strain pain in hitting hand's index finger area

[Rozroz]

this has slowly became more annoying and after last practice is pretty bothersome
When I hit a forehand, the racquet pushes my index finger and knuckle back and its strained that area.
can't tell if it's bone related or muscle or whatever..
did anyone has this and how it was healed?
tnx

 

[LOBALOT]

Yes, I did at sectionals about 5 years ago pre-pandemic and I had actually fractured my index finger at the joint that is at the base of the joint.

We were playing some team 2 levels at least above their NTRP. We were in the eye formation with me at the net and the returner ripped a forehand so hard right at my right chest as I was standing that all I could do was put up an upside down forehand to block it. The force of his shot knocked the racquet out of my hand bending my finger back breaking it.

I finished the match and the rest of sectionals but it still bothers me now when I bend my finger back.

 

[Rozroz]

Yes, I did at sectionals about 5 years ago pre-pandemic and I had actually fractured my index finger at the joint that is at the base of the joint.

We were playing some team 2 levels at least above their NTRP. We were in the eye formation with me at the net and the returner ripped a forehand so hard right at my right chest as I was standing that all I could do was put up an upside down forehand to block it. The force of his shot knocked the racquet out of my hand bending my finger back breaking it.

I finished the match and the rest of sectionals but it still bothers me now when I bend my finger back.

oh, ouch..

 

[Lack]

Yes I had this long time ago during high school years. I believe I fixed it by lowering my index finger down, grabbing my racquet grip more like a fist then a pistol grip. Also massage the area between index and middle finger knuckles.

 

[Rozroz]

Yes I had this long time ago during high school years. I believe I fixed it by lowering my index finger down, grabbing my racquet grip more like a fist then a pistol grip. Also massage the area between index and middle finger knuckles.

really? maybe you're right, changing the grip.. but the pistol grip feels way more secure with the stroke...
how did you end up gripping these days? still with a fist grip?

 

[Fintft]

really? maybe you're right, changing the grip.. but the pistol grip feels way more secure with the stroke...
how did you end up gripping these days? still with a fist grip?

Fist is safer as a pro bruised one of my fingers a couple of weeks ago with the pistol.

 

[Lack]

I use half way between a hammer grip and a pistol grip. My index finger is higher than my thumb but also very close to my middle finger.

 

[Rozroz]

Fist is safer as a pro bruised one of my fingers a couple of weeks ago with the pistol.

how did you bruise it? from stroke impact ?

 

[Lack]

I hurt it just like what you said, "When I hit a forehand, the racquet pushes my index finger and knuckle back and its strained that area."
For me the pain went away few days after I changed the grip.

 

[penguin]

Like others i shad the same injury and was able to keep playing by going to hammer grip. With hammer grip I found that I went down a grip size. I believe hammer grip also improved my game after a short period of getting accustomed.

 

[Rozroz]

Like others i shad the same injury and was able to keep playing by going to hammer grip. With hammer grip I found that I went down a grip size. I believe hammer grip also improved my game after a short period of getting accustomed.

i dunno, hammer grip kinda feels less accurate and spin friendly when i try it.. i hope i'll manage to do it.

 

[penguin]

i dunno, hammer grip kinda feels less accurate and spin friendly when i try it.. i hope i'll manage to do it.

Once you get the feel for it I think you can control better but sure it is an adjustment. Keep the wrist loose (obviously will be firm on some shots where you are blocking or whatever.) Good luck and have fun . I had this injury and it took ages to completely go away but with hammer grip I could keep playing without hurting it more.

 

[Bagumbawalla]

Yes, I agree that the grip is the issue.
Experiment with different grips that take pressure
off the finger and move it more to the palm area, so
that the more massive part of the hand is absorbing
the force of the stroke.

One option (not yet mentioned) is to move the hand
down so the butt cap end lies within the palm area.

 

[Rozroz]

great advice about the grip change to hammer..
at first it was weird but now i the impact absorption is indeed at the palm so i can even hit harder,
while that knuckle area pain almost gone.
thanks!