Expert: Chip Aki - 7/23/2008

Question
QUESTION: The question below is the same problem I have.  My middle finger is killing me.  I had been bowling with a 10 pound house ball.  My fingers are really skinny and most of the house ball are too large.  Although I have since gotten my own ball with holes drilled just for me, my middle finger still has not been the same. Is there anything i can do?  Any suggestions, would be greatly appreciated.  

Chile  


Expert: Russ King
Date: 6/21/2008
Subject: Finger Injury

Question
3 weeks ago, i i think i injured my right middle finger bowling. i don't finger tip or anything. its the bone between the second joint and the knuckle. it hurts to bend my finger and it also hurts to press on the bone. im not sure what i did to it. all i know is that i noticed it after bowling three weeks ago. if you could help me in any way, that would be great.
Kara


Answer
I need some background to zero in on the problem.
Is this ball drilled conventional (fingers into 2nd joint)?
Is this ball drilled for you ?
How long have you used this ball from new till now ?
How old are you (arthritis maybe)?
Has this been a problem before ?
Do you put your thumb in all the way?
Are you doing anything different?
Do you have any other injuries that may cause you to do things differently?
Was there a different shot you bowled on that night that made you change something?
How is the size of the hole?(loose/tight)

HOW SHARP ARE THE EDGES AT THE TOP OF THE HOLE?DO YOU FEEL THE HOLE FROM THE BASE OF YOUR FINGER TO THE FINGERTIP?
PUT YOUR HAND IN THE BALL. SWING THE BALL FEELING THE WEIGHT IN THE FINGERS. IS THE WEIGHT EQUAL BETWEEN THE FINGERS (IF 14 POUND BALL, YOU FEEL 7 POUNDS ON EACH FINGER)?



ANSWER: Where is the pain you are experiencing?  Is it sore to move or sore to touch?

Chip

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

QUESTION: The pain is at the knuckle. it hurts to bend my finger.

Answer
I would have the pitch of the finger hole checked.  It might have to have some of the forward pitch eliminated.  That should help.  Have your pro shop take a look at it.  It would be fairly easy to change and shouldnt take over a day or two.

Good luck,
Chip