Pain in my finger

[Dr Dave]

Over the past several months I have had increasing pain in my index finger. The pain started after I switched my grip and started holding the paddle with my index finger. I have plenty of medical advice on this issue. It seems to be the extensor tendon that is causing the pain along the back of the finger between the first and second joint. Unfortunately, the recommended solution is to change the way I hold the stick. I don't want to give up the superior control that this grip gives me. Right now the pain is just an annoyance, but I am concerned about the long term effects since it is getting worse with time.

I think I may have a solution, but was wondering if anyone else has experienced this and how they might have solved it. When I hold the stick the last joint of the finger wraps around the paddle. This is an unnatural position since the second joint is held straight. Just try bending the last joint of your finger without bending the middle joint. It can not be done unless you restrain the middle joint. When I do this it reproduces my pain. My thought was to notch the paddle so that the finger will bend at the middle joint. Does anyone have any other suggestions before I start cutting my sticks?

[Gman-29]

Dr. Dave - I wrapped tape on the the top of my blade. Then I pull out a little length of tape and twist it till its like a string (similar to how alot of people build grips at the end of their shafts). I then wrap the tape/string around the blade once. Then tape over that. What that gives me is a little 'hump' my index finger rests on. It helps me keep a good, controling grip. Maybe this will help you.

Good Luck

Gary

[Cagey]

I noticed one of the goalies in the Beanpot Tourney notched his stick with a little groove- it was a while ago and i dont remember who, no doubt someone can think of others. Its been done and preferred by some- there is a thread here about someone notching the paddle on a Helite stick with pictures and everything- maybe we can dig it up...

[Cagey]

http://64.119.160.130/board/showthre...t=notch+paddle

I searched for "Notch + paddle" and found this one. In case i didnt paste it right, it's called
"Notched TPS stick" and its in equipment forums.

[Arctother]

I've been notching my paddles for years, and have seen that Joel Laing for one also notches it.

Recommended tool is a coping saw and a file, regardless of stick type. I've used Koho, Heaton, and Christians, and maybe soem others. But mostly Heaton and Christian.

Be careful where you cut - make sure the notch is in the right spot for your finger, is big enough to allow room for the finger guard, and has some meat to grab - if the notch is in the wrong spot, your index finger can't grip it well, beacuse there is not enough material, or the angles are wrong.

Also, start small. Cut less than you think you need, try it, and then cut more until it works OK. Use the file to smooth all the edges too.

[Dr Dave]

Thanks for the input guys. Last night I notched one of my old sticks to experiment with. Arc, I had enough sense to make sure the notch was in the right place for my finger, but after reading your post I realized that I did it without ever testing how it worked with the blocker. Doh! I just ran downstairs to test it out and the finger protection does fit. If I decide to continue using a notched stick I will probably remold the finger protection to have a greater curve. I'll let you know if the notch relieves the pain in my finger.

[Dr Dave]

Problem solved. Played 2 1/2 hours on Thursday with a notched stick. The pain is not gone, but it is not worse either. This is the first time in months that playing has not increased the pain.

[TartanBill]

I got to this thread too late, but I included a picture of my stick in an old thread.

Finger on paddle reborne...

I'm glad it works for you. I think this gives the most rock solid grip available.