Discomfort in My Pinky Fingers
I am a 32-year-old male, weighing 12.5 stone and standing at 6.0 feet tall. I lead an active lifestyle and do not smoke. I began experiencing pain in both of my pinky fingers following my initial boxing training. Initially attributing it to a potential impact injury, I decided to wait a fortnight in hopes that the discomfort would subside. However, during my second training session, while merely performing shadow boxing, the pain resurfaced after just five minutes of wearing the gloves. I’m curious to know what kind of injury this might be and the most effective treatment methods available. My symptoms include moderate discomfort when gripping the gloves and pain when I attempt to bend my pinky fingers forward.
Answers (1)
7/8/2025, 1:10:38 PM
OpenHealth AI
The discomfort in your pinky fingers during boxing may be due to an overuse or strain injury, possibly involving the tendons or ligaments around the joints. This can often happen with new or intensified physical activities, especially in sports requiring a grip. Here's a structured approach to understand and manage your symptoms:
Explanation
When you use boxing gloves, your hand undergoes more stress than usual as you grip and punch. Initial discomfort might stem from minor strains, but persistent pain suggests that the muscles or tendons in your fingers may not be accustomed to the activity. Pain during grip and bending could indicate tendon irritation or a strain.
Next Steps
-
Rest: Give your fingers a break from boxing and similar activities for at least 1-2 weeks. This allows any inflammation to subside.
-
Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs to your pinky fingers for 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after activities. Ice helps reduce swelling and pain.
-
Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consider taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, to help manage pain and inflammation, following the recommended dosage on the package.
-
Gentle Stretching: After a few days of rest, start gentle finger stretches. Slowly bend your fingers back towards your wrist and stretch them out without forcing them. This can improve flexibility and help recover strength over time.
-
Evaluate Equipment: Ensure your boxing gloves fit properly. Gloves that are too tight or too loose can contribute to discomfort. Consider using gloves designed for beginners, which may offer better support.
-
Progress Gradually: When you resume training, start with lighter exercises or shadow boxing without gloves before gradually increasing intensity and duration.
If your symptoms don’t improve with these measures after two weeks or worsen, it’s important to seek professional evaluation to rule out more serious injuries, such as ligament tears or fractures. Keeping track of your pain levels and changes will be useful for any further appointments if needed.
Remember, managing your recovery is as important as your training. Best wishes for a smooth recovery!
Related Questions
Concerns About Telemedicine during a Drive
Hello everyone, I'm a 28-year-old woman with a background of thyroid cancer, necessitating routine check-ups every six months. Recently, a question came to my mind regarding the professional conduct of my primary care physician. I was taken aback to learn that she participated in my telemedicine appointment while driving. I've noticed her appearing somewhat distracted during our in-person visits and at times, she forgets the medications we discuss during our reviews, but this situation felt even more inappropriate. It’s challenging for me to comprehend why I’m spending $450 post-insurance for what feels like a casual video call when it’s clear she is multitasking. Although I've been under her care for about two years, I'm eager to find a practitioner who will genuinely take the time to understand my health history and build a long-term relationship. I appreciate any insights you can offer!
Concerns About a Recent Lump on My Shaft: Seeking Guidance
I’m a 20-year-old male with allergies primarily to wood, pollen, and grass, which used to cause me hives, but that issue has resolved. Now, to address the main concern. I found a lump on my shaft while showering yesterday morning, and it caught me off guard. Up until now, I haven’t experienced any discomfort, and I still feel largely fine. The size of the lump is similar to that of a pimple or possibly a cyst, but I'm unsure. I'm contemplating whether it would be wise to consult a doctor about this issue, as I want to be informed on how to proceed. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Should We Handle This Ear Issue at Home or Seek Medical Attention?
I’m sharing this on behalf of my husband, a 33-year-old male who is not currently taking any medications and has no known chronic conditions. The only relevant detail is that he has a significant issue with earwax accumulation. At times, this leads to noticeable deposits on his pillow when he sleeps on his side, affecting his hearing. For the past few days, his ear has exhibited symptoms similar to what is often seen in various ear conditions. He reports feeling a sense of discomfort, although there is no pain or itchiness involved. Touching or tugging on the tragus and surrounding areas does not elicit any pain. He’s uncertain why there are scabs around this area. He mentioned experiencing a sensation of fluid inside the ear yesterday, prompting him to use some over-the-counter peroxide drops to help clear it out. He described the output as a thick, opaque discharge resembling earwax, but darker and more liquid in texture. Today, while the fullness sensation seems to have diminished, the discomfort remains. His other ear appears normal, perhaps just slightly dry, but nothing more than what is typical for ears. Given this information, I'd like to know whether this is a situation he can manage at home or one that warrants a visit to urgent care. Additionally, what might be the underlying issue?
Distinguishing Between Norovirus and Influenza: Seeking Insights
I know I recently shared an update, but I realized I overlooked an important question. My 28-year-old husband has been feeling unwell since early this morning, although he seems to be on the mend. He experienced a single episode of vomiting and has had diarrhea 3-4 times today. Since he started expressing discomfort, we have been entirely apart to prevent any possible spread of illness. Given his symptoms, could this be Norovirus or Influenza? Currently, he is suffering from a headache, feels unusually warm (though we don’t have a thermometer, so I can’t confirm if he has a fever), and is experiencing soreness in his legs. Additionally, his throat was quite painful for much of the day, particularly after vomiting, which might be due to a globus sensation. He has taken a total of 12mg of ondansetron, administered in intervals of six hours. For reference, he weighs 230 pounds, seldom consumes alcohol, has Puerto Rican heritage, is a former smoker, and does not use any illicit substances.
Pushing Boundaries or Overdoing It?
For several years, I was an active competitive cheerleader, which meant my body was constantly in motion and often sore due to rigorous practice sessions, especially during competition periods. When I transitioned to college and stepped away from cheerleading, I paused my workout routine. This hiatus led to feelings of guilt over my inactivity and sparked a desire to shed some pounds. Consequently, I began monitoring my food intake, utilizing a scale to track my macronutrients. I focused on increasing my protein consumption, something I previously struggled with due to my picky eating habits regarding meat. Around the same time, one of my roommates was dealing with disordered eating, which influenced my own mindset and behaviors, pulling me into a similar downward spiral. During a difficult couple of months, my eating habits fluctuated between consuming limited meals and intermittent fasting. Ultimately, I managed to break free from that harmful cycle and began to enjoy healthier, more balanced meals once again. Simultaneously, my sleep schedule was severely lacking, averaging only 3 to 5 hours each night. Post-Thanksgiving holiday, I established a more consistent routine in December, committing to daily workouts to alleviate the guilt and anxiety surrounding food and boost my sense of productivity. My regimen included a 30 to 45-minute workout, a brief stretch, a 20-minute incline walk, along with several local trail walks spanning about 4 to 6 miles. However, this rapid increase in physical activity took a toll on my body. I developed a pump bump on my right heel and suffered from severe Achilles tendinitis in my left ankle, which became so swollen that the tendon was not visible. A visit to the podiatrist revealed the issue stemmed from a bone growth at the front of my ankle joint, potentially a remnant of a previous cheer injury. I was advised to switch to shoes with a higher heel, take anti-inflammatory medication, and engage in physical therapy. Though the swelling subsided and the pain lessened in the interim, I was eager to get back to college and get into my fitness routine. Upon returning, feeling as though I had fallen behind, I ramped up my workouts significantly. I started a regimen that included an hour of weightlifting followed by over two hours of inclined walking on the treadmill, aiming to burn more than 1,000 calories from Monday through Friday, with weekends reserved primarily for rest, featuring an abdominal workout and leisurely walks. Regrettably, my roommate's calorie tracking habits led me to regress into similar behaviors. I avoided using the food scale this time, hesitant to return to previous unhealthy patterns, yet I still substantially reduced my caloric intake, attempting to keep it below 1,000 calories while burning over that amount through exercise. My approach included moderate meals Monday through Thursday, reserving weekends for larger meals and occasional treats. On weekdays, I typically consumed a third of a banana before workouts, engaged in three hours of intense exercise, then took an energy drink before classes. Post-class, I’d have some cucumber or a piece of fruit before dinner, which generally consisted of protein, a whole-grain English muffin, and salad. If I had room left, I’d enjoy a Greek yogurt for dessert. So far, this strategy has yielded favorable results; I've lost almost 14 pounds since my last checkup in mid-December, and my stomach discomfort has lessened. However, after a 10-mile walk this past Sunday, I began to experience significant pain in my right shin, assuming it might be shin splints but continuing to work out as usual. The week has been challenging, caught between the urge to maintain a 1,000-calorie burn while grappling with persistent pain, even while at rest. The discomfort is concentrated on the front part of my shin, spanning about the size of a quarter, and is painful to touch. Movement aggravates the sensation, making it hurt to walk or even lift my leg while sitting. There's noticeable swelling and warmth, and the pain seems to intensify in the evening, causing discomfort even when resting in bed. I sought care today, and while an X-ray showed no significant issues—a relief—the physician suspects it might be tendonitis. I was initially fearful of a stress fracture, having heard stories of athletes pushing through such injuries, resulting in more severe complications. Given that the X-ray was clear, I am reassured, but I'm still anxious to continue my workouts, as I feel uneasy just remaining inactive and eating without sufficient exercise. I would appreciate any insights into my situation and whether it appears to align with the diagnosis in terms of allowing me to continue training—perhaps avoiding excessive incline walking during this time.