finger arthritis

desertshark

desertshark

Racks on racks on racks
Silver Member
I've been playing this go round about 3-4 months after a 10-12 years hiatus. I've always worked my hands my whole life as a mechanic artist and so on. I've noticed my finger joints getting stiffer over the last few years.

Now when I play for long periods of time, my middle finger, pinky and ring finger joints hurt. Am I doing something wrong?
 
desertshark said:
I've been playing this go round about 3-4 months after a 10-12 years hiatus. I've always worked my hands my whole life as a mechanic artist and so on. I've noticed my finger joints getting stiffer over the last few years.

Now when I play for long periods of time, my middle finger, pinky and ring finger joints hurt. Am I doing something wrong?
Click to expand...

I think it's pretty much the same thing as playing an instrument. You develop a specific strength in your fingers over time as you play. When you lay off for a long time, you lose that strength.

You're probably trying to bridge as you did back when your fingers were at their strongest.

You may have to cut down your playing time for awhile or adjust your bridge when you feel strain. If I were you, I would stop when it starts to hurt. If you do that, maybe in time you will be able to go longer as they strengthen again.
 
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Yeah I could see that. When I picked up playing guitar again, I had a different strain in my hand and a total different arthritis. I appreciate the information, thanks!
 
Shark,

I think Fran gave you some good advice.

My hands are a bit busted up from catching a lot of footballs. I run wirlpool jets all over them & even a hard vibrating message unit as well. The point is that those take the tension out and speed the recovery. Heat also helps as it increases blood flow to the area.

Good Luck in your return back to the game.

Merry Christmas,
 
English, never though of the massage. Might have to try that.

Row, I usually hit a few aspirin down before going to play. Might have to switch to alieve.

I'm also thinking of changing my closed bridge configuration. I spread my fingers really wide and push down. I think if I fold under my middle finger I should Dave some strain there. I guess... Maybe
 
Arthritis pain

desertshark said:
English, never though of the massage. Might have to try that.

Row, I usually hit a few aspirin down before going to play. Might have to switch to alieve.

I'm also thinking of changing my closed bridge configuration. I spread my fingers really wide and push down. I think if I fold under my middle finger I should Dave some strain there. I guess... Maybe
Click to expand...

There are options to using pain killers. I use them as a last resort only.
I use a product called "Triflora" for arthritis, made by a company named "Boericke & Tafel". They make some other good products also. You can find them at most any health food store and some pharmacies.

Another product is Aloe Vera, which is considered by many to be the most useful healing herb known....used to treat countless ailments.
 
Hopefully this doesn't sound too goofy but make bridges with your hand(s) while you walk everywhere. When I was first learning people must of thought I was meditating on "Om" because I had these loops on my fingers. Stretches the fingers and then the added pressure at the tables is less grievous.

I drink Aloe Vera when I can also besides using it as a topical. Donny knows all kinds of natural remedies and his diet is excellent besides. He may have more recommendations.
 
Wow I appreciate the feedback. I thought I was the only one with this issue and debated posting it for awhile.
I have been doing the bridge exercises at work. I'm actually going to start carrying a piece of dowel so I can practice and see if new bridges would be comfortable and train my fingers to go into the new position. I am also going to look into the arthritis meds too.
 
A little update on this...
A regular Sharpie marker is about the same size as a 12-13mm shaft for bridge exercises and different bridge styles :)
 
desertshark said:
A little update on this...
A regular Sharpie marker is about the same size as a 12-13mm shaft for bridge exercises and different bridge styles :)
Click to expand...

Why not save it for when you actually play? First, it's not the same. Second, you could possibly give yourself tendonitis, or if you do have arthritis, then you can make it worse.

Your fingers need to rest in order to get stronger. Constant stress only makes it worse.
 
You may want to see about some active therapy. I know several people who have had hand/finger pain and/or weakness and they squeezed putty or a racquet ball to build up the strength in their hands. Ask your doctor about options for you.
 
Fran, I agree. But I'm trying different bridges with my hand relaxed, but I do see your point.

Dr9Ball, to your point, I will be seeing a doctor after the new year because I haven't had the time to schedule off work.

It really only bothers me the colder it gets and its finally cold here in Phoenix! :)
 
Of course painkillers are sometimes sadly the last way out. But be careful for example with Ibuprophen- to take those pills over a bit longer time can attack your liver VERY bad!

The rest of the advices are all looking fine :)

have nice xmas and a happy new year,

lg from overseas,

Ingo
 
I'm 70 years old and have arthritis in my knees and hands. I have stopped taking any NSAID type drug and now take aspirin for pain and inflammation.
I"m also taking Glucosamine Chondroitin twice a day.
NSAID type pain reducers such as Ibuprofen should not be used for an extended period of time.
I have found that slow stretching of my hand muscles during the day has helped more than anything, more strength, improved range of motion and flexibility.

Jerry
 
I'm 65. Fingers are arthritic. Swollen and sore when they bend. I grip loose and bridge slowly. Do see a hand or Arthritis specialist. Maybe they can recommend exercises or some kind of hand therapy. Skip the meds. Skip the Ibuprophen. Don't Doctor yourself. Easy does it.
 
My grandfather had bad arthritis and still got up every morning and went to open his restaurant every morning into his 70s....

Each morning he would soak his hands in a bowl of DMSO for several minutes and then he was good for the rest of the day....

The FDA won't approve DMSO for human use except for a few cases because no one will pony up the money to put it through the tests since they cannot own it but it has now been fast tracked..

I have been buying for years at the local farmers coop and have treated more sprains and injuries with it than I could care to count.... If arthritis sets in I can guarantee I'll be using it for that as well...

Chris
 
hi !

you should see an arthritis specialist, at first. During this time, try to avoid ibuprofen (liver toxicity isn't a myth) . relax your hand when you feel pain , do not hesit to make pauses.
begin slowly to play or to work , step by step, to "warm up" your hand properly. that's very important.
again, see a hand specialist . cause it could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrom & not real arthritis , who knows...
.


Pierre
 
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