g6gtp

Hey guys, I have started boxing in my free time to stay in shape, I don't have plans to start fighting yet. I also have some joint issues with my hands, my pointing finger doesn't tuck in all the way when I make a fist. Usually when you make a fist there is a flat edge created, well mine is flat mostly with the one finger sticking out a little past my middle knuckle. So when i punch the bag my finger gets pushed in to where it's supposed to be when I make a fist, and this kills. I have been trying to avoid hitting the bag with this finger straight on, but it results in an incorrect punch most of the time. I figured after a while I would just beat the finger into place and all would be good but nothing yet. It's getting to the point where after 5-10 minutes I get discouraged because every other straight right makes me half to stop for a second and shake my hand becuase it hurts. I do wear hand wraps but with my lower fingers favored and wrapped more trying to level my hand out but its not working so well. So if anyone has any advice on how to stretch this finger so that it can join the rest of my fingers in a fist it would be a life saver. Thank you

Captainobvious

Is this due to some sort of injury, or has it just always been like that?

Sounds like you have ligament damage

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Prospects:
Harry Yorgey 154lb (20-0-1, 9KO)
Member of BoxingForum Member H.O.F. (Nov 2007)

Cynosure Legend

You probably need to go see a hand specialist, as it sounds like a pretty serious problem.

That's my recommendation.

Captainobvious

I agree, however in the short term, you may be able to use a 1" foam or equivalent "roll" to squeeze your fist around that would keep all of the fingers in the same position, and prevent that awkward impact your getting on the finger.

(ie- picture holding a roll of quarters in your hand, now swap that with a dense foam, viola)

__________________
Prospects:
Harry Yorgey 154lb (20-0-1, 9KO)
Member of BoxingForum Member H.O.F. (Nov 2007)

g6gtp

Yeah, thanks guys. It's not due to some injury it's always been like that. I thought about holding the foam padding thing and about trying to wrap something on the bottom fingers to level it out too. I haven't been to the doctors for this yet but I might soon. Thanks again.

Ultimateboxa

Go see a joints specialist. Im sure you would require an operation or cast though if your wrist has been like that for a really long time.

drawyourface

I was really interested to see this topic because I'm having the exact same issue with my fist. I started training about 3 weeks ago and really love boxing but I can see where this is going to cause a major problem if I don't get it worked out. My trainer has looked at my hands and can't figure it out either. I have no previous hand injury. The foam roll sounds like a great option. Any idea where I could find such a thing?

Natasha

I started boxing a couple of months ago and I've got the same problem with my pointing finger (no injuries). I tend to twist my punch to hit sort of sideways and now, I tend to hurt my pinkie. Tried to stretch, doing push-ups on my fists - pain, pain, lots of pain.... no result...
Talked with my instructor and he suggested not to use the gloves and hit with the wrist instead. I'm going to try that, will look funny, but the form will be better.
As for the doctors - some people can't touch their toes - should they also consider an operation? Just a thought, I'm not going..

drawyourface

I have a new, more experienced trainer now who is a professional boxer. He has me wrapping my hands such that the wrap goes in between all fingers. (I didn't wrap like that previously.) Anyway, it provides a lot more bulk and seems to have raised my three fingers equal to the pointer finger. He didn't know I was having the fist problem, but I've had no discomfort since making this wrapping change. He also has me putting a lot more wrap around where the wrist bends to prevent a trauma injury in that area - which is very common. If you don't already wrap like this, I would suggest trying it.