Finger Injury

Climbing at Shelf on Menus put my left ring and middle finger in a sharp pocket, foot slipped and felt three distinct pops in ring finger as it totally gave out. Can not flex finger and looks like it bows at middle knuckle. Taped immediately and then buddy taped. It throbbed for a while and doesn't hurt unless presses on, flexed, or untapped. After reading it seems like I have complete or multiple annular pulley rupture. Does anyone have experience with this? I'm totally freaked out. I have been climbing for 18 years and have never come close to doing anything like this to my fingers.

It's hard to self-diagnose these things (and even harder to MountainProject.com-diagnose these things!), but it sounds consistent with A2 injury. I would let the inflammation subside and see how it feels in few days. You may have not have a complete tear-- just a partial tear or strain. Rest will likely provide the cure but the only question is how much rest. It can take a few months.

A2 injuries are fairly common and-- given ample rest and proper rehabilitation of the injury-- the vast majority of climbers come back fine. If it is just a tweak some climbers find that they can climb through the injury albeit at reduced intensity.

If you are really worried about you should see a doctor.

Good luck!

Jim