[mrjonathanr]

As per title... I've got a Spanish mate who has ligament injuries to his index finger which haven't healed over since 6 months now. Based in Manchester.

Can anyone recommend someone to see in the area who knows their stuff as it's a bit beyond yer average pulley problem? Or would it be best to hike over to see Richard Webber/John Ostrovskis? (or anyone else..?)

Any advice would be very gratefully received. Thanks! Jon

[TobyD]

Any advice would be very gratefully received. Thanks! Jon

I am not a finger specialist, but... climbing finger injuries basically all have pretty similar management unless you have something like a total pulley rupture.  So.... ice + NSAID until pain at rest and swelling subsides. (I assume we are past this point?) Then generally start climbing again as soon as possible in a controllable environment, maximizing PAIN FREE activity level, which should help blood flow to the affected area. Even if this mean traversing on massive jugs, and a very basic fingerboard session, almost the more tedious the better as you are less tempted to overdo it. Ice again if achy / swollen post climbing. Many people seem to underestimate how easy this climbing needs to be, and to step up the level too quickly - keep it low and be patient. Collateral ligaments in fingers have a pretty poor blood supply and will take many month to heal totally, in all likelihood.

[mrjonathanr]

Thanks Toby. He complains of 'clicking' and 'sticking' of index PIP joint and pain laterally/dorsally so could be lots of things I guess.. Also some secondary problem/inflammation in DIP joint. Not a bog-standard tweak although the message of pain-free stimulation is a good one and I'll pass it on.

Still any recommendations for finger/climbing physios in Manc would be well received. Thanks.

[Charlton Chestwig]

Hi,
Just thought I'd bump this up again.
I've got a couple of stubborn injuries I'd like to put to bed the main one being a finger tendon problem so I'd be interested in any physios or hand specialists that come directly recomended from climbers who they have fixed!
I'm based in 'uddersfield but I'd be able to travel to see the right person.
Many thanks for any help.
Cheers,
Rich

[mrjonathanr]

Hi Rich, when I lived in Sheffield finding a specialist in this sort of injury was easy but west of the pPennines seems trickier and fingers are VERY specialised. I can recommend Harris and Ross for general injuries as they are all first-rate sportsmen/women but not climbers. Worsley physios are quite good too and cheaper.

I still can't believe no Greater Manchester based climber has been to see a local physio for fingers. There are tonnes of you out there...

[Nike Air]

Tim Bud of Global therapies( glossop) has help me out with an uncommon finger injury in the past. He is a climber too.

[mrjonathanr]

Thanks, I did come across them via google, will investigate further.

[petarar]

If the finger is sticking and clicking it is likely to be trigger finger. This is effectively treated with a steroid injection. If you want to be sure of the diagnosis you would need to get an ultrasound scan. There was an excellent radiologist from manchester who talked at the last BMC medical conference who set up up a specialist hand service in Manchester. sorry can't remember his name. The service could be accessed on the NHS through your GP. They would do scan and injection at the same time.

[Charlton Chestwig]

Thanks for the replies,

In the end I have started seeing Paul @ Sheffield Chiropractic Clinic, 789 Chesterfield Road, S8 0SP (0114 2745656)

No results yet but the chap seems to know his stuff.

Just thought i would post the details up for the archive.