Author Topic: Strained Flexor Tendons (Read 22143 times)

chucksta29 · « **on:** March 13, 2012, 04:51:19 PM »

In both my ring and middle fingers on the bowling hand. 3 weeks of inflammatory meds and physical therapy. My question is there something in the form of a brace or like wise that will help prevent this again? I've heard of Steel Fingers before but don't know much else. Any help is appreciated.

I'd rather you hate me for everything I am, then have you love me for something that I'm not!!! 5FDP

milorafferty · « **Reply #1 on:** March 13, 2012, 04:57:45 PM »

Perhaps a Griips Glove?

(Sorry, had to do it.)

spmcgivern · « **Reply #2 on:** March 13, 2012, 04:58:34 PM »

I have a strained flexor tendon in my ring finger also. I have had to change my grip to a sarge-easter to eleviate the pain in my finger. I will be taking the summer off to try and heal, but not sure if it will ever get back to normal.

I am not a pro-bowler, but I do play one on BallReviews.com

chucksta29 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 13, 2012, 05:00:04 PM »

What a wisenheimer

milorafferty wrote on 3/13/2012 2:57 PM:Perhaps a Griips Glove? (Sorry, had to do it.)

I'd rather you hate me for everything I am, then have you love me for something that I'm not!!! 5FDP

charlest · « **Reply #4 on:** March 13, 2012, 05:17:26 PM »

Yes, Steel Fingers can help.

I have tendonitis (According to this web page, Flexor Tendon injuries, I have the same thing) in the 2nd knuckle of my ring finger. When it flares up, I use them. I carry them with me all the time, inmy bag.

Steel Fingers

But you shouldn't bowl when they're inflammed, which I'm sure the doctor already told you.

FYI

1. 2 Ibuprofen (Advil) about an hour before bowling and 2 more immediately after bowling will help keep down the inflammation and the pain, BUT it does interfere with healing.

2. You should use a hand device that supports the back of the fingers, like Steel Fingers does, even when they're not inflammed. It will help prevent the inflammation which is caused by physical stress on the fingers. A 1 lb lighter ball will help also.

I did something similar to spmcgivern. I reduced the span of my ring finger by 1/8". Now both fingers have the same span.

"None are so blind as those who will not see."

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Edited by charlest on 3/13/2012 at 3:19 PM

chucksta29 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 13, 2012, 05:24:27 PM »

Thanks for the information, besides the inflammatory meds he suggested 3 weeks of physical therapy to help with the pain. I'm debating on whether I want to do that or not.

charlest wrote on 3/13/2012 3:17 PM:
Yes, Steel Fingers can help.

I have tendonitis (According to this web page, Flexor Tendon injuries, I have the same thing) in the 2nd knuckle of my ring finger. When it flares up, I use them. I carry them with me all the time, inmy bag.

Steel Fingers

But you shouldn't bowl when they're inflammed, which I'm sure the doctor already told you.

FYI

1. 2 Ibuprofen (Advil) about an hour before bowling and 2 more immediately after bowling will help keep down the inflammation and the pain, BUT it does interfere with healing.

2. You should use a hand device that supports the back of the fingers, like Steel Fingers does, even when they're not inflammed. It will help prevent the inflammation which is caused by physical stress on the fingers. A 1 lb lighter ball will help also.

I did something similar to spmcgivern. I reduced the span of my ring finger by 1/8". Now both fingers have the same span.

"None are so blind as those who will not see."

BowlingChat.net

Edited by charlest on 3/13/2012 at 3:19 PM

I'd rather you hate me for everything I am, then have you love me for something that I'm not!!! 5FDP

stopncrank · « **Reply #6 on:** March 13, 2012, 05:49:47 PM »

Went through it myself last summer-definitely not fun.Was so bad for the first 3 days I couldnt make a fist. Thing that helped me the most is I took the summer off.

When I came back, I adjusted my grip, including span length and pitched my fingers away from the grip 1/4"-this took some getting used to but feel like now almost a year later I throw it so much better, and its much more comfortable and alot less stressful on my fingers.

Like others have said, Ibuprofin-let it be your friend lol. Also, a good ice pack afterwards helps, especially if you have to bowl multiple days in a row.

Good luck and definitely whatever you do, dont rush back!

Still taking your lunch money one strike at a time....

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Steven · « **Reply #7 on:** March 13, 2012, 06:22:44 PM »

Chuck, there isn't an easy way to work around tendon issues. I've had tendon problems in my hand and elbow, and neither got better fast or easy. After trying everything from RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) to Acupuncture, I found ASTYM physical therapy to be the most effective. You'll probably be out of commission for 4-6 weeks, but at least you'll heal correctly. Do a search and look into it.

chucksta29 wrote on 3/13/2012 3:24 PM:
Thanks for the information, besides the inflammatory meds he suggested 3 weeks of physical therapy to help with the pain. I'm debating on whether I want to do that or not.

rymacatthedisco · « **Reply #8 on:** March 13, 2012, 07:30:41 PM »

i tape my wrist, which helps the tendons stay in place, advil before bowling, and an inch reverse in the fingers...and then just dealing with the pain...

Ryan McDaniel...

Smash49 · « **Reply #9 on:** March 15, 2012, 11:04:33 PM »

I had this years ago and I consulted my chiropractor. He takes care of a lot of my sports injuries. The chiropractor explained how the tendons in the arm work to me and told me not to massage the for arm and leave it alone no matter how bad it hurt. He also told me that the pitches and span in my equipment were wrong and to have someone that knew what they were doing correct them. I had to continue bowling and the only way to know if things were right was to have less pain. I learned a lot about my grip really fast.

Smash49

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TamerBowling · « **Reply #10 on:** March 16, 2012, 10:40:26 AM »

I think there's no question a refit is in order. Try to find a very experienced ball driller check it out. They should know what the best adjustment is to alleviate the strain.

We also tend to want to bowl through the pain which usually gets us in trouble in the long run. Get some rest and physical therapy couldn't hurt.

So 1st, get some rest. 2nd, physical therapy. 3rd refit. If you don't refit, you're bound to get recurrence of the injury. Some form of brace that others have mentioned may help, but in the end a 15 pound ball is rolling off your fingers and it will hurt if you're not healed properly and an improper fit exacerbates it.

I happen to be a clinician, but will leave further specific medical advice to your personal doctors.

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Raydee · « **Reply #11 on:** March 18, 2012, 01:00:36 AM »

I just posted this in another topic but I too went through a very painful couple years of tendon problems and the ONLY way I was able to help the problem was to have my balls drilled for no inserts. I also have my finger holes drilled a little closer than most so I am able to tape my fingers together. This has seemed to really help me for the most part and although I still get some pain here and there it is nowhere near as bad as it was when I was using inserts.

Smash49 · « **Reply #12 on:** March 18, 2012, 06:57:11 PM »

I agree with Tamer. It took me going to school and about $2000 to learn to drill my own equipment but the problem is solved. When I drill a bowling ball I can not even tell I am holding it when I let it hang down by my side. No pressure anywhere on the grip. When it came to trusting ball drillers I asked myself who do I trust the most and the answer was learn to do it yourself. This solution is not for everyone but the better your grip the better you bowl. IBPSIA school was worth every dime!

Smash49

Slick, tacky, wood or synthetic it does not matter your slide is correct with SLSM Designs Bowlers Slide Sock. The Finest Slide Sock on the Planet!!!
www.bowlersslidesock.com
IBPSIA Certified Technician
Bowlers Journal International's Top 100 Coaches!!! 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010(73),2011(84)
USBC Register Volunteer

chucksta29 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 18, 2012, 08:06:38 PM »

See that's the thing that I don't understand. I have been going to the same driller for 10 years and have never had a problem. Three years ago I had him shorten the span on my ring finger and had better feel. I use a thumb exactacator so I have the same thumb in every ball and the span is the same every time I get a ball drilled. The one thing I have changed is since the injury I don't curl my pinkie finger any more. For some reason it hurts less when it's not curled.

I'm taking three weeks off until my follow up appointment with my orthopedic doctor. So far the swelling has gone down and I can make a fist pain free. I'll just have to see what the doc says I guess.

I'd rather you hate me for everything I am, then have you love me for something that I'm not!!! 5FDP

TamerBowling · « **Reply #14 on:** March 20, 2012, 12:06:20 AM »

Just keep in mind that it's worthwhile checking fit every year or couple of years. Nothing may change, but you might be surprised. Also keep in mind that we have new bones every 10 years. Bone turns over, slowly but surely. Naturally, fit may change as a consequence.

Take some time off and best of luck. Believe me, I've been dealing with my own injury over the last few years looking for answers myself. Just try not to get overly frustrated.

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