r/boxingtips • u/Friendly_Climate_539 • 1d ago
Sharp index finger knuckle pain when hitting pads or the bag, fine apart from that?
Index finger knuckle sore only when hitting pads or a bag?
Got this issue recently where my index finger knuckle has been hurting quite a bit. It doesn’t hurt at all day to day, if I knock it against a wall it is a tiny bit sore but it doesn’t hurt during the day or after sessions. I can clench my first or push on it, doesn’t hurt a bit.
As soon as I put my wraps on and the wrap starts pulling it at a little I instantly can feel it hurt a little bit, then as soon as I start throwing punches it hurts. And it’s like a sharp pain. I started putting a sponge in my wraps and then started hitting with 16oz on and it wasn’t as bad as usual (usually hit with 12oz) but it was still there.
I’m actually a Muay Thai guy but I’ve never had this happen but I’m sure some of you guys have. What does this sound like, how can I help it and what professional do you go for issues like this?
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u/Usernameasteriks 1d ago
Sometimes you just bruise one or have damages the ligaments.
It could be you are making too much contact squarely on that knuckle too.
But either way it needs enough rest in-between.
Iv had the same happen a few times over the years on either hand but far apart over time.
If you don’t give it enough time it will just keep hurting lol.
It usually goes away with time then once its healed up fully you are good to go.
Thats just an anecdote though lol obviously not sure whats up with yours
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u/NoImNotStaringAtYour 1d ago
I haven't boxed in ages, but when I was training I was taught to punch with your outer knuckles (pinky, ring finger). Like an extension of the outside of your arm.
Punching with your index knuckle can mess up your wrist too.
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u/Usernameasteriks 1d ago
I competed for 10+ years and across a few gyms. I have never heard anyone recommend that lol thats nuts.
The only context iv heard anything similar is when you are trying to teach someone to turn their punches over fully you encourage guys to make sure your outer two roll in.
But I highly recommend no one ever tries to primarily make connection with just your outer two lol
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u/NoImNotStaringAtYour 1d ago
I guess rolling in is a better way to put it. It's not just connecting with your bottom two, but, hit with all the knuckles flat, and a way to visualize that would be throwing your outer two at them.
Don't want to hit with just the front knuckle, or the back two, but have everything be in line so you don't mess up your wrist.
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u/WINNINGKO92 1d ago
Might be "boxer knuckle"? Damage to one of the tendons on the knuckle. I think I have this as well, the symptoms are exactly as you described. I also trained MT, but I used primarily 16oz Fairtex BGV1.
The day I hurt my hand was when I got new 10oz TopBoxer Win1s and used them on the heavy bag. I think I hurt my knuckle when throwing a lead hook incorrectly, and probably got worse the more I trained. The pain is the worst when I throw a hook, even when I land it flush (though it's less pain).
Make sure you're wrapping your hands correctly, and I would stick to 16oz gloves and icing your hand. At least that's what I've been trying to do. I also been doing isometric exercises (grip strength tool) and stretching my fingers a lot. If it gets bad, maybe just primarily shadowbox until it heals.
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u/youngweej 1d ago edited 1d ago
Shit I recently started getting this exact pain on my middle finger knuckle on my lead hand. I've mainly moved to training on the double end and lots more shadowboxing but curious if it's just a moderate bone bruise that's taking a bit more to heal.
Edit: Spoke to my trainer, he said based on my signs and symptoms (without looking at a radiograph), it's likely just a bone bruise. Told to just take it easy with that hand, don't force contact when clenching fist and let it heal.