RRC Archives

While out bouldering yesterday I hear a really loud cracking noise which myself and those around me at first thought was my handhold breaking off, but it turns out it was my finger. The knuckle area cracked loudly and now the whole area is swollen.

It didn't feel anything like the tendon injury I had years ago, on that I hear more of a "pop" than a "crack" and I had pain down through my hand. This seems to be focused between the big finger joint and the join that connects the finger to the hand.

I guess the real question is: is there any point in seeing dr's for these injuries? I don't know what's wrong, but I'm pretty sure if I go to a GP they won't know shit. Could a hand specialist of some kind speed up recovery from this kind of thing or is it best to just wait it out?

just when I thought shamis shared some of his favorite porn sites......

Blown pulley. Nothing to do but rest it and reduce inflammation. Is the tendon bowstringing (visibly pulling away from the bone)? If so, you ripped through multiple pulleys and may want to see an ortho.

I've found ultrasound to be helpful in increasing bloodflow to relatively avascular regions like this...acromioclavicular joint in my case. That's a bummer man, sorry you got injured...worst thing about rockclimbing for sure.

See a hand surgeon and get a referral to a CHT- certified hand therapist (a PT or OT who has done additional training). Here is how this will speed your recovery- you will get a definitive answer and a definitive plan and won't guess about how your injury is progressing/not progressing and due to this guessing try to use it again prematurely. There are more options than just resting. Active and passive ROM, massage, US all encourage the scar of the torn connective tissue to be as functional as possible.
If you are here in Lexington, if nothing else, get your GP to refer you to a CHT- for instance I recommend Greg Pitts and crew at Ky Hand and Physical Therapy. The Best hand therapy group in the area, hands down. They are well acquainted with climbers and their injuries.

Hey, my wife is a CHT at KY Hand and Physical Therapy. What a coincidence.

I could use an hour alone with your wife Kipp. Well, you can be in the room if you want.

kuntz and klienert at Jewish hosp in louisville are great. The sewed my index finger back on for me after I had an accident. Have full use of it today and the scar isnt even visible. They are the ones who did the hand transplants here too. awesome docs for sure.

bring yours, and I think we can work something out.

your avatar makes me hungry.... every time.

please refrain from posting so i don't get fat.

I knew you might have a conflict of interest is spraying about CHT's at KHPT. Allow me. Still true.