I've been going bouldering two or three times a week for the past few months... recently, the fingers on my right hand have begun hurting when l climb.

Specifically, it is the section starting with the middle knuckle and extending to the knuckle near the end of the finger for my index, middle, and ring fingers. It is an achey feeling that is not fixed by cracking my knuckles. It will fade after a day but has not quite disappeared.

Is this normal for climbing? Does it mean l should take a longer break, or does it mean something is wrong with my technique? Is there any exercise l can do to help alleviate? Any advice is welcomed...

Try joint repair supplements

Take some time off climbing. Always stretch each joint on each finger before and after climbing. Anti-inflamatory pills should help too.

John Long in his ''rock climb!'' book shows how to support the finger tendons with tape by wrapping them on both sides of the knuckle. He also says that medical experts told him certain exercises virtually assure injuries & should be avoided!?
He also seems to think that yoga & aerobics keep u from getting injured & that stretching is ''very important''. He also recommends warming up on an easy climb. Also, if u tweak something, stop before u make it worse. That seems consistent with the recommendations of sports doctors.

Climbing creates a lot of stress on tendons & joints - that is the nature of the sport. You should work up to difficult levels of climbing slowly so that u know what ur muscles & tendons can do without damage.

l agree that anti-inflam drugs can help (OTC - Advil is what l use) but do not depend on them & do not take them before u climb. Also, use ice or cool packs to prevent swelling. l like to hold a glass of ice & switch hands. Climbing more than 3 times a week will usually result in soreness - a two day layoff will help u recover.

Good Luck