Advice needed: The "Claw"

Discussion Topic

Return to Forum List

This thread has been locked

Messages 1 - 20 of total 21 in this topic

<< First | < Previous | Show All | Next > | Last >>

Tom Bruskotter

Trad climber

Seattle

Topic Author's Original Post - Aug 4, 2005 - 06:09pm PT

I know other people get it, or their wouldn't be a nickname for it. What ways have you found that help keep the Claw from happening?

For me, I get the forearm cramp a few times a year, always on a long route, and on lead when I'm cruxing trying to get a cam of my gear sling. So far, I've been able to get a piece in and hang, then i massage and stretch it out. Sometimes it goes away, sometimes it comes back later in the day.

caughtinside

Social climber

Davis, CA

Aug 4, 2005 - 06:16pm PT

I've always associated it with dehydration.

Wrathchild

climber

right behind you

Aug 4, 2005 - 06:43pm PT

Bingo!

Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber

Out Of Bed

Jun 19, 2018 - 04:08pm PT

in this decrepitude, I've been cursed, it might be brought on by dehydration,yes, but theres the repetitive way that, due to now chronic, recurring old injuries, that over time, has changed the way I grasp, hold, pull-down, in an un-balanced way, causing fatigue in the stronger side to accrue faster than in my weaker and so, less depended & used, side. . .

I find that I have a longer day climbing, if before & always after every pitch, if I do stretches. Grasping & bending the stronger, more over used hand in the other and forcing it through a -range of motion- set of exercises. Still it seems that around pitch 4, after, going straight for an objective, little to no warm up climbing, my leading is toast, not daring to risk an epic "Claw" attack. p

madbolter1

Big Wall climber

Denver, CO

Jun 19, 2018 - 04:27pm PT

Flesh is weak. The mystery of steel; therein lies strength.

I recommend HiTuf. Forge white hot then anneal. That's my best claw advice.

Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber

Out Of Bed

Jun 19, 2018 - 04:33pm PT

madbolter1

Big DirtWall climber
Denver, CO
Jun 19, 2018 - 04:27pm PT

Flesh is weak. The mystery of steel; therein lies strength.

I recommend HiTuf. Forge white hot then anneal. That's my best claw advice.

Damn it, a succinct, to the point, retentively to short, post from a dirt monger who must have a trick or two for pushing through "Old Man Issues" Prunes don't work for me? How do you loosen all that red earth you ingest any way? You never hear desert rats tell all the way Kyle C did. I miss that maniac, he would come grab you out of camp to show you; asking do you see it? - see that weird orange tinge in his poop.

madbolter1

Big Wall climber

Denver, CO

Jun 19, 2018 - 04:43pm PT

^^^ Oh, no doubt. Red dirt is a wonder cure-all.

Breathe it, and emphysema disappears; the dirt fills in all those little pockets and smooths over those wheezing alveoli.

Ingest it, and it's better than Bentonite Clay in every way.

Make a paste with spit and rub it on those tired forearms. Popeye-like, you'll be rejuvenated.

Rub the paste on other body parts, and, well, spring into action again!

climber

Just livin' the dream

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:06pm PT

Dehydration is part of it, but mostly it's electrolyte depletion. I used to get hand cramps like clockwork after 3 strenuous routes.

Started using Endurolytes (a full spectrum electrolyte formula) by Hammer Nutrition and never had to deal with The Claw again.

Two caps at the beginning of a climbing session lasts 3-4 hours. Also great for endurance bike rides.

MH2

Boulder climber

Andy Cairns

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:17pm PT

The mystery of steel; therein lies strength.

Sounds about right, but did you ask Mike Law?

Gnome Ofthe Diabase

climber

Out Of Bed

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:22pm PT

and the 2 posts later an answer! I love this place!
Thnx "L"(yes,"like clock work" complete the 3rd pitch of .11, solid forearms crull'd hand)

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:06pm PT
Dehydration is part of it, but mostly it's electrolyte depletion. I used to get hand cramps like clockwork after 3 strenuous routes.

Started using Endurolytes (a full spectrum electrolyte formula) by Hammer Nutrition and never had to deal with The Claw again.

Two caps at the beginning of a climbing session lasts 3-4 hours. Also great for endurance bike rides.

climber

Just livin' the dream

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:23pm PT

There's this new physiotherapy machine that's received good reviews.

I threw up on that thing, Jim....so that would be a fail, right?

Edit: You're welcome, Gnome.

climber

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:25pm PT

Not the Craw, the Claw

ionlyski

Trad climber

Polebridge, Montana

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:32pm PT

climb more

Lorenzo

Trad climber

Portland Oregon

Jun 19, 2018 - 05:40pm PT

Well, there are these things.

But for some reason they never became popular. Maybe it has to do with consequences.

i-b-goB

Social climber

Wise Acres

Jun 19, 2018 - 06:53pm PT

[Click to View YouTube Video]

skywalker1

Trad climber

Jun 20, 2018 - 12:05am PT

This isn't an age thing its a balance of electrolytes and hydration. When you are at it swinging what ever, sawing whatever, or paddling whatever all day and this happens its part water, part electrolytes. IMO I drink a gatorade somewhere along the way. Just water doesn't do it. Even some chocolate helps. I haven't experienced it in any severe form but some kind of additive every once in a while usually solves the issue for me.

S....