Expert: - 3/16/2008

Question
QUESTION: I believe I have arthritis or gout in my bowling hand.  It has been swelling on and off for several weeks now.  My average is 180 to 190, it has dropped to about 140 to 150.  We are in good position but, this problem is hurting the team.  It's getting down to the wire in my bowling league.  I have tried every type of release I know.  What on earth can I do to help my team!  PLEASE HELP!

ANSWER: James,
Have the condition seen by a physician.

You may be aggravating the condition.

There may be treatments that can ease the pain/swelling.

Good luck with the finish of your season. Thanks for the question.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Warren, Thanks very much for getting back to me, I appreciate your answer.  I have had this condition check by my doctor and the treatment is, I'm sure you guess, (STOP BOWLING!)  Which WILL ease the swelling and the pain.  (lol) I was really hoping there was something I could do, far as, a way to release the ball or some kind of brace that could take the tention off of the middle finger, just to get me through the season, so my team will not have to take blinds.  I'll have to follow doctor's orders, It's not ease watching from the sidelines.  Thanks again, take care.

Answer
James,
What is the condition? Have you tried wrist devices to alleviate the pain? Has your doctor recommended any pain relievers?

You may try relieving the tension on the finger by changing the pitch to put less pressure on the knuckle. Is the knuckle the problem or the base of the finger?

What are the pitches in the ball? Both laterals and forward/reverse for thumb and fingers. And throw in the spans of the grip. Thanks for the questions. I might just offer something to try.

Hope you're feeling better.