Need a bionic thumb

I use a hook grip when I throw and while I used a hook all the years I did olympic style training, all the practice and comps are taking a toll on my thumb.  My main problem is that after a good comp my thumb looks like somebody popped it with a hammer and sometimes the nail separates.  As I get better, the problem gets worse.

First, anyone have some good ideas on how to tape the thumb without this issue.  I think my problem is I tape my thumb and the tape actually adheres to the nail.  I think there was some discussion on this before and I'm going to look that up.

Second, I use a hook to get my arm to relax when I throw.  If I don't hook, I short arm and bend at the elbow.  Anyone have some good training ideas to build the grip to keep the arm straight.

Thanks, Thom Van Vleck

They also may a foam type of tape that athletic trainers put under tape on ankles/knees/etc.  I don't see why you couldn't use that on your thumb as well.  I've seen roles of it in the pharmacy aisle at Walmart.

Hey, this last meet, I looked down, and blood was dripping off the end of my thumbnail and I STILL hit PR's in both WFD!  I hope you realize I'm coming to Omaha on the 17th to train with Sean and I am now going to make a special trip to look you up for that comment!!!!!!!!!  And I'm going so sic "you know who" on you.