (or at least less).
BTW, this is my right (dominant hand). What would you do...?
scaleface reply :
Its really a tough decision to make .
Three years ago I had a complete distal bicep tendon rupture . I elected to have it repaired . No lifting anything heavier than a coffee cup for three months . Then slowly start lifting heavier objects .Luckily it happened in the fall so I didnt miss out on too much fishing . So far so good ..
FryDog62 reply :
Oh yeah, and I just had bought a new boat (Lund Pro-V Bass) that hasn't even seen the water yet --
Probably not the best timing (purchased 2 weeks before the injury) but makes me want to figure out a long term solution so I can finally enjoy the type of boat I always wanted.
blckshirt98 reply :
Dang, that is tough luck and sorry about your injury. When they say "arthritis will form and get worse over time" are they talking in 5-10 years? Would the surgery prevent the arthritis? If the arthritis isn't for 8-10 years out I'd probably just try to fish without the reconstructive surgery, and see if surgery is an option down the line once the arthritis gets bad. 10 years of fishing would take you to 64 and retirement and you can just bait fish while reading a book and drinking a beer in a chair on a dock somewhere!
flippindocks reply :
If it's constant pain, on and off the lake, apply heat. If it's pain only when you move your wrist a certain way, apply a cold pack. Apply the aforementioned for 20 minutes ON - 20 minutes OFF - repeat several times daily.
It has taken me up to 1 month to get rid of some wrist pain. Age is awesome huh?
geo g reply :
In the past I have had wrist and elbow pain from time to time. I now start out easy for the first five minutes and after all is warmed up increase the tension and casting distance. I also stretch in the morning before going out to fish. I have not had any problems for several years after following these few steps.
Spankey reply :
I've been in electro/mechanical heavy industrial equipment repair my whole life. I also have that nasty habit of liking to fish. I use my hands all day every day. For years, many years I've know I've had Carpol Tunnel. Had that electrical test done on both arms back in the early 90's. I ignored getting anything done about it for all those years because I, I'll be honest I pussed out on surgery. The dumbness and pain that was local to my hand gravitated to my elbow, bicep, shoulder in a few spots over time. Anyway last holiday season I couldn't take it anymore. I felt my quality of life. Pain you would not wish on anyone. Not really sleeping right for many years I decided to get the surgery. My life now is bact to a time I can not remember. My left hand by test results is as bad as my right but I don't really have the symptoms as bad. This February I'm gonna get that hand done. I realize our situations are different but to continue with constant pain try to eliminate it. If there is even a way to get a long term relief go for it. It took me to being 57 years old to figure the quality of life thing. Knowing now I could have been better years ago. I was very dumb. Just get yourself taken care of before pain and discomfort become the norm. You'll just try to live with it from day to day, next thing it will be years. Take care of yourself.
Red Bear reply :
On 12/13/2016 at 9:58 AM, geo g said:I also stretch
I cant even begin to emphasize how important stretching is before ANY physical activity. I usually stretch before i do anything thats going to work my body and muscles. stretching can help to prevent injuries. and also stretching prevents a lot of aches and pains one may get when they finally relax at the end of the day after doing physical activities.
odd thing for me though. my wrists are sore a lot, but once i start fishing all that goes away. same for my back. i can stand around for an hour just talking with someone and my back will start killing me, let me stand around for hours fishing and im just fine with no pain...i cant explain it
Ben Lyson reply :
On 9/11/2016 at 7:22 AM, Mike L said:Go to your local bowling alley and try on every wrist and/or elbow support they have.
You might be surprised
Mike
I’ll try that I’m already a year round bowler anyway and own Robby’s coolmax bowling brace it does keep my hand from throwing the ball the wrong way while I’m bowling so I’ll try it next time I go fishing and also keeps my hand cool during bowling
Edited by Ben LysonChoporoz reply :
I know its an old thread, but thanks for posting it up, @Ben Lyson.
I laughed at the fogs three years ago....now, I'm right there with them. Hours on end with a chatterbait is what does me in. Motrin helps...switching presentation for a while helps. But, I think I've still got a bowling brace around somewhere...going to have to give it a try. I've got a couple 12 hour tourny days coming up.
NHBull reply :
I have friends that swear by CBD oil and I see no downside to trying it.
Many Dr's will also prescribe anti-inflammatory for short periods while you stretch and strengthen.
lo n slo reply :
been having some left wrist and forearm pain for the last month or so myself. it does seem to be easing off a bit, but not totally healed. don’t know what caused it either. over use and old age probably, but it’s always something these days. i’ll be 61 in August and still thankful to be in as good a shape as i am.
FryDog62 reply :
Fast forward 3 years...
And I’m still fishing anyway... Have completely converted to all baitcasting in the process. 90% of the time that’s fine, I’m just not as good at “working the bait” (jerkbaits, certain finesse techniques, etc) while using my left hand, but overall I still enjoy fishing as much as ever. Was a bit expensive to switch out a number of rod/reels but the Bait Monkey loves me. I’m sure I contributed to the turnaround in the economy
I still face long-term arthritis and/or fusing the wrist permanently, but I can’t complain. If/when that happens I’ll look for further modifications...
cgolf reply :
Yup, I am having a cyst removed for the 2nd time in 6 years. It has caused pain and weakness in my wrist, but I always found ways to work around it. With a spinning rod, I would let the butt end of the rod either anchor against my body or rest against my forearm to ease the pressure on my wrist when fighting a big fish.
I did have to give up golf because of this, because the wrist wasn't strong enough to close the club face at impact. Thankfully, while I am sure it limits some things, it hasn't forced me to stop fishing.
Once this is clear it is possible there is the start of arthritis too, but at 45 I hope not.
Nonya reply :
On 9/11/2016 at 7:03 AM, Scott F said:Is there a reason you are asking for medical advise on a fishing forum instead of from a doctor?
Seems he’s asking other fishers for their experience dealing with wrist pain due to the common hobby.
GreenPig reply :
On 9/11/2016 at 9:11 PM, FryDog62 said:Thanks for all the suggestions.. Last night I wore a splint to bed and took Ibuprofen and it feels better today. Will switch over to more use of a baitcaster in my left hand than a spinning reel in my right. Anyone have a good suggestion for a baitcaster for wacky-worming and light plastics?
Appreciate the pep talk guys... not going to quit yet
Curado 70 works great for finesse & weightless applications. Are you casting with one or two hands?
FryDog62 reply :
On 9/20/2019 at 11:27 AM, GreenPig said:Curado 70 works great for finesse & weightless applications. Are you casting with one or two hands?
A lot has happened since 2016 and I did switch out/upgrade a lot of equipment. I now have 3 Curado 70’s and they are great - maybe the most palmable reel I’ve found. Where I need a reel for really light lures or for skipping weightless plastics, I have a couple Daiwa Alphas and a Steez. Still miss spinning reels for a few things, but overall switching to all baitcasting has worked fairly well..
BassWhole! reply :
Too small, (and to a lesser degree to large) a reel can be the cause and or aggravate hand, wrist, and arm aches and pains. I know that as I get older it becomes more and more prevalent every year in my case. Having your hand clutched for hours a time isn't a natural thing to do, particularly in colder weather. If chronic, and severe, I would consult a medical professional to make sure you aren't aggravating a condition. Some pain is ok to fight through, and some can lead to complications. Sucks getting old.
Ksam1234 reply :
My wrists usually hurt after a day of jerkbait fishing for smallies in the spring .. so much motion to use them and then when you catch 50 smallmouth a day it can take a beating lol
related General Bass Fishing Forum topic
previous topic
most viewed General Bass Fishing Forum topic
© 2024 - fishing.qciss.net. All Rights Reserved.