Point Sports Therapy Clinic
digital
INJURY DATA
BOWLER'S THUMB
Bowler’s thumb - also known as Bowler's neuroma, jeweller’s thumb, cherry pitter's thumb or digital neuropathy of the thumb - is an injury to the thumb caused by compression or repeated friction and leading to numbness and weakness.
Average recovery time -
4 to 8 weeks
Likelihood of reoccurrence -
Medium
Digital illustration of bowler's thumb generated by EVE.
The median and radial nerves travel from the neck to the thumb, the ulnar nerve goes to the inside of the thumb and the radial nerves goes to the back of the thumb. Repeated compression or friction to these nerves causes numbness and weakness in the hand and thumb.
Bowler's thumb is a rare overuse injury that is most common in the sport bowling and it is often due to a tight-fitting thumb hole in the bowling ball or when a player is trying to put a lot of spin on a ball.
Signs & SYMPTOMs
Pain on the inner thumb and the web between the thumb and index finger (sometimes the pain can also be of the outside at the base of the affected thumb)
Numbness and tingling
Weakness when pinching things and in activities that involve the thumb
Swelling
If you believe you have symptoms of Bowler's thumb please seek guidance from a medical professional! - EVE
Additional illustrations.
Above shows an expected VAS (pain) score for this injury as calculated by EVE.
sports
This injury is commonly seen in sports such as...
- Bowling
- Baseball
treatment & prevention
Follow these steps to treat this injury....
Extra information
Ice is most effective within the first 72 hours of injury; however, it may slow down initial healing.
Only use heat after 48 hours as to not cause additional inflammation/swelling.
Reach the starting point of your recovery by purchasing the complete injury rehabilitation package at the Self-Help Shop!
Follow these steps to prevent this injury....
DOs
Adapt the weight of the ball and/or the thumb hole
Get a thumb guard
Alter your grip
Ensure a gradual return to sport following an injury
Warm up throughly before commencing any exercise
Cool down completely after engaging in vigorous activities
Add strength training to your workout, specifically targeting your hands/thumb
Use proper technique while engaging in sports - consider having someone observe you to remind you
Use sports equipment properly and in accordance with its intended purpose
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
DON'Ts
Avoid participating in sports that use that thumb/hand
Minimise strenuous use and repetitive movements of the affected area - take regular breaks if unavoidable
Do not ignore your pain/symptoms! Address them promptly for a better recovery
Visit EVE's Top Tips to prevent injury page!
(link below)
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.