Expert: Susie Minshew - 8/2/2009

Question
The following question has been asked before, but I didn't see an answer.  This question fits my problem!

QUESTION: 3 weeks ago, 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. I'm not sure what I did to it. I am a conventional bowler, so I place my fingers all the way into the holes.  I've been using this ball for the past 10 years.  This is the first time this has happened.  A friend suggested using my finger tips, and I didn't feel the pain I felt with my fingers fully inserted in the ball.  I'm knocking on 40, and although I think I'm young, age may be a factor.  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.

Answer
As humans, we change - and we do so frequently. You should have your fit checked at least yearly. To have gone 10 years without a Pro Shop Professional checking to be sure the ball still fits your hand is certainly asking for trouble. You didn't say how often you bowl but whether it's once a week or 12 games a day, a ill-fitting ball can cause permanent damage to your hand.

The fact that you have a conventional grip could be contributing to the problem as well, especially if you are trying to hook the ball at all. Most folks think that the more deeply their fingers are in the ball, the more control they have. The actual truth is that the more hand you have on the surface of the ball, putting your fingers in only to the first knuckle, the more control you have and the easier it is to roll the ball. This won't work with a conventional grip because your span (distance between the thumb hole and finger hole), would be way too short. Keep in mind that all house balls are drilled conventional. They make everyone equally bad!

Certainly you need to not throw that ball any more period. Get your fit checked right away! If you are considering going fingertip, which I highly recommend, do so in this ball. Don't buy a new ball yet. It's easy to plug and re-drill this one to make sure everything is okay with your fit before you spend the money on a new ball.

I don't want to sound all gloom and doom but this is a serious issue. You use your hand and fingers a lot for stuff not bowling related. Bowling is a non-combat sport and is not supposed to hurt. See your Pro Shop Professional for an evaluation. You can find a good Prop Shop Operator in your area by searching the International Bowling Pro Shops and Instructors Association's website at www.ibpsia.com Good luck!