I work with this stuff as part of my job. It is something that I am sensitive to, as well.
There are a variety of nerve, tendon, circulatory, joint, etc., disorders that can be related, or have similar symptoms to those that you describe. For example, swelling tendons (tendonitis) can put pressure on the nerves, etc. It is possible to have multiple conditions, e.g. white finger syndrome (circulatory) and carpal tunnel syndrome (nerve) and arthritis (joints) at the same time. Some of these are progressive - i.e. you never fully 'recover', and symptoms reoccur quicker with each exposure. Age is a factor. You need to get medical diagnosis and advice on your personal situation from a health care professional, not on-line.
Several of these disorders have been associated with chainsaw use for a long time. Cold weather and smoking can exacerbate these conditions, especially the circulatory ones.
As far as the saws, there are a number of things you can do to reduce your vibration exposure; some of which have been posted above. Even the cost of a new saw ($700 - $1,000) can be relatively cheap compared to the cost of medical care and disability:
- use newer, quality saws with reduced anti-vibration (A/V) technology;
- keep your saw tuned;
- keep your chain sharp, and don't grind down the depth gauges excessively;
- choose reduced vibration chain designs (clipped heels on cutters) and avoid skip tooth chains;
- limit your exposure - spread it out over time to allow for recovery;
- wear A/V gloves - not just padded or impact reducing gloves. Again, these can be much more expensive ($40/pair), but like the old Loreal commercials, 'you are worth it'. I like the ones with the air bubbles better than the foam or gel padded ones. They should cover your full hand, including fingers, and not be too tight - you don't want to constrict circulation.
Here are some manufacturers of A/V gloves - you can check with site sponsors to see which they carry, or if they offer other brands:
IMPACTO Ergonomic Personal Protection, Anti-vibration Glove, Impact Gloves, wrist supports, kneepads, insoles
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Anti-Vibration Products
Some technical stuff:
NIOSH Publication Number 89-106: NIOSH Criteria Documents: Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Exposure to Hand-Arm Vibration | CDC/NIOSH
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 83-110
Philbert