I can point to the#1 thing that killed me more than anything was driving 16 penny framing nails in 2 hits with a large heavy framing hammer. #2 rough running orbital sanders and #3 reciprocating saws(sawzalls). The absolute best thing I've ever found to counter the problem....swallow pride, followed closely by anti-vibration carpal tunnel gloves. The best I've found are made by "Impacto". Available at Amazon. I buy loyally from them now. I don't like the thermo wrap wrist slide one though. If you're wearing the drug store version of the night time wrist guards, put the antivibe gloves on first, they lift that stupid spoon off the nerve and make the braces effective for moderate symptoms. Computer users I suggest getting your keyboard up high where your forearm is parallel to the floor and keep your wrists as straight as possible. Resting the base of the palm of your hand on those gel rests is a negative unless it keeps the back of your hand in roughly the dame plane as the topside of the parallel forearm. Texting with your thumbs is a huge!! No no. It's the fastest way to introduce the electrical feeling into my fingers. I have found that the smaller diameter drinking glasses are less irritating. I have begun to wrap every tool with damping wrap. Again available from Impacto. I go to factory website, get the item number, then search Amazon using the number and find exactly what I m looking for. It's counterintuitive, but try not to oversqueeze your grip. I am always finding that my grip is waaaay stronger than needed to control the tool. Any time you have the same pain for 3+ days, you have a problem that is not going to get better without help. Some NSAIDS seem to work better for different people. I would suggest talking with an orthopedist if you have recurring pain,swelling and heat in a joint. Some script strength nsaids are far superior to any thing available otc. In conclusion, lighten up on your grip, try to keep your hand,wrist,forearm in line and do your best to lessen impact and vibration, even if it means choking up on the hammer and taking a couple extra swings. The absolute best thing I have found are the anti vibe/ carpal tunnel gloves made by impacto, and thin damping wrap.
If you have elbow issues, try to get rid the T type drills. More traditional pistol or C forms put less torque into the elbow and offer more grip options anyway. A little strange to get used to, but a HUGE difference maker for me! This is probably obvious, but no one ever told me, avoid EVER running jackhammer. ESPECIALLY without as much padding, damping and safety equipment as you can find. One thing I constantly forget is ice 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off over 2 hours in the evening can work wonders.
