I recently have been suffering from some pain and numbness in my left hand, which is highly noticeable when operating a chainsaw, but has now gotten to the point where it is remaining for hours or days afterwards. Symptoms during operation are similar to the old "hand-falling-asleep" and later "pins-and-needles" feeling, but long after I am done cutting, I am getting what might be described as arthritic pain, where my hand cramps up and almost becomes claw-like and I can't move my fingers for a few minutes, to long-term numbness where the joints are stiff and I can't do simple things like turn the pages of a book. I have tried holding the saw in different ways, loosening my grip or moving it around, but the more I operate the saw, the longer the symptoms last. The medical term is HAVS, or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. Probably has some relation to Carpal Tunnel or arthritis as well. This is not a formal diagnosis, just speculation based on experience and symptoms. What I am hoping for from this post is to get a sense of what others are doing to combat this problem. I am posting this in multiple forums to get a better idea from various types of users, what they rely on for anti-vibration gloves. I know I need to do something, just not sure what direction to go here. I use a basic unlined Wells-Lamont leather glove for wood cutting, but it provides zero anti-vibe protection. The saws I use are Dolmars, and they have good anti-vibe but it happens with any saw I use now. The smaller displacement ones are the worst. I need help, not marketing hype. Any takers here? What is your solution?
Perhaps modifying the size of the wrap handle with tape or something?...make it larger. I had bought some anti vibe stuff made by Limbsaver for my trimmers. They have rubber strips that you can wrap around a handle. They do seem to help a little. I do not have severe problems as of yet, using these type of products to limit exposure as best I can. Limbsaver Comfort-Tech Black 24 in. Grip-Wrap Isolator Power Tool Comfort Wrap • $25.99 ^^can be had for less money. Below are some examples of anti-vibe gloves. I do not own any, I usually wear Atlas style gloves when trimming and the thin layer of rubber is noticeable to me in combination with the Comfot-tech strip. http://www.chainsawjournal.com/anti-vibration-gloves-are-worth-every-penny/
I have used a cheap pair from Harbor freight-they have padding on the fingers and the palm. The only thing that bothers me is long sessions with my big trimmer. I have found they do help.
Some motorcycle gloves have built in gel pads in the palms. I would question the durability for saw use but maybe there is something that might work.
