[rehab] Does "cane elbow" exist for anyone else?

Mon Aug 15 17:11:05 UTC 2011

Another method is the "Open palm technique" where you don't move your wrist either.  This is done with the palm facing upward and the cane handle is moved with the fingers  in a loose grip.  Now, I don't believe this caused my carpel tunnel syndrome but I know it exacerbated a preexisting condition.  I had the surgery and now I don't have a problem with the open palm.  If you want to try it and can't get around any users who can demonstrate, put your cane in the palm of your hand, hold your wrist with the free hand with the thumb over your pulse point and use that hand to keep the wrist of your cane hand still.  This has the added advantage of keeping your cane in the middle of your body too.  Grin.  

There is a little more wrist action in the pencil grip but that can minimize movement in the elbow.  With practice, you can minimize wrist movement too.  

Getting good with either hand is always a good idea.  That is the one good thing Carpel Tunnel syndrome did for me, it made me use my left hand and get comfortable with it.  Now I can use either.  

Come to convention in Dallas next July.  There are a lot of cane users with a lot of cane techniques to show you if you ask.  You might even be able to get a little free advice from all the blind travel teachers who are always around convention.  

Good luck,

Jane

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Dick Davis
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 8:49 AM
To: Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List
Subject: Re: [rehab] Does "cane elbow" exist for anyone else?

Elizabeth,
Many people have been taught to travel with their arm extended.  Often
that is because they were taught using a shorter cane, and extending their
arm was the only way to get adequate protection.  At BLIND, Inc. and the
other NFB centers, we use one that comes at least up to your chin.  In
that way you can rest your arm against the side of your body and use your
wrist only.  If you are using an aluminum cane, you might want to consider
using one of the lighter NFB ones.
Dick Davis

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Alissa.Auer at dars.state.tx.us
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 8:42 AM
To: rehab at nfbnet.org
Subject: Re: [rehab] Does "cane elbow" exist for anyone else?

I know a few people who have had cane elbow. Their doctors treat it as
tennis elbow. One of my friends sees a chiropractor and wears a brace on
her elbow that helps. I'd start with your regular doctor and see what they
say. OR if you're into acupuncture I've heard that can help tremendously
too.

Alissa Auer
Employment Assistance Specialist
Division for Blind Services
**note new phone number 817-759-3506**
http://www.youtube.com/DARSTexas

-----Original Message-----
From: rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:rehab-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf
Of Sammons, Elizabeth
Sent: Monday, August 15, 2011 7:54 AM
To: Rehabilitation Counselor Mailing List
Cc: antigone at columbus.rr.com
Subject: [rehab] Does "cane elbow" exist for anyone else?

Colleagues,

I have used a white cane for more than 30 years, since childhood. This
summer my right elbow has started to ache, especially when I've taken a
walk, and my husband is suggesting that even as some people develop tennis
elbow, perhaps I have developed "white cane elbow." I am just curious
about whether any of you have experienced or heard of this situation and
if so, what you've done? I am training myself to use my left hand and cane
for the moment.

Thanks for any thoughts,
Elizabeth Sammons

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rg

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