Bowler's Thumb
Bowler's Thumb is an overuse injury resulting from compression or repeated friction on the inside of the thumb. This causes pressure on the Ulnar nerve.
Symptoms of Bowlers Thumb
- Numbness in the end of the thumb.
- Tingling in the end of the thumb.
- Pain on the inner thumb and the web between the thumb and index finger.
- Weakness on pinching or using the thumb.
- A tender nodule may be felt in the thumb.
Causes
Bowler's thumb gets its name from its frequency in the sport of ten-pin bowling. It is caused by compression of the ulnar nerve on the inside of the thumb. This is often due to a tight fitting thumb hole in the bowling ball. It is also more common when the player is trying to put a lot of spin on the ball.
In long-term cases, the repeated compression or friction can result in adhesions or fibrous tissue around the nerve which can cause problems even when the individual is not bowling.
Treatment of Bowler's Thumb
- Rest from bowling.
- Correct any causative factors - such as a thumb hole which is too small.
- Use a thumb guard or splint to protect the thumb.
- Alter the grip or round of the edge of the thumb hole on the ball.
- If conservative measures such as these do not work then surgery may be required.
- Surgery may involve adjusting the course of the nerve so that it doesn't get compressed.
