Expert: Chip Aki - 10/24/2007

Question
Hi Chip, hope all is well with you. I need advice for the best layout of my grip to alleviate stress on my thumb especially and also in general, my hand. I have developed DeQuervains' syndrome(tightening of the sheathing that encases the tendons that run through the hand to the base of the thumb at the wrist). My current layout is as follows; span = 41/4" ring finger & 41/16" middle finger(I'm a lefty). ring finger pitch = 1/4 away and middle  = 1/2 away. Thumb = 5/16 forward & 1/4 lateral.(45 degree release angle). Any help is appreciated. Leon

Answer
The first thing I would look at is the lateral pitch in the thumb.  You do not say which way the lateral is, but this can make you have to squeeze the ball even with the forward pitch in the thumb.
Depending on which type of finger inserts you use, the reverse in the fingers can cause squeezing as well.  Any gripping action taken by the hand will not help your syndrome.  You may have to try going with a shorter span and less reverse on the fingers.
I wish I could help more, but this is something that needs to be looked at in person.

Good luck,
Chip