Playing basketball (of course) Wednesday morning, when I reached in to steal a pass. Instead, the ball impacted the tip of my pinkie which immediately started bleeding. It didn’t hurt much, so I wrapped it up and kept playing.
That day was OK, though it hurt a little to type with that finger. I assumed it was just another jammed finger, of which I have had plenty.
The next day the whole hand started swelling and hurting. It got so bad that I had to take oxycodone in order to sleep last night. So this morning I went to an Urgent Care center and had x-rays taken.

They splinted it, prescribed pain and antibiotic medication, and said I should see an orthopedic surgeon. Not sure if I will bother. Nothing to do but wait till it heals, 3-4 weeks.
Update: I made an appointment with a hand surgeon for Monday. Dr Haber is the hand surgeon for ASU and the Phoenix Suns, so I should be in good hands…
Will this keep you from playing or are you just going to tape it up and keep going? One of these days you’re going to figure out that basketball is a dangerous sport.
Comment by Richard — January 16, 2015 @ 12:59 pm
I’ve got to lay off for a few weeks. Probably fewer than the doc recommends…
Comment by Daryl — January 16, 2015 @ 4:33 pm
Maybe you should take up something safe like riding a motorcycle…
Comment by Don — January 16, 2015 @ 6:54 pm
I broke my thumb once while on vacation. It took Vicodin to keep me going. Very painful. I never did anything about it, and it healed fine.
Comment by Donna — January 19, 2015 @ 4:47 pm
Orthopedic surgeon said that the way it is broken I need to splint it, or the tendon could pull the broken piece out of position. Have to wear it 24-7 for about a month. At least the splint is plastic so I can take a shower with it on.
Comment by Daryl — January 20, 2015 @ 11:54 am
But no basketball?
Comment by Don — January 21, 2015 @ 5:49 pm
He didn’t specifically say no basketball…
I go back and see him next week, and I’ll ask. Not too hopeful, though I have seen players on TV playing with braces on their fingers…
Until the swelling goes down, I can’t do much of anything with that hand anyway.
Comment by Daryl — January 21, 2015 @ 8:43 pm
Remember that there can be bruises to the head, too, which can make you unconscious of your needs and desires. Your finger can be just a warning.
Comment by Mom — January 22, 2015 @ 2:03 pm