Expert: Lian Shoemake - 5/28/2004

Question
when training over the past two weeks on pads or heavy bag there was a repeating pain in my left wrist with strikes especially hooks and uppercuts.

I then went to the doctor who said that there is a ligament inflamed in my wrist around the scaphoid area he also thought my scaphoid could be chipped he pointed out that if there is scaphoid damage I should give up boxing (I fully expected a negative response to when I said I boxed) so i went for an x-ray which the results showed no fracture or chip.

I called the doctor with the results even though the results where good he still advised against boxing again. So the morale of the story is if it is only inflamed ligaments surely 3 weeks rest I could go back? and the doctor is just anti boxing (no GP will encourage boxing) ?. Im sure this is a common injury among boxers and strenghtning of the wrist can overcome it?. Any feedback appreciated.

G  

Answer
Hi Gar,

Your question is a valid one, but it really falls outside of the expertise of a boxing expert and into the realm of a physician.
I would never give anyone advice contrary to what his or her examining physician has given, but if you're convinced that the diagnosis is not accurate, then maybe you could consult an actual sports physician or sports-injury physical therapist.
Remember, boxing puts unnatural stress and pressure on the hands, so your doctor may not be biased, but rather very cautious about recommending that a patient engage in such a potentially dangerous activity.

If you can afford it, you should try a sports injury specialist and see what he or she says.

I hope this helps, Gar.
Thanks for writing!

Regards,
Lian