Milking and arm pain

[Melissa'sDreamFarm]

So I bought a doe in milk. I love the milk and the whole milking process. BUT my right arm is going numb periodically during the day. I do medical transcription at work and I have had of and on pain in my right arm, elbow and hand. I'm sure some of it is carpal tunnel, but it's never given this much trouble over the years.

I am milking with my left hand only now, as my right hand just doesn't have any grip in it. Have any of ya'll experienced this? If so, what did you do to help alleviate the symptoms, other than go to the Doctor?

Thanks, Melissa

 

[ksalvagno]

Bought a milking machine.

 

[Melissa'sDreamFarm]

That's more expensive than going to the Doctor, lol!

Of course if it doesn't get better, I will eventually go, but I was hope for some home remedy to try first.

Thanks, Melissa

 

[ksalvagno]

Well, I decided that carpal tunnel surgery would cost more than the milking machine. But I will be milking 10 goats this summer.

 

[freemotion]

I see a wonderful chiropractor every 2-3 weeks. My grip is noticeably stronger after seeing him. He does not just manipulate the spine, but does every joint in the body if needed. I always remind him to check my "milkmaid's hands" and my left wrist/elbow is usually in need of adjustment. Next time I milk, I really notice it.

Anti-inflammatory supplements really help, too. Super-antioxidants. Fish oil. And a good B complex.

 

[Melissa'sDreamFarm]

I will try the anti-inflammatory (Advil) and see if this helps. I want to try ice on and off, but do I ice my wrist, elbow or shoulder? or all three

 

[Melissa'sDreamFarm]

If I had three to milk right now, idk, I might buy a milking machine too!! It gets really painful at night, while I'm try to sleep. :/

 

[SDGsoap&dairy]

I feel you... I'm a professional groomer and on days with a lot of dogs milking the girls can get uncomfortable. Wish I had a suggestion for you!

 

[freemotion]

I will try the anti-inflammatory (Advil) and see if this helps. I want to try ice on and off, but do I ice my wrist, elbow or shoulder? or all three

Depends on where the restriction is...that is why you need to see a good chiropractor, one who will address all the joints, not just the spine. It is fairly common for the impingement to be in the neck or in the brachial plexus, the bundle of nerves and blood vessels that come through the shoulder and serve the arm and hand.

Don't use anti-inflammatory drugs too often, it will destroy your liver over time.

 

[elevan]

I will try the anti-inflammatory (Advil) and see if this helps. I want to try ice on and off, but do I ice my wrist, elbow or shoulder? or all three

Depends on where the restriction is...that is why you need to see a good chiropractor, one who will address all the joints, not just the spine. It is fairly common for the impingement to be in the neck or in the brachial plexus, the bundle of nerves and blood vessels that come through the shoulder and serve the arm and hand.

Don't use anti-inflammatory drugs too often, it will destroy your liver over time.

x2 on all of the above.

Also here is an inexpensive milker that uses the hand in a different way and is easy to use right or left handed:
http://www.maggidans.com/milker.htm