I have developed left index pain. Any thoughts?

[Thor]

Background:

I started on violin at 5. Guitar in HS, bass in college and have
been playing bass full time since 1975. I play 12 string acoustic guitar as well for fun and amusement.

I have played exclusively fingerstyle right hand since 2003 as
a personal challeng to learn it.

I have not had any joint, hand pain or finger issues. Up until last month.


I have developed an ongoing between the knuckle and middle
joint of the left index finger, my freeting hand. I am having
difficulty bending the finger strongly enough to fret well. The
position that is most painful is the open C chord position
on the guitarwhere you need to crook your index a bit and
press down.

There is no noticeable swelling of the joint such as I would
expect from arthritis or something like that. I did trip and
strain the left hand out in the yard a few months back, but
it didn't seem to bother me at the time. No bruises or
anything.

Has anyone else experienced the same issues. I guess fretting
a lifetime may be taking it's toll. I actually use the 12 string to
maintain and increase my finger strength through exercise.
Should I continue and ramp up this activity or should I cut it
back.

I don't use a lot of NSAIDS, I always try to minimize OTC medications unless I have to use them.

Or is this what to expect normally for my 50's, the pain will set in and not go away.

Comments appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Lonnybass]

Originally Posted by Thor

Background:

I started on violin at 5. Guitar in HS, bass in college and have
been playing bass full time since 1975. I play 12 string acoustic guitar as well for fun and amusement.

I have played exclusively fingerstyle right hand since 2003 as
a personal challeng to learn it.

I had any joint, hand pain or finger issues. Up until last month.


I have developed an ongoing between the knuckle and middle
joint of the left index finger, my freeting hand. I am having
difficulty bending the finger strongly enough to fret well. The
position that is most painful is the open C chord position
on the guitarwhere you need to crook your index a bit and
press down.

There is no noticeable swelling of the joint such as I would
expect from arthritis or something like that. I did trip and
strain the left hand out in the yard a few months back, but
it didn't seem to bother me at the time. No bruises or
anything.

Has anyone else experienced the same issues. I guess fretting
a lifetime may be taking it's toll. I actually use the 12 string to
maintain and increase my finger strength through exercise.
Should I continue and ramp up this activity or should I cut it
back.

I don't use a lot of NSAIDS, I always try to minimize OTC medications unless I have to use them.

Or is this what to expect normally for my 50's, the pain will set in and not go away.

Comments appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Two words...orthopedic physician.

[Thor]

Guess I'll have to make the call tomorrow.

[Lonnybass]

Good luck. Keep us posted and let us know what the doctor says.

Lonnybass