Trigger Finger Symptoms = Technique Issue?

ahbassman · #1 10-14-2010, 11:36 PM

Tried a search on the topic, but couldn't find any specific answer.

So for the past month to two months I've experienced some trigger finger-ish symptoms on my index of my fretting hand. Swollen knuckle joint, limited flexibility, soreness. After rest, anti-inflammatory medicine, and some fish oil (per recommendation of another bassist), It's healed significantly, but knuckle joint itself is still larger than normal, though the swelling itself has gone down and I have regained flexibility. My concern is what caused it so I can prevent it from future occurrence.

I'm mostly concerned because I'm only 21. From what I understand this mostly occurs in people between 40 and 60. So is this a technique issue? Am I just simply pressing too hard on the frets? Is my action possibly too high? Just looking for answers, as it typically worsens after prolonged playing, so I have to let it rest and only play during weekly band practice as a precaution.

Thanks for all insight.

hdracer · #2 10-14-2010, 11:48 PM

Are you sure that's the problem? I had trigger finger in my ring finger and had to have surgery on it. I never had a swollen knuckle. Trigger finger is a tendon problem in the palm. Does you finger lock in place?

ahbassman · #3 10-14-2010, 11:56 PM

Well not really. I did read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heberden%27s_node, which I found in a sticky in the technique forum. I do have a bump on my middle joint, so maybe it's related to that.

Whatever it is, I'm guessing it still comes down to a technique issue.

Edit: It's not my knuckle, its the middle joint, between the second and third phalanges (lol what a funny word).

puddin tame · #4 10-15-2010, 12:01 AM

go to a doctor, not the internet

ahbassman · #5 10-15-2010, 12:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puddin tame

go to a doctor, not the internet

I'm not asking for medical advice, I'm asking for technique advice.

puddin tame · #6 10-15-2010, 12:06 AM

you're asking for technique advice like it's going to cure your medical problem

ahbassman · #7 10-15-2010, 12:10 AM

Cure? no. I'm trying to find out if my current technique is what is causing the problem. I'm looking for anyone who has had a similar problem, and can recommend something, such as getting a proper setup, etc., in order to help fix it.

I agree, I should see a doctor to cure it, but unless he/she plays bass, I don't see how they could answer the question I asked here.

puddin tame · #8 10-15-2010, 12:12 AM

bring your bass in and play for the doctor

ahbassman · #9 10-15-2010, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puddin tame

bring your bass in and play for the doctor

Whether you are serious or not, that did make me laugh haha

puddin tame · #10 10-15-2010, 12:16 AM

whatever dude they're your hands, have fun with that

Fergie Fulton · #11 10-15-2010, 04:03 AM

First off let me say its not anything to do with trigger finger, symptoms and condition do not apply.

You seem to young for it to be Heberdan nodes, again conditions do not seem right.

You assume be cause you play bass it is a problem caused by that....I would say that is your first mistake in this.
Your second is not going to see a doctor.

The fingers/hands come in for lots of problems and damage as they are always being used. Even in danger we instinctively put our hands out to protect ourselves.

You have a problem with the joint of your finger, far to many possibilities there to even guess so see a doctor.
Don't let the fact you play bass influence this decision, let the doctor do his job and examine it.

Playing bass will show certain weaknesses in the body, not cause them. Injuries that have occurred in the past can be exposed by bass playing, as the can by any different physical activity. If say for example you were a computer programmer you might lay the blame on a keyboard, play a lot of racket sport, blame it on the grip etc.

But it is physical problem so see a doctor, get a diagnosis, then with that info make whatever changes are needed to reduce its chances of occurring again. It may be just a one of injury that you have not given a proper chance to heal, it may be... well any number of things, so see a doctor, trust me you will wonder why you did not do it sooner.

powerbass · #12 10-15-2010, 04:36 AM

"Playing bass will show certain weaknesses in the body, not cause them." Any repetitive activity has the potential to cause injury and harm to the body, bass playing included. Many musicians develop significant injuries due to overuse and the repetitive motion required of their instrument. Yes seeing a MD is a good idea, so is consulting a good bass teacher who has experience with teaching good technique.

BillW87 · #13 10-17-2010, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerbass

"Playing bass will show certain weaknesses in the body, not cause them." Any repetitive activity has the potential to cause injury and harm to the body, bass playing included. Many musicians develop significant injuries due to overuse and the repetitive motion required of their instrument. Yes seeing a MD is a good idea, so is consulting a good bass teacher who has experience with teaching good technique.

Consulting both a teacher and a doctor is the way to solve this problem. Good technique can seriously reduce your chances of re-injuring yourself once you've addressed your current injury, and will greatly increase your ability to keep playing for decades to come. However, your first priority needs to be seeing a doctor to address the immediate injury properly, as continuing to play until it is addressed will most likely only make it worse and increase your chances of causing some sort of permanent damage.