Just hit 1,000 shoes in one season and my thumbs are wrecked

Reached 1,000 shoes nailed this summer alone and I didn't expect it to hit me like that - my thumbs feel like I've been hammering rocks for six months straight. Has anyone else had to change their grip or technique to avoid the joint pain?

2 comments

2 Comments

gibson.robert13d ago

Most people focus on grip technique but nobody talks about how your elbow position changes the strain on your thumbs. If your elbows are tucked too close to your ribs, your thumbs have to do all the work to pivot the hammer. I had to stop and watch myself in a mirror to realize I was locking my wrists. Opening up my stance a few inches and letting my forearm take some of the swing took about 80% of the pressure off my thumb joints. Took a week to get used to it but now I can go twice as long before the ache sets in. The other thing is switch to a lighter hammer for the last 200 shoes, even if it means a little extra swing time.

the_jake13d ago

My buddy tried opening his stance after reading this and swore it fixed his elbow pain overnight.