Mallet finger...

[irvsmith]

While I don't want to admit it - it appears that my first round of machine polishing was too much for the tendon in my pinky and now am in a splint for 6-8 weeks. I am wondering is this relatively common for newbies or just chalk it up to bad handling on my part? Either way I am going to have to wait for a while to polish again. If it is more common and there some best practices around how to hold the DA properly I would appreciate it (i.e. hold it tightly, not tightly, obviously don't pinch your pinky/fingers on top of each other.)

I am using a GG 6". I will re-read through Mike's book and see if he makes any reference to the handling of the DA.

[DaveT435]

While I don't want to admit it - it appears that my first round of machine polishing was too much for the tendon in my pinky and now am in a splint for 6-8 weeks. I am wondering is this relatively common for newbies or just chalk it up to bad handling on my part? Either way I am going to have to wait for a while to polish again. If it is more common and there some best practices around how to hold the DA properly I would appreciate it (i.e. hold it tightly, not tightly, obviously don't pinch your pinky/fingers on top of each other.)

I am using a GG 6". I will re-read through Mike's book and see if he makes any reference to the handling of the DA.

I've been on this for going on three years now and I've never heard of anything like this. Which hand? Hand holding the head or the bottom of the machine?

[irvsmith]

The right hand and the hand holding base.

[MikeC]

Sounds like a possible pre-existing condition that decided to finally go.

[allenk4]

I hope it's not your "Tea Drinking Pinky"

Toughen up Buttercup


Oh and please pass those Lady Fingers down to this end of the table....delicious

[irvsmith]

Yes it is but I still have my other fingers so sorry the lady fingers have all been eaten.

While I am fairly certain you meant the "Toughen up" comment in jest I just want to respond to it. As a new person to detailing I wrote my OP in the light of "You don't know what you don't know." It could have been the case that holding a DA in a certain way can increase the likelihood of an injury to a hand, wrist, etc. We want to ensure newbies like me can feel comfortable asking any question as it relates to detailing.

[FUNX650]

Sorry to hear about you incurring this type of injury.
More often it's "white finger syndrome": Beware.


I remember hearing my entire life that taking care of yourself is #1: that your personal health and well-being
is of the utmost importance. I realize, almost too late now, how true that is.


Regardless:
Nowadays it seems that my health-goals are more
focused on remaining conscious and continent.


Bob

[Dr_Pain]

You don't end up with Mallet finger from bad handling of the DA unless you have a serious mishap (trauma) or the tendon was on the verge of disaster and polishing just kicked it over the edge.

How do I know??

[irvsmith]

Great thank you all for your replies. I figured this was probably the case. I am missing my ability to polish! March can't come soon enough.

[tenblade2001]

Agree with Dr.Pain about DA causing the Mallet Finger. All kidding aside, DO NOT TAKE YOUR SPLINT OFF! Don't get impatient and think "oh, I can take it off real quick" or "its been almost 6weeks". If you do, you will be right back at the begining.