Stiff fingers

[Lee Yue Yang]

I've been fencing for a couple of years now and I just found out that the fingers of my weapon hand are very stiff.Sometimes when I bend them to hold something,they seem to "lock up".Is this going to be a serious problem which I should rectify?Thanks.

[Artisan]

I've been fencing for a couple of years now and I just found out that the fingers of my weapon hand are very stiff.Sometimes when I bend them to hold something,they seem to "lock up".Is this going to be a serious problem which I should rectify?Thanks.

They just started getting stiff, or you just realized they've been stiff for two years? If its the first, then think about when it started and what you've changed - Grip style, glove, weapon, opponents...If its the second, well - sure its a problem - and has been all along. Your fingers need to be loose and dexterous. Point accuracy is achieved with the fingers, not wrist / arm.

[mifencer]

I used to get this too. Mostly when I woke up in the morning (who am I kidding, mid afternoon). I did 2 things. I switch my grip from a belgium to a viscounti, and (I still do this 10 years later) I try to sleep with my hands closed (a loose fist). Sleeping with your hands closed stretches the ligaments in your fingers; kind of like the planter facitious (sp?) soxs.

I hope this helps, and good luck. In 20 years, I'll see you at the arthritis clinic.

[D'Artag-NOT]

You're awfully young for this to be happening. Maybe it is a mechanical problem that can be addressed by changing grips or whatever, but if you're having other symptoms as well you might want to check with a doctor.

I have stiff fingers too--osteoarthritis in my weapon hand. I take glucosamine and sleep at night with a rigid wrist brace, which oddly enough helps that and also my tendinitis. Not much else to be done at my advanced age.

[morael]

See a doctor. If you know any musicians (guitarist or pianist) ask them who they'd see for hand problems. A doctor can prescribe physical therapy type exercises that will alleviate the problem before it gets worse or causes other problems as you try to compensate for your hand's shortcomings.

[Peach]

planter facitious (sp?) soxs.

plantar fascitis?

They make socks for that?

[mifencer]

plantar fascitis?

They make socks for that?

A sox to keep your foot at a 90 degree angle when you sleep. This keeps the ligament stretched overnight. If you ever had the problem, you would know when you wake up and try to walk around, you will be in great pain.

[Lee Yue Yang]

I think it had just happened.I did change grips but that was a few months ago.I'm on a long break now and my fingers are not as stiff.So I guess I should wait till I get back and see if my fingers get all stiff again.
Thanks for the replies.