3.29.2012

Jogging is Dangerous?

This past Saturday I was out jogging and caught my shoe in a sidewalk crack. I thought I had managed to keep my balance but ended up going down so I tried to aim myself towards the grass rather than the sidewalk. I ended up scraping up one knee (scrape + giant bruise), scraping the palm of my left hand, and even scraped my chin a bit. None of that is very serious but my right hand was holding my phone (always have my music going when I run) and I landed hard on that hand which was curled around the phone.


I picked myself up and trudged the rest of the way home (I was pretty much almost there, dang it!) and as I did I noticed that my fourth finger on the right hand was feeling like it had been jammed. And then I looked at it -- the tip of the finger (by the last knuckle) was just drooping, nearly dangling and I couldn't move it back up unless I used my other hand.

I iced it and waited but ended up calling an orthopedic doc on Monday because I need my hand! They had me in yesterday and the diagnosis is mallet finger, which is common among baseball players. The prognosis is OK -- but I have to wear a splint for 6-8 weeks, 24/7, sleeping, waking, showering, doing hair -- whatever. The finger has to remain straight or the 6-8 weeks starts over. Really? (big sigh here!)

There are no broken bones but the tendon has been completely pulled away from the bone and needs lots of time to heal. The dr. said that he wants to see me in 2 weeks and that there is a real possibility that there will be a need to put a pin in to help hold the finger in place. So -- maybe surgery.

I think it will all be OK, but I need my fingers -- so I would be grateful for your prayers.

**not my finger but it looks a lot like that

8 comments:

Jori said...

Ouchie Jan! I hope you heal quickly!

Val said...

Yikes! Wear your splint....(that's kind of like save your money!). Hope you don't need a pin! When is your next Time Out??

Ashley said...

I'm SO sorry! Hope it all works out for the best.

Jill said...

If it makes you feel any better, I fell while going uphill on a run one time and tore something in my knee. I couldn't walk normally for about a month!

Heal quickly!

Unknown said...

i'm so sorry this has been such a huge pain! totally sucks. and i'm glad you clarified that it's not you hand. it actually looks a LOT like your hand, but i was like wait, what ring is she wearing?! ;)

Logan said...

I'm so sorry! Hope a pin isn't required and that you heal quickly! :)

Carrie and Nathan said...

Well, I for one would just like you to be honest with us. You WERE playing baseball. ;) Happy healing. xoxo

Natalie Scott said...

Geez Jan, can't you get a break?! You most definitely need your hands. WE need your hands/fingers. How are you supposed to play the piano??