Numbness in fingers

[Bassman]

I've been experiencing numbness and tingling in fingers since doing a tough weeding job a few days ago. Sometimes when I'm trimming I have to stop, put down the trimmer and shake my hands to get the feeling back. It then goes away immediately. I'm sure just a temporary problem. Wondering if anyone else ever had a similar symptom?

 

[nasandsons]

I have experienced this when I use one specific string trimmer that I have for a long period of time. It seems as though the vibration coming off the handle of this particular trimmer causes this. I can use my other trimmer all day with no problems at all.

 

[yardmonkey]

I've been meaning to post on this topic. I started out in April. I have had several occassions where my hands would be tingling for a while after using a trimmer for over 15 or 20 minutes. I use an Echo 2100. (I would be very interested in knowing what brand and model of trimmers you guys are using). The tingling usually goes away within a few minutes.<p>Probably about June I started having a problem with my hands everyday. When I get up in the morning I can't move my fingers. They get back to normal usually within an hour or two and are then fine all day. This is a daily problem whether I work or not. I am convinced that this is due to vibration from the trimmer and/or mowers (also hedge trimmers). I read a post on here a while back where someone said they went to a doctor and was told they were holding their tools too tightly. (I searched and could not find the post). So I have started to pay attention to that. A friend suggested using pipe insulation to make padded handles, so I have been putting padded grips on mowers, trimmers, etc. I also started using a shoulder strap whenever I am using the trimmer for an extended period. (I just got some standard strap and made a hook for it with a pipe clamp - I don't think Echo sells the strap except as part of the brush blade kit). I have been reading books about arthritis, which is probably what this is. I have started taking Glucosamine/Chondroitin, which is supposed to help with cartilage repair in arthritis. I also have just discovered anti-vibration gloves. These are made by a company called Valeo. Their website is http://www.valeoinc.com I think the gloves are pretty expensive, like about $35.00. I found a pair on ebay and they are on the way.<br>I am convinced that if a person has really strong hands it probably shouldn't be a problem to do a few hours of mowing/trimming a day. I think my hands need to be stronger and straighter. I continue to practice yoga, which I think is helping to get my arms, wrists, hands, fingers into better alignment. I also got a book called Mastery of Hand Strength, which has a lot of info on developing hand strength. And I have found a product called theraputty, which is like silly putty but just for excercising hands.<br>This has been a very scary problem, as it seems like something that will just get worse if nothing is done to correct it and I don't want to have to stop working outside and go back to the nightmare world of computers. I have faith that this can be overcome. I would appreciate any info or advice. It may be useful to hear more about others' experiences with this type of thing.<br>

 

[Chris]

I think it is called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; not a fun thing to be bothered by. Stretching exercises, anti-vibe gloves are a start. It seems to be a job hazard for our industry.

 

[Orkin Yards]

I have the same problem w/ my t270 but my problem is this, when i touch certain parts on the on off switch i get shocked, which in turn creates a tingling sensation, haha...guess my prob is diff...

 

[MOW ED]

I get it from the trimmer, using the blower for a long time or using the mid size walk behind. Its got to do with vibration, try some anti vibe gloves. I think I will too.

 

[mowerman90]

Just to be on the safe side take the time to see your doctor and have a blood test. Tingling fingers and toes are a symptom of diabeties. I had the problem with my feet but since I started taking medicine to get it under control they're 100% better now.

 

[SKDCO]

Bassman;<br> My doctor told me NOT to shake my hands but to raise them above shoulder level until tingling stops. Shaking them will increase the &quot;Carpal Tunnel&quot; progress or effect.He also said this my decrease as the season goes on but to stay aware of all simular symptoms.

 

[Den]

I've experienced the same thing and for me at least it turned out to be carpel tunnel syndrom. I experienced the same thing while driving a car for a long time. There is a cure for it if you have good insurance. I had surgery to enlarge the space that the nerves pass through. It cured the problem for me. O don't know if everyone would have the same result as me but it's worth checking into if it is really causing a problem for you.

 

[accuratelawn]

I Had the same problem when I used a Homelite trimmer. Went with Shindaiwa... no problems.