What are symptoms of climber’s finger?
2 min read
Asked by: Steven Chandra
Signs and Symptoms
- Pain along the palm side of the fingers (sometimes extending into palm or forearm)
- Mild swelling compared to opposite fingers/hand.
- Decreased grip strength while climbing.
- Tenderness in the fingers while gripping/grasping objects.
- Soreness that persists hours to days after climbing.
What causes a climber’s fingers to go numb?
The nerve travels up the anterolateral aspect of each finger and, with enough sharp pressure, can be severely damaged. Because these nerves are sensory only, numbness is the usual outcome. Nerves are slow to heal, and the loss of sensation can take months to return, or may never at all.
How is climbing finger injury diagnosed?
The most common symptom is hearing or feeling a pop in the finger while pulling down, followed by pain, bruising, swelling, and difficulty forming a fist. Injuries can range from a mild sprain or a complete tear. Rest, ice, splinting, and physical therapy are common treatment options.
How do you cure a climbing finger?
Treatment. –Refrain from all climbing, split the finger and keep swelling down. -Gentle finger motion and light strengthening exercises, wear tape during the day. -Continue H-taping the injured finger up to six months, but no longer.
How long does climbers finger take to heal?
Once you’re noting zero pain with normal grip positions on the hangboard, you can return to climbing. A full return to activity is realistic in six weeks for grade 1 and 2 injuries, and six to eight weeks for grade 3 injuries, with a full functional return by three to four months minimum.
How is ulnar nerve entrapment treated?
Ulnar Nerve Entrapment Treatment
- Occupational therapy to strengthen the ligaments and tendons in the hands and elbows.
- Drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen and other nonprescription pain relievers to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Splints to help immobilize the elbow.
Do rock climbers get carpal tunnel?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is becoming more common in climbers because of the repetitive use of the wrist flexors (the muscles in front of our wrists) to grip holds. The median nerve, which runs under the wrist flexors, can become compressed if the wrist is in a flexed position repetitively (think projecting on slopers).
How do I know if I have a pulley injury?
The most common signs of finger pulley injuries include:
- Pain on the palm side of finger and tenderness with pressure.
- Swelling of the finger.
- Difficulty forming a fist.
- Hearing a “pop” at the time of the injury2.
