To All, Lateral Epicondylitis is a bitch. Rest, stretching, arm bands, shots of steroids, non-steroidal anti-inflamatories, surgery, etc., all have their place. I have been through them all. I was getting shots and the medication for about 8 months. I was not getting any better but then again, I would get a shot on Thursday and be at the forge on Saturday and Sunday. I finally had the surgery in 1991. No fun. But since I do not want to go through that again, I have been taking it easier. Warming up helps and if it hurts, don't do it. Or at least as much.

I agree with the notion of using a wooden helve (handle) for your hammer as it seems to have the best strength and necessary flexibility. Use a longer helve for heavier hammers and hang on to the bulge in the middle of the helve. The extension hanging out behind your hand is for balance of the weight of the hammer head.

Years ago I worked with a plastic surgeon who was the President of the National Hand Surgery Assn. (or something like that!) He pointed out that the habit of many to keep their thumb on top of the helve was a great way to guarantee that you would be hurting. Hold a hammer this way and notice the extensor tendon that runs from your thumb past your wrist. This tendon will absorb most of the recoil of the hammer and will cause arm pain after awhile.

I think prevention is the key. The hammer handle is the problem and the solution. If the handle does not fit the hand properly it requires a tighter grip. The tighter grip causes the pain. Switching to a lighter hammer requires less grip. Fitting the handle properly would allow the user to work easier and move more metal

Steve Kayne