Injuries,rehab,etc.

Post by **ertbaby!!!** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:13 am

I am still sorta new at climbing, (about a year) and i think i may have pushed the limits of my new climber fingers a bit too far a few months ago... I have alot of pain/swelling/small lump on my ring finger (palmside on the knuckle closest to the palm) this has been diagnosed as a ganglion, but i have also noticed a very similar pain/lump on my other hands pinky on the second knuckle on the outer side of my hand... its only slightly painful during normal activities but after a long climb both problem areas really start to become sore. does anybody have an idea about what causes this.. what it is... and how to get rid of it or avoid future problems?
any comments wecome.
thanks

Post by **young'n climber** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 5:30 am

oh and about the medical issue CUT IT OFF u dont need it

Post by **ertbaby!!!** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:03 am

hahah ethan you prick! i knew i'd get burned for even registering on here... oh well... the only reason i dont kick your ass is cuz i am hoping you will set me up with some of your classmates. see ya at the gym ( and maybe someday at the red)

Post by **fancydirt** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:07 pm

Hey, Tags, there's a dedicated forum here for injury/training talk and the like.

The only bumps I've ever gotten on the palm side of my fingers are callouses. A ganglion is a cluster of nerve cells that build up somewhere on a tendon. Essentially a cyst. I'm not sure if that's something that will go away on it's own (probably not) or if you've got to have someone (preferably a doctor, but if you ask nice one of us might do it for you) cut you open and cut it off.

Take that for what you will as I've yet to have a hand injury that couldn't be handled with tape and/or taking it easy for a week.

Post by **Artsay** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 6:32 pm

Ganglion cysts come back if you cut 'em out. Sometimes they just go away on their own.

I had one surface about two years ago on my index finger, palmside, where the finger meets the hand. I went to the doctor and there's nothing you can really do for them except for some old wives tales. Mine was dime-size, raised, and tender but now it's gone (or just really flattened). I think it's from smackin' slopers so give that a shot.

Post by **Gretchen** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 7:34 pm

I had a rather large ganglion cyst cut off the base of my middle finger. I have not had another one at all. They usually are caused by a traumatic situation and are forced out. Actually surprised that more climbers don't experience them! It was more uncomfortable to me to have the cyst, hence the removal. Depending where it is located you can try thumping it with a good size book! Also the body does absorb them back but it usually takes a long time.

Post by **Crankmas** » Thu Nov 20, 2003 8:19 pm

have one on my left index finger, probably been thru a dozen or more, I ignore them sorta but I,ve heard you can massage them and speed the process along

Post by **ertbaby!!!** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 9:45 am

And to gretchen and artsay thanks for the input! and congrats on the little one in the tummy there gretchen!

Post by **Gretchen** » Fri Nov 21, 2003 12:33 pm

Thanks!! And you are welcome! I know some really good hand surgeons if you want to go that route!

Post by **ertbaby!!!** » Mon Nov 24, 2003 2:54 am

Awesome Gretch! I am gonna see what happens with time, but i REALLY appreciate your input and concern and i will be sure to conatct you if i do end up needing surgery. I was thinking about the lil climber in your tummy and i think i can rig up some kind of "Belly Helmet" for yaif ya need one. ya know, get ya back on the rocks

Thanks again