Plucking Hand Index Pain

IceFenrir · #1 01-25-2010, 02:09 PM

I've been playing bass for just under a year now, and within the past few weeks I've been getting more serious. I've never had much difficulty playing before, my fingers callous quickly and I ignore muscle exhaustion.

Friday before last (15th), I think I pulled a muscle in my plucking index (right). Thing is, this is lasting a lot longer than a pulled muscle, and it's hurting more, too. After about 5 minutes of playing I get this great pain in my index, but when I take a break for awhile, it goes away almost completely (except for when I bend or stretch my finger a lot). I've tried icing it, and I gave it a rest this weekend but the problem is persisting. The pain seems to be coming from the area around the two joints closer to the nail. Sorry, I can't be much more specific than that.

So my question is, what should I do? I'm fine playing through it; the pain doesn't bother me as much as the thought that I might seriously screw up my finger. I just want to make sure it's nothing serious before I try and get rid of it.

Thanks.

fearceol · #2 01-25-2010, 03:10 PM

First, I'd say dont play through the pain, or you could make it worse. That's probably why it's taking so long to heal. Give it time. Stop playing for a week or two. If it has not healed by then, the best and only way to make sure it's not serious is to see a doctor or specialist. Better still, for your own peace of mind, see on straight away.

IceFenrir · #3 01-25-2010, 04:06 PM

I was considering seeing a doctor if it got much worse.

Unfortunately, this is probably the worst possible time for me to take a break. I'm finishing up exams for school now so I get a few days off, I was planning on using them to do some extra practice. Not to mention I've got band practice on Thursday (we're lucky to get much time to practice together, three of us are busy whenever the others seem to be free). Anyway, I'll give it another break. It does seem a little better now after not playing since Friday, so maybe a couple more days will help.

fearceol · #4 01-26-2010, 06:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceFenrir

I was considering seeing a doctor if it got much worse.

Unfortunately, this is probably the worst possible time for me to take a break. I'm finishing up exams for school now so I get a few days off, I was planning on using them to do some extra practice. Not to mention I've got band practice on Thursday (we're lucky to get much time to practice together, three of us are busy whenever the others seem to be free). Anyway, I'll give it another break. It does seem a little better now after not playing since Friday, so maybe a couple more days will help.

Condsider this. If you dont get it looked at, or dont give it enough time to heal, you could end up with permanent damage. Where will your bass playing be then ? My advice is, get it looked at, or give it as long as it takes to heal. Your band will still be there.