Pain with Putters

[bobbyfrolfr]

I've been reading articles on finger pain, but none really cover my issue, so I thought I'd post a new thread.

My knuckles have been killing me - primarily the first, but also the second knuckle on my index finger.
It seems to come from crushing putters (and some mids, but less so).

Some backstory - I like to do field work, and I've been focusing a lot in the last year on throwing putters and mids as far as possible, so I imagine its some form of stress injury.


My guess is the depth of the putter rim is causing more pressure on my ol' pointer finger when the disc comes out. I've been switching back and forth between a three and four finger grip, but it hasn't really helped.

Anyone dealt with this before? Anyone know how to tape a knuckle? Would that help?

I don't want to go back to a world where I don't drive with putters :'(

 

[GripEnemy]

What putter are you using? Age? Previous injuries?

 

[bobbyfrolfr]

Putter age? I dunno, it's about a year

I'm 35 (pdga 36 yo!)

Mostly throwing Judges, but sometimes a Depitee or shield. Lately I've been working in a P2 or P3x to mix things up and test things out, but the pain definitely started before that.

Something about a Judge maybe?

It doesn't seem as bad when I throw smaller profile discs like my Suspect.

 

[Grippenripp]

Try a birdie, or sabre grip. This is a pointer I got that made me much more comfortable with putters and mids, never had any pain from throwing bit it seems like you're just gripping something in way where it causes you to hurt yourself, do you have tendonitis issues? Any arthritis issues? And maybe you're just gripping way too hard, the thumb and index finger make the pinch point on your grip.
I do not have the images for birdie and sabre grip but they're easy to find on here

 

[swed]

Why the need to crush putters and mids? Some discs are designed for specific purposes. Granted some of the top pros can throw putters and mids 400 feet; however, most regulars would use a fairway or long range driver at these distances. Sounds like you are working too hard on something that may not necessarily help your game in the long run.

I know that when a try to throw my putters far (over 300) it doesn't feel natural to me. In this case I would disc up and slow down. Mid range say 80 percent to go 300 feet.

 

[swed]

Why the need to crush putters and mids? Some discs are designed for specific purposes. Granted some of the top pros can throw putters and mids 400 feet; however, most regulars would use a fairway or long range driver at these distances. Sounds like you are working too hard on something that may not necessarily help your game in the long run.

I know that when a try to throw my putters far (over 300) it doesn't feel natural to me. In this case I would disc up and slow down. Mid range say 80 percent to go 300 feet. Or just use my eagle at 60 to 70 percent.

 

[swed]

Why the need to crush putters and mids? Some discs are designed for specific purposes. Granted some of the top pros can throw putters and mids 400 feet; however, most regulars would use a fairway or long range driver at these distances. Sounds like you are working too hard on something that may not necessarily help your game in the long run.

I know that when a try to throw my putters far (over 300) it doesn't feel natural to me. In this case I would disc up and slow down. Mid range say 80 percent to go 300 feet. Or just use my eagle at 60 to 70 percent.

 

[bobbyfrolfr]

Why the need to crush putters and mids?

Accuracy. And fun. Throwing a putter farther than people drive is a pleasure.

Try a birdie, or sabre grip.

Thanks for advice. I'll give it a try. I found picture of birdie grip, but can't find anything on sabre. Can you describe it a bit?
Not sure if it'll help, but it's worth a go.

 

[lines]

I would work the muscles in your hand prior to throwing. Maybe squeeze a tennis ball for a few minutes prior.

 

[bobbyfrolfr]

I would work the muscles in your hand prior to throwing. Maybe squeeze a tennis ball for a few minutes prior.

I like this idea.

 

[Zanguini]

My Putters pain me in a different way.... mainly spiritually.

 

[Dcinmd]

Have you tried throwing softer plastic?

I know my hands do not like the hard plastic in the colder weather.

If that is not it maybe try a Warden instead of a Judge?

 

[bobbyfrolfr]

Hadn't thought of that. I do throw classic generally, which is pretty hard...

How would warden be different? Cuz of the lack of bead?

 

[sidewinder22]

Is the first knuckle bent under the rim, or is it above the rim so the finger tip is deeper?

 

[bobbyfrolfr]

I think under? I'd have to look i guess. I'm more or less using a power grip.

 

[sidewinder22]

I think under? I'd have to look i guess. I'm more or less using a power grip.

Mmm does your grip feel different with putter vs driver? Like your fingers are deeper? Should feel the same depth.

 

[notroman]

I really messed up the ligaments in my middle finger several years ago while practicing forehand. I just went too hard in the field. The resulting injury and pain was most apparent with forehands and with deep-rim discs like putters and mids.

I suggest you go see a specialist to make sure you don't have ligament damage like I did. If you do, stop throwing and let your fingers heal properly. Trust me on this. I did the stupid thing and just popped Advil which caused my injury to get worse until I lost feeling in my finger and had to stop playing for 6 months to let it heal. My game suffered and never returned to what it was. I lost a lot of flexibility in that finger as a result of the scar tissue that formed around the damaged area. I can't power grip anything below speed 9 anymore.

 

[slowplastic]

Do you grip the inside vertical wall of the rim with the index finger, or is it more hooked around the bottom edge of the disc and pressure to the flight plate?

 

[bobbyfrolfr]

Do you grip the inside vertical wall of the rim with the index finger, or is it more hooked around the bottom edge of the disc and pressure to the flight plate?

pressure on flight plate.