Left Pinky Lock Up Problems

[BassChase]

Hello!
So I've been playing bass for three years now. I have been an active user of my left pinky and it has always been a strong asset. Recently I hurt my pinky playing football and playing was very painful. I took a break for a few weeks to let it heal, but when I began playing again it was still hurting alot. So I waited a few more weeks, now I can play with it.

Now the problem is that when I push down a string with said pinky, it locks up. The first knuckle will go completely flat, forcing me to bend the second knuckle in an unnatural way.

What should I do?
I also recently switched to six string bass right before I hurt the pinky. Your thoughts?

[yugo]

i have a similar problem but i never hurt my pinky, it has always been like that...i also play six string bass...hmmm

[FretlessArt]

The problem is with your tendons. Do you have pain in your wrist, forearm top near elbow, shoulder, or Peck minor?

[funkymonk77]

find the least amount of pressure you need for that string and practice that... sometimes when i get excited i play too hard and i get the same result, and if your playing a six string or a bass with awkward balance( thumb) it gets worse

[the_fonz]

I have this same problem
Except i've never injured my pinky, and i've never had any pain in that hand while playing.
a perplexing conundrum to say the least

[BassChase]

i have been having wrist pain. it seems common to me. everytime i play for a few hours at a time my wrist will hurt for days. i usually just stop playing for a couple days until the pain goes away.

[Scot]

That doesn't sound good. See a doctor about it.