Mountain Project Logo

stabbing pain in center of palm?

Original Post
stephaniet · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 0

Has anyone ever had this? In my last three gym climbing sessions, I've gotten a stabbing pain right in the middle of my left palm, directly below the middle finger (between the two horizontal-ish lines on my palm, about 7/8" down from the base of my finger). It feels like I'm putting my hand on top of the sharp tip of a staple. I have no other pain in my fingers/hand -- not even soreness when I squeeze my tendons up in my finger, have full range of motion, etc. The pain thus far has come when my palm has been making contact with a hold -- the first time was when my wrist was in a super weird position (kind of meathooking but with my elbow up in the air) on the edge of a volume. I feel like the second time my wrist was in a more normal position, though possibly still bent a bit. 

I've stopped climbing immediately after these incidents (one came at the end of a session, the other two at the beginning and then I switched to easy slab autobelay the first time and just stopped period the second), but I'm going to take two weeks off. It was recommended that I ice for the first week and heat for the second week. I would see a doctor but it will probably take me six weeks to get an appointment with a specialist. 

Anyone have thoughts on what this is? The only significant training thing I had been doing/change I made is that I recently started campusing up juggy V0s (3-4x) at the end of my sessions -- probably too much too soon. 

Also, what's safe to do as I take time off? Pullups? Lat pulldowns? Thanks!

Aleks Zebastian · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 175

climbing friend,

ease it up on your "climbing sessions" do not jerk so hard when thrusting up, slow down, and utilize less friction for the synovial joints. everyone they are knowing most "climbing injuries" are healed by total abstainment of masturbation for 1-3 weeks.

stephaniet · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 0

Thanks for the advice -- rest is definitely in order regardless of the issue. I just wish I had SOME idea of what it was. 

As for internet trolls, I think the best thing to do is just ignore them. When I read that post, I was just like, is this guy so much of an idiot that he can't figure out that I'm a woman from my name? It would be nice if someone moderated away that comment, but in the meantime, it can sit there as a testament to this guy's insecurity? lack of meaningful things in his life? or whatever other psychological issues he has that make trolling more appealing for him than actually being a likeable member of the climbing community. 

aikibujin · · Castle Rock, CO · Joined Oct 2014 · Points: 300
David Vogel wrote:

I’ve read on MP a lot of climbers are sick of you.

I'm raising my hand!

Aleks Zebastian · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 175

climbing friend David,

I crush you! and your pent up sexual frustration manifesting online rage, as well as sexist implicationz women are lesser must be spoken to differently cannot enjoy some internet forum masturbation trolling and premise most general that women cannot also suffer from overmasturbation "climbing injury!" hyah!

all your flash are belong to me

Kevin Neville · · Oconomowoc, WI · Joined Jun 2013 · Points: 15

Onset: abrupt

Provocation/palliation: Provoked by gripping with the palm while climbing.

Quality: Stabbing

Radiation: ?? Does the pain stay localized to that spot or does is radiate up the arm or out the fingers?

Severity: On a scale of 1-10?

Timing: Three times on different days. How long did the pain last? Did it go away completely or linger until the next aggrevation?

Other signs/symptoms: Bruising, swelling, redness, warmth, numbness, tingling, tenderness ... ?

Also, take a close look at the skin, with bright light and possibly magnification. A small sliver of metal or glass can lodge in the thick skin, and stab a nerve ending when you press on it. Other possibilities: compressed nerve, injured metacarpal-phalangeal joint capsule, maybe a fractured distal metacarpal?

Max Supertramp · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2008 · Points: 95

REI project has removed my response to the OP and to other posters.  

Aleks Zebastian · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 175

climbing friend david,

Perhaps it is best to disengage this contest of slapping wangs in which you seem to take it avast too serious personal vendetta.

I give it to you the hug with great compassion and warm feelings flowing! Massive muscles veiny and rippling in the wind, and of course chiseled abs and stunning features, supporting your tender and weak body!

may you find the boldness in your heart and your forearm one day also becoming refresh at crux

Aleks Zebastian · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 175

climbing friend,

and also my unique and high caliber post flash masculine musk you will be blessed by its transference upon you during this happy hugging!

Aleks Zebastian · · Boulder, CO · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 175

climbing friend,

Sam Sala · · Denver, CO · Joined Oct 2013 · Points: 82
David Vogel wrote:

Aleks Sebastian wrote:  Be Kind Aleks. Practice Being Kind. 

I have punched my best friend in the face.  

Cool story.

stephaniet · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 0

Hey Kevin, 

Thanks for prompting for more detail here. There is no radiation, and I would say the severity is...hard to say, 7/10? For comparison, I gave a compound fracture a 6/10, but this pain is absolutely momentaneous and disappears immediately and completely when my hand comes off. So it's not really that terrible. 

Literally no other symptoms. I'm kind of thinking it's a nerve issue? Who knows.

kevin neville wrote:
Gunkiemike · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 3,492
stephaniet wrote:

Hey Kevin, 

Thanks for prompting for more detail here. There is no radiation, and I would say the severity is...hard to say, 7/10? For comparison, I gave a compound fracture a 6/10, but this pain is absolutely momentaneous and disappears immediately and completely when my hand comes off. So it's not really that terrible. 

Literally no other symptoms. I'm kind of thinking it's a nerve issue? Who knows.

I've experienced similar pain, albeit not as severe as yours. I didn't worry too much about it, just chalked it up to "Pulled too hard too often with the middle fingers until some tissue in the hand started to complain". That armchair understanding seems to account for about 90% of upper body complaints from climbers. No, I can't provide a citation for that figure. Give it some rest; don't pull with that hand/those middle fingers. Do other body strength building stuff and get some long slow cardio some way that you enjoy.  Hope that works for you.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Injuries and Accidents
Post a Reply to "stabbing pain in center of palm?"

Log In to Reply

Join the Community

Create your FREE account today!
Already have an account? Login to close this notice.

Get Started.