Expert: Russ King - 10/20/2006

Question
I just started bowling in a league,after 40 years away from it.I have my own 12 lb ball and the thumb hole needed to be made a little larger which was done.  The first month, no problem but last week during a 186 game my thumb started hurting. After that it was all down hill with a 147 and a 112 as I could hardly hold the ball. I have a bone at the end of my thumb by the connection to my hand that seems a little larger than normal but it's still not too big. Yesterday I experienced the same problems and at one point even dropped the ball.  I talked to a lady at our pro shop about a thumb insert but when I saw that it was hard plastic I wasn't sure it would help.  I have tried putting bandaids to protect this are between my thumb and 1st finger but nothing is helping.  After icing it for a day and using emu cream it is better until I bowl again.  Golfing doesn't affect it at all.  Please help me. I'm having a ball in my retirement years and I don't want to stop bowling.  Thanks so much. Jane  

Answer
When I was just starting out , I had the same problem. There is a floating cartalidge in that spot.My grip was toooo long(stretched). I found out by beveling the top ridge (rounding) to a teardrop shape. Taking off the edge reduces the spans stretch.If this helps, your span is tooo long.I felt pinching & after many games my thumb went numb. It's when it woke up that I dreaded.Your hand in retirement years needs a lot of TLC (tender loving care).It won't stretch & bend like it used to. From 18 years old to now i'm 44,my hand won't take the stress like it used to.Making the hole bigger is an indication that something is wrong.Plug up the thumb (first take measurements) then shrink the span. You need to last 3 games & wake up in the morning without . When this happens, your grip is right!Your thumb hole drilled right should be just a 1/2 size larger than your thumb to be right so you wont squeeze it to hold on.Put just your thumb in the ball. If it is a canyon & your thumb can twirl all around, this is a big problem & needs to be corrected.
Bowling shouldn't hurt!
WELL , ONLY IF YOU LOOSE I GUESS.