Thumb Fracture - Out of Commission

ifret · #1 08-12-2021, 06:49 AM

Long story short (the details aren't important, other than we all do stupid things)...I've suffered a tuft fracture of the distal phalanx, or a break of the bone in the tip of the thumb, due to a crushing accident.

Do you realize how many times you think about pulling out a guitar (or a mountain dulcimer) to play, when you can't?! It's also interesting how much you use your thumb (especially the right (when you're right-handed)) in day-to-day activities. The good 'ol opposable thumb!

This really sucks (pun intended).

Seriously, when things like this happen, it makes me really appreciate what I have when I'm healthy. I was fortunate the damage wasn't more severe and look forward to getting back to playing in a month or two.

kizz · #2 08-12-2021, 07:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by frets4fun

Long story short (the details aren't important, other than we all do stupid things)...I've suffered a tuft fracture of the distal phalanx, or a break of the bone in the tip of the thumb, due to a crushing accident.

Do you realize how many times you think about pulling out a guitar (or a mountain dulcimer) to play, when you can't?! It's also interesting how much you use your thumb (especially the right (when you're right-handed)) in day-to-day activities. The good 'ol opposable thumb!

This really sucks (pun intended).

Seriously, when things like this happen, it makes me really appreciate what I have when I'm healthy. I was fortunate the damage wasn't more severe and look forward to getting back to playing in a month or two.

That must be hard, i here by sends you healing power :-)

Steve DeRosa · #3 08-12-2021, 07:41 AM

If it's your right thumb, one of my students had the same problem years ago - we worked on left-hand fingerings (chords, scales) and theory, and when he was able to play he hit the ground running...

RalphH · #4 08-12-2021, 07:44 AM

That sucks, sorry to hear that. At least it'll get better rather than being some chronic condition.

Finger picking and holding a plectrum are probably out, but I think i'd just try to stum with my index finger. At least you could be getting some playing done...

Hollybrook · #5 08-12-2021, 08:16 AM

I feel your pain - I crushed the tip of my ring finger yesterday working on my wife's car. Hope you heal quickly!

jricc · #6 08-12-2021, 08:21 AM

Hope your thumb heals quickly!

Alex&r · #7 08-12-2021, 10:31 AM

I did the same when my thumb took a trip around the gear of a fixed wheel bike some years ago. Like with yourself the tip was fractured but I also needed stitches in the nail bed.
The good news is the nail grew back slightly thicker and gnarlier and while cosmetically it looks fine, it's actually better for playing!
Perhaps something for you to look forward to? Heal quickly.

donlyn · #8 08-12-2021, 12:08 PM

Thumb Fracture - Out of Commission

Sorry to hear that Susie. A spot of patience, some soothing tea, and a session of meditation might help. And a resolution to never do that again, whatever 'that' was.

And if it wasn't an accident, a shot of revenge would do the trick, too.

Be well,
Don
.

jaymarsch · #9 08-12-2021, 12:11 PM

Let me add my wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. I re-injured the index finger of my fretting hand a few years back and couldn't play for over 4 months. And, yes, it really was a bummer! Hang in there!

Best,
Jayne

ifret · #10 08-12-2021, 02:49 PM

Thanks for the healing power you all have sent. I think it's working already!

I am thankful it's something that will heal and not something chronic, that's for sure. At least not yet in my life.

Alex&r, I did the same thing you did, but with my middle finger quite a few years ago, again on my right hand. Had to have the nail removed and nail bed stitched. It healed wonderfully. I think I'm seeing a pattern with me.

donlyn, it was an accident that was all my fault. But this is how we learn. Put it this way, it involved buzz-sawing firewood. No problem with the saw, but you can crush fingers when you are using an elevator to run/drop wood into the trailer (falling wood and hands can collide).

Thanks to all for your kind words and ideas.

Dru Edwards · #11 08-12-2021, 03:18 PM

Ouch! You're fortunate it wasn't worse (going with the positive "glass is half full" option). I image some very simple things are now difficult to do.

I echo Steve DeRosa's comment - you can still work on left hand fingering although it may be boring. At least it will keep your calluses.

Stay off Reverb, Craigslist, eBay, and the AGF Classifieds

rmp · #12 08-12-2021, 03:24 PM

ouch!!!

we've all had injuries that put us out of commission for a few weeks. can't be helped

I'd explain to you what my worst one was but its not for the faint of heart.

had to do with a butchers knife and about 12 stitches, (and no, this was not a domestic disturbance!! LOL! just an unfortunate 1.5 seconds in the kitchen one day..)

the scar makes me look rugged so I have that goin for me

rest up, give healing time, you'll be back in no time.

ifret · #13 08-15-2021, 09:38 AM

Dru and rmp, it definitely was an ouch!

You have good advice, thanks!

SingingSparrow · #14 08-15-2021, 10:09 AM

I am really sorry to hear this. I hope you heal well and quick! In the mean time, listen to music, read, enjoy the company of loved ones, go out in nature. I find keeping good spirits helps with healing

Steve's idea of working on theory/scales/left-hand-if-you-can-handle-it to keep you connected with the process of making music sounds like a good one.

And, haha, Dru's advice to stay away from websites selling guitars is also spot on!

Wish you all the best.

ifret · #15 08-15-2021, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SingingSparrow

I am really sorry to hear this. I hope you heal well and quick! In the mean time, listen to music, read, enjoy the company of loved ones, go out in nature. I find keeping good spirits helps with healing

Steve's idea of working on theory/scales/left-hand-if-you-can-handle-it to keep you connected with the process of making music sounds like a good one.

And, haha, Dru's advice to stay away from websites selling guitars is also spot on!

Wish you all the best.

Thank you. I've tried mountain dulcimer and I can somewhat hold the type of pick I play with, so that's good for me too. Not perfect, but it helps. Definitely no fingerpicking guitar. You appreciate playing more, when you can't play. Thanks to all.