SuperKat 0 #1 March 14, 2007 I had a unfortunate skydiving accident back in 2000 where I had fractured the middle meta-carpel bone in my right hand. A year and two titanium screws later. I started physical therapy and ultrasound treatment. The scar tissue is still there, making it impossible to straighten out or curl my middle finger upwards when my palm is facing down. I did about another year of strengthening the middle finger with some grip excerices. So 7 years later, I figured that I should be up to par and most probably have gained 99% strength back in my right hand. Well, I started punching a punching bag about two months ago. I was probably punching it less than 50% of my strength and to my surprise, I ended up with a swollen hand right around where the screws are holding the meta-carpel bone together. I'm not a medical expert but I would assume that it appears that I might have aggravated the scar tissue surrounding the titaninium screws. I am really determined to take up mixed martial arts training. Therefore, my question to you Physical Therapists or Strength Conditioning Trainers would be: What can I do to help prevent my hand from swelling again If I'm going to be punching a punching bag or take up mixed martial arts training? a) Are there any special exercises that I can start doing to help prevent the swelling? b) Are there special strength conditioning apparatuses that I can purchase to help strengthen the troubled area? c) Should I just focus on being the stud that I am and have women fight my battles for me? Seriously, please help me because this is really bumming me out. Serious answers only.... Yeah right, this is DZ.com Edited to add: Suggestions are always helpful and appreciated. I would never hold it against anyone if their methods were effective or ineffective. It's just suggestive input. What's the most you ever lost in a coin toss, Friendo? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tigra 0 #2 March 14, 2007 Is removing the hardware an option? I'm neither a physical or strength conditioning trainer but I have stayed at a Holiday Inn Express! Honestly, I think your first step is to see your doctor for an xray to see what's going on with the screws. I doubt there is any kind of strengthening or exercise that will eliminate the irritation. You've got relatively large screws in small bones and not a whole lot protecting them. And even if you want to be a tough guy and work through the pain, you should make sure you aren't causing any nerve or tendon damage. You worked pretty hard to get that strength back, and I'm sure you don't want to undo all of that! I've had two ankle injuries requiring surgery and hardware and the only way for me to make as full a recovery as possible was to have the hardware removed after its job was done. The screws caused bone pain, dug into tendons and caught on my muscles. I can't even imagine how screws in my hand would feel! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SuperKat 0 #3 March 14, 2007 QuoteIs removing the hardware an option? Negative. If the hardware is permanent like a shit stain on a suede couch. QuoteI doubt there is any kind of strengthening or exercise that will eliminate the irritation. I would imagine Boxers are familiar with this type of injury. I'm sure they'd know how to strengthen and condition hands that sustain this type of injury. QuoteYou worked pretty hard to get that strength back, and I'm sure you don't want to undo all of that! I hear what you're saying but I'm sure there's a way to do it, I just don't know how. QuoteI can't even imagine how screws in my hand would feel! It's not that bad actually. It's only excruciating pain wehn I have to pull my pilot chute or pull on my toggles to steer my main. Other than that, it's honky dory. Seriously, it only started hurting and swelling up after I started hitting the heavy bag. And I was not only conservative but I mad sure I punched it slowly enough to see that only the first two knuckles were making contact with the bag. What's the most you ever lost in a coin toss, Friendo? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ltdiver 3 #4 March 16, 2007 IMO get the hardware removed or don't hit with that hand. There is little cushion between the outside world and the bones of your hand....and even less with hardware attached. What about kick boxing? ltdiver Don't tell me the sky's the limit when there are footprints on the moon Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
