As you start to climb, you may begin to feel your hands get sore and tender. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know how painful it can be. This condition is called climbing hand flappers.
Climbing hand flappers are a common injury among climbers. They are caused when the skin of your hands rubs against a rough surface, like a rock or a climbing hold. This can cause the skin to peel back, exposing sensitive tissue underneath.
If you’ve ever had a blister, you know how unpleasant they can be. Climbing hand flappers are similar, but much worse. They can be larger, take longer to heal, and can cause a lot of pain. In severe cases, they can even become infected.
So, how can you avoid climbing hand flappers? First and foremost, make sure you are using the proper technique. When climbing, your hand should be open and relaxed, not gripping too hard. This will help to reduce the amount of friction between your skin and the climbing hold.
Another important factor to consider is your equipment. Make sure you are wearing well-fitting climbing shoes and using chalk to keep your hands dry. This will help to reduce the amount of sweat on your hands, which can cause more friction.
If you do start to feel a hot spot or blister forming, it’s important to address it immediately. Ignoring it could lead to a much larger flapper.
To treat a climbing hand flapper, first, clean the affected area with soap and water. Then, carefully trim away any loose skin. This will help to prevent the flapper from getting larger. Be sure to keep the area clean and dry, as any moisture can lead to infection.
To help the flapper heal more quickly, you can apply a small amount of antibiotic ointment and cover it with a bandage. Change the bandage daily and keep the area clean.
If the flapper is especially large or painful, it’s best to take a break from climbing until it heals. Continuing to climb on a flapper could lead to greater injury. Give your hands time to rest and recover.
Climbing hand flappers are a common injury among climbers, but they can be avoided and treated. Remember to use proper technique, wear well-fitting equipment, and address any hot spots or blisters immediately. And if you do develop a climbing hand flapper, take the time to care for it properly and allow your hands to fully recover before returning to climbing.
