Help... this sucks, what can i do?

[moejoe]

Yeah, i'm going to do as much cardio etc as i can... think i'm going to go and run some hills today; but i can't even lift weights or anything, or even skip i doubt with this splint imobilizing my thumb... 4 weeks is going to feel like forever... i think i must have caught my thumb when i was chasing in the ring during a punch or something, and dr said the pain can move into the wrist and down the arm...as i said i'm a beginner, but i've been told to punch with my ring and pinky... dr. looked at my left pinky too as its knuckle has been sore for weeks and said nothing bad there nothing broken...probabaly just need to toughen up there... i have no probs with a little pain... i wrap and thats all good. Any words of wisdom... further suggestions?

[AdamGB]

If you have acsess to a gym with a cable machine you should be able to attatch the pulleys to your forearms and do your resitance training that way.

obviously not as effective but better than nothing.

[moejoe]

Thats a good idea... they have one of those at the boxing gym i believe... i might try it... at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks... i'm hoping that after 2-3 weeks i can at least do weights and skip - though i guess that would involve removing the splint... mostly i'm just afraid of going through all this time not being able to train and then it getting reinjured as soon as i get back... any suggestions on how to protect your thumb... i know how to wrap it but it was wrapped when i injured it... maybe some better sparring gloves... can you get ones that have good thumb protection... whats this about attached thumbs in gloves? the gloves i was using were the big puffy ones and they were probably too big as my wrists are pretty small...

[Youngblood]

. at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks....

Don't be expecting some great buff 6 pack abs, unless you are plan on changing your eating habits. But yea, as others have said, use the opportunity to work on other areas of conditioning.

[CGM]

... at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks...

Not to mention a killer left jab

I remember reading about Larry Holmes developing his trademark left jab while his right hand was all busted up.

[Rocky Balboa]

I remember reading about Larry Holmes developing his trademark left jab while his right hand was all busted up.

x2, there is a guy at my gym whose whole right hand (or left can't remember) is broken and in a cast. Yet he still comes but only uses his good hand. In your case, its better because you can practice with your lead hand. So just work around your right hand but dont get impatient because (like I did with my elbows) you'll have to start all over again.

ps. try punching with your two knuckles (index and middle). To properly aline your fist you'll have to cock it. First flex your forearm so that your hand is slightly bent protruding your knuckles. Then, to align it, again flex your hand to the outside and make sure you feel strong. I used to punch with my three knuckles but once my coach told me to do this and now that I'm used to it, I dont hurt my wrists and I feel an increase in power.

[moejoe]

thanks, i guess it would be pretty sweet to have a lethal left jab... i guess its hard to try to see things as a blessing in disguise sometimes... if you can call it that- but true enough... i can sit around wallowing in my own self pity... drinking beers, eating wings, and getting a gut... or i can treat my body right and work on getting a mean left jab... ... as for the abs... i'm pretty slim as is... 5 foot 6ish and 132 lbs. and i get into shape fairly easy, but i'm sure it wouldn't hurt to cut out the 'bad' foods and limit the pints in conjunction with 2-3 days a week cardio and ab routine...and make way for the six pack... i hope.... any suggestions for thumb protection/prevention once i'm hitting stuff again anyone? all of your feedback, advice, etc has been much appreciated...

[moejoe]

thanks also for the suggestion about knuckle position... i shall try that out... i often wondered why some people say use pinky and ring knuckles, and others say use index and middle, others still middle and ring... what is the difference ? is it about alignment, strength of the knuckles, or what... my friend who fights muay thai says they use the index and middle but they also really rotate their arms when they punch-- they punch different than in boxing it seems... And as much as it sucks... i needed to hear to chill out and not rush back too soon... you're right: i'll just end up having to start all over again... that'd really really suck... but i do not look forward to going to the boxing gym all gimped up with only one hand... patience....patience....its not forever...

[Howlin Mad Missy]

1. rest.
2. Make sure you are wrapping your hands correctly.
3. Get some decent bag gloves.

when you make a fist the two knucles with a flat surface are the little and ring finger. So some people reckon it's better to hit with that area, also to hit with those knucles your arm/wrist straightens. Some say the first two fingers as it's a larger surface and they tend to move less. BUT if your hand is wrapped well the bones in your hands shouldn't be shifting about.

Y'know it could be a matter of your body getting used to the impact. When I first started I hand pains in my hands and wrists. Items 1,2&3 sorted it out. Also had that grinding thumb feeling for a while, that was gross.

[Rocky Balboa]

but i'm sure it wouldn't hurt to cut out the 'bad' foods and limit the pints in conjunction

Eating good isn't just good on the abs (though if that were it I'd still do it ) but your performance level and health will increase greatly. Plus your discipline. Most people can't resist a bag of potato chips but learning to say no will not only help your body but your mind. Eating good is a great habit not just for definition

any suggestions for thumb protection/prevention once i'm hitting stuff again anyone? all of your feedback, advice, etc has been much appreciated...

You'll get used to it, just punch lightly at first. If you have good gloves that shouldn't even be a problem.

[AdamGB]

... at least i'll have some great cardio and my abs will be ripped by the end of the 4 weeks...

Not to mention a killer left jab

I remember reading about Larry Holmes developing his trademark left jab while his right hand was all busted up.

My left hook was pretty bland until I knacked my right hand, I couldn't lead off it with any pop. I could only throw it with any snap if it followed a right hand. Practice makes perfect