For the last several years, I have had a mass growing at the base of my right (bowling) thumb.  Recently, it started to hit the nerve when I bowled causing a great deal of pain.  I went to a hand specialist on Thursday who said it had to come out.  He ordered the MRI and scheduled surgery for yesterday.  

During the pre-op visit at the hospital, I asked him what the MRI showed.  He said the radioligist called it 'bowler's thumb'.  No kidding, I googled it!  I had a bunch of scar tissue that had built up over the years that was now pinching the nerve.  He said it is caused by having too small a thumb hole and pressure on the thumb right before you release the ball.  I found that interesting because I always have the holes drilled a little big so I need at least one piece of tape.  That way I can adjust for swelling.  I asked him if it may have been caused my having too big of a hole and gripping the ball too tight.  He said it was possible.

Has anyone out there had this?  Did you have surgery, and if so, how long was the recovery.  I'm wondering if I should reduce the size of my thumb hole so I don't grip so tightly and if I need a pitch change?  He mentioned some device I could use to help with this.  Is anyone familiar with that?  

Any thoughts from anyone would be appreciated.

Very interesting. I also am dealing with a buildup at the base of my thumb. It's a callous that I have started using sandpaper on. A veteran (84 yrs old) PBA bowler said to be careful when taking down the callous because it could start peeling like an onion if you go too deep.
I have been experimenting with something I think might work. I took an old ball and made a notch at the top of the front of the thumbhole. I then took an old finger insert, cut a piece to fit the notch and superglued it in. Put my hand in the ball and squeezed as hard as I could with the base of my thumb. No pain at all and very comfortable. I did put a smooth piece of finger tape in the front of the hole to smooth the transition from slug surface to insert surface. When I tested the ball it released fine. Next step is to get a finger grip the size of my thumb or a little bigger, drill a countersink hole at the top of the thumbhole the od of the finger insert, cut about a 1/4" slice off the insert, and glue it in. I could be on to something here.
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Moon
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So many questions, so little time but I'm having fun.

this is the reason why I wear tape on my thumb. it not only helps me clear the thumb easier but I dont think I should ever feel pain while bowling.

the only sports that I think should be painful is full contact sports like hockey and football.

this is just my opinion.

its one thing to have your thumb look like your a bowler... its a whole different thing when you need surgery. listen to your body... if it hurts, its probably not good for you.
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Visionary Test Staff 08/09

all visionary this year

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