Hi doctor. I have am currently recovering from a "boxers fracture" of my left ring finger. while recovering, i wanted to go climbing, and so I went indoor bouldering. Trying to avoid using my left ring finger, i used the middle one mainly, and climbed on 1-2finger pockets with my left hand mainly. This was a bad idea, as I managed to do something to my left middle finger, in the middle joint. (joint #2 counting from finger tip) It does not hurt when i apply pressure on it, and there is no swollenness. I have full freedom of movement with the finger, but when gripping something ( climbing rope, can of coke, doorhandle) I get pain through the joint area. Also, when opening, closing the hand, there is bad pains in the joint(most when the finger is in "gripping positiong" This really frustrates me, since my boxers fracture has been healing for 6 weeks now and is almost healed! So I ask you: what is this pains I am feeling, what can I do to get rid of them, and how much longer must i lay off climbing?? Thanks alot for the time to answer these questions!
HiA little bit vague to be able to understand quite what has happened but it seems like a flexor tendon strain, put your hand in warm water 2x15 minutes per day apply Voltaren gel to the area-refrain from climbing at all for 7 days then slowely bring it on again. Use a foam rubber ball to squeeze to get the cirkulation going. Remember that when your hand has been imobelized (because of the fracture) your tendons will become weaker- don't overdo it.If this doesn't work see a specialist about it Björn
(yet another) finger injury