American Farriers Journal
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Advertise Follow Us
Symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome can become so severe that they can prevent you from doing something as simple as holding on to your tools. Fortunately, surgery, as shown here, can provide relief for symptoms and help you regain the normal use of your hands. Photos: Marijke Ellert
How Should You Handle Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?
Dealing with the symptoms, getting surgery and staying in good health
For farriers, aches and pains are just part of the trade. You’ve probably worked out ways to shake off any physical discomfort to keep going or have learned to just deal with sore muscles and joints whenever you have the time. Yet, aches and pains that you might think are a standard part of your profession can actually be something more ominous.
Placerville, Calif., farrier Marijke Ellert started to experience pain in her wrists when she was working. At first, she found no cause for concern. She just assumed that the pain was from tendonitis — until her right hand started going completely numb.
“It used to be just when I was working. And then it would be even when I was on my days off, even when I was doing stuff that wasn’t labor intensive with my hands,” says Ellert. “When I started to have those symptoms, I felt like it was more than just tendonitis.”
Farrier Takeaways
- Getting “pins and needles” in your hands or experiencing numbness or weakness in your hands or wrists are all symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. The symptoms can range in intensity and build over the years.
- Taking precautions like changing your forging and shoeing techniques to minimize physical stress can do a lot to prolong your career and improve your health.
- Carpal tunnel release surgery can relieve extreme symptoms and ultimately improve your ability to perform your job well, as well as your overall quality of life.
Ellert sought help from a…
Premium content is for our Digital-only and Premium subscribers. A Print-only subscription doesn't qualify. Please purchase/upgrade a subscription with the Digital product to get access to all American Farriers Journal content and archives online.
Top Articles
Current Issue
Plenty of Hoof-Care Growth in 50 Years
Celebrating 2 Decades of Extraordinary Hoof-Care Learning
Butler’s Insights Hold Strong
Current Issue
Special Report For Equine Veterinarians
American Farriers Journal is the “hands-on” magazine for professional farriers, equine veterinarians and horse care product and service buyers.
Must Read Free Eguides
Download these helpful knowledge building tools
- Caring for Your Horse During a Pandemic
- CBD Products Have Promise for Farriers, but Buyer Beware
- Sharpening Knives with a Buffer
- Winter Hoof Care
Videos
Hoof Care on Parade
Greg Martin, CJF, of Boerne, Texas, takes the unique approach of marketing his hoof-care practice with a Christmas parade float in Boerne and Comfort, Texas. The award-winning float boasts a variety of surprising features.
Events
Michigan Horseshoers Association 55th Annual Clinic
Date: 01/02/25
Location: Lansing, MI
View Event
Top Directory Listings
Life Data Labs Inc
Life Data Labs Inc. is a dedicated product manufacturer committed to producing premium quality animal nutrition and health products through continuous product improvement and new product development. First-class ingredients, fresh products, consistent high quality and scientifically proven effectiveness are the principal features of Life Data Labs animal health products. And that's why they've produced the #1 recommended hoof supplement by farriers for 12 consecutive years.
Kawell USA
Kawell develops and produces copper alloy horseshoes and inserts, giving horses the care that they need to fight issues associated with white line disease, seedy toe and thrush.
SmartPak
From the feed room to the tack room, SmartPak offers innovative solutions to help riders take great care of their horses. SmartPak was founded in 1999 with the introduction of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system. The revolutionary, daily dose SmartPaks are custom-made for your horse, individually labeled and sealed for freshness.