Thumb/CMC joint problem

Bobalos

Bobalos

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Something I've been struggling with for a few years now is an issue that was caused by my VeeWee buggy.  It was an old school buggy with a small manual rack and pinion setup in it.  Quite often it would get caught in a rut, or track, or even a G-out and it would rip the wheel out of my hand.  

If I had my thumb around the wheel the spoke would snag it as the wheel went whipping around.  It happened enough times that it damaged the CMC joint to the Point where I'm in pain all of the time now.  I'm working with my Dr, but as with all insurance nonsense it's a long road and there do not appear to be any good solutions.  The issue I'm having is that there is nothing in the joint so it's bone on bone and the joint is very unstable.  If I grab something large in diameter the thumb wants to wander and that shoots pain right up the wrist. 

The point to all of this dribble is to bring awareness to this and to caution folks who want to "muscle through it".  Dont....  let the wheel go and dig out if you have too..   if you watch all of the F1 and stock car drivers they won't hold the wheels any more.  They let go and grab straight for the belts at any indication of impact.   

Stay safe and enjoy the rest of the season.  

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I'm early in the world of driving a CAR (if you will) in the Dunes. Trying to figure out where that would put the pressure on my hands / thumb. I try to read the dunes where that doesn't happen. I've never been a fan of hitting things that will hurt me or the car. Of course when the speed is picked up to a pace of unknown.......I always say.....Trust your instincts chEFF. Peace

 
@ChEFF if never driven a buggy with electric PS, but the hydrolic PS does a very good job of dampening it.  I never had any issues in my blue car with the std hyd PS.  Im nit sure what the SxSs have in them... 

And to be fair...  i would guess years of turning wrenches and doing dumb crap did not help the situation,....  the body can only go  so many miles.... 

 
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I had a little bone removed too but they drilled it out. Had this done on my left elbow yesterday June 12th. Right one was done 3 years ago in 2021 on June 24th. Both of my injuries were non buggy related tho.



 
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1newbie said:
I learned years ago to drive 'thumbs out'.  20 years later it still feels odd; but I do it.  Those steering wheel spokes will break your thumb in a millisecond.
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This for sure, learned at an early age to not wrap the steering wheel with your thumbs may seem odd but once you get the hang of it just seems normal. Sorry you are having to deal with a thumb problem @Bobalos it is amazing how much we depend on our thumbs every day. As I have been gaining rapidly on the old man status I have decided getting old is not for sissies and the individual who came up with the golden years was an idiot. Good luck with the repair and recovery.

 
1newbie said:
I learned years ago to drive 'thumbs out'.  20 years later it still feels odd; but I do it.  Those steering wheel spokes will break your thumb in a millisecond.
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^^^^ This! Learned this from a buddy who got to hang with a TT team and would often get to co-drive even got a seat in the chase helicopter as medic.

Taught to drive thumbs out or on the face of the wheel actually, never inside!

@Bobalos hope you heal up quickly and 100%

:cheers:

 
First thing the wife's old man taught me in the dunes is fingers around the wheel only.

 
Best of luck on your recovery.

Thumbs out for me since my early vw days without PS. 

Now I drive everything thumbs out. It does take some time getting used to it, just like wrist restraints. 

 
FOG said:
Best of luck on your recovery.

Thumbs out for me since my early vw days without PS. 

Now I drive everything thumbs out. It does take some time getting used to it, just like wrist restraints. 
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I also realized today that it’s easier to play “air drums” with your thumbs out. 

 
I was in the splint for 2 weeks then the cast for 3 weeks.  Got the cast off today and the Dr says "now we're start the 6 week healing process".... 

Exercises,  PT, velcro brace for potentially hazardous activities,  etc....  I can almost touch my fingers together.....  

My point....  take care of your body..... especially as you get older.  We dont heal like we used to as "kids"....  

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