Arthritic Fingers

Robert Spencer · #1 05-20-2010, 04:06 PM

I have just began to play again after many many years away from bass guitar. I am experiencing pain in my finger joints ( especially the left). It is not only painful when playing ( or when not playing ) but causes serious restrictions is dexterity.
I would think this is common to bass players but a search brought nothing to help understand what I can do to treat this problem. Yes I`m now very old and arthritis is somewhat a fact of life to the elderly. I`m hoping that someone has a relief such as soaking hands in Epson salt of usind DMSO as a rub or anything to help. Thanks & take care. Bob

bruiser1964 · #2 05-20-2010, 04:48 PM

I know there are lots of excercises, lotions and pills out there but would strongly advise getting a phsyio or GP to have a look
On a practical level could you look at the action / string tension / string choice to make it less of a strain?

Hope you find a way to keep on playing.

Robert Spencer · #3 05-20-2010, 04:55 PM

Thanks Bruiser. I tend to bear down on the strings with a lot of pressure & will try to break that nasty little habit.

No was am I going to quit playing (just bought a new Jack Casady). Thanks again & take care. Bob

SurferJoe46 · #4 05-20-2010, 06:52 PM

If you can't get Vicadin, then aspirin is a good friend.

Just watch for gastric distress :: e.g. Heartburn - which is NOT your heart!

I have an apothecary's cabinet full of all the pain killers I have to take.

fearceol · #5 05-21-2010, 02:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bruiser1964

would strongly advise getting a phsyio or GP to have a look

I agree.

What you yourself say about pressing down too hard on the strings could be a factor also.

Robert Spencer · #6 05-21-2010, 10:13 AM

Thanks guys. I`m taking ibuprofen & asprin hoping for improvement. I may try DMSO rubs if that is not of help. I live on an island in coastal Alaska & medical assistance is not readily available here, as it is in most areas. Take care. Bob

LouisV · #7 05-21-2010, 10:20 AM

Hi, I also have body issues: nerve pain & some arthritis. I agree having a doc & physical therapist check you out is important. Other things such as massage therapy etc can help. Also, not doing any one thing for too long seems to be a good idea; that is take breaks, stretch, get the blood flowing, do warm ups, learn good body mechanics etc. Ah, the joys of old age!!!

Randall · #8 05-21-2010, 10:30 AM

it has been said many times before but turning up your amp (loud) can help you play with a soft/softer touch as you are forced to use your fingers for "loudness/dynamics. Worked for me as i used to really dig in back in the day. Good luck with your playing.

zaubertuba · #9 05-21-2010, 11:35 AM

Not just a problem for the elderly - I'm 40 and getting back into playing just like you.

I originally ended up getting RSI in college and had to give up the bass. Now, I'm finding I have some joint pain--unlike the injury I had before which was tendon-related. I know I have at least a family risk-factor for arthritis (my mom "came down with it" early). I still need to see a doctor to have them check on it.

I've found both the instrument set-up and my approach to playing it critical. I started playing a "tapper," and the ultra-low action coupled with a more relaxed playing approach (I too used to bear down really hard--came from working a lot on upright base) has made it possible for me to play without pain. What pain I am feeling seems to be completely unrelated to whether I'm playing or not.

You don't need a tapper, but a decent-quality instrument (truss-rod, well-dressed frets or fingerboard, etc.) that can be set up with a really low action will help.

I do take anti-inflammatory doses of Ibuprofin. Fish oil capsules do seem to help a bit, and I'm trying a Glucosomine/Condroitin (sp?) supplement right now.

And x2 on seeing a doctor. Thanks to your post I'm going to call today to make an appointment with mine.

SurferJoe46 · #10 05-21-2010, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robert Spencer

Thanks guys. I`m taking ibuprofen & asprin hoping for improvement. I may try DMSO rubs if that is not of help. I live on an island in coastal Alaska & medical assistance is not readily available here, as it is in most areas. Take care. Bob

Be careful with that DMSO. It works, but is very toxic to your kidneys.

The efficacy is not questioned as it is really a good and capable substance - after all it is used on race horses for their legs - but horses don't live as long as people so kidney damage isn't going to show up on them like in a human who lives longer.

When you apply the DMSO you get a kind of 'garlic' taste in your mouth and maybe think you smell it even though it is on you hand/leg/foot, etc. That's an indication of the power of this stuff!

BTW: It acts as a good device to send any other chemicals that are on the skin first, into the blood stream - so make sure the area is pretty clean before you apply it!

Don't rub it either! Apply - GENTLY!

Been there - done it - WON'T do THAT again!

Pilgrim · #11 05-21-2010, 01:57 PM

Robert, I'm almost 60 and trying to minimize stress. The first thing is to use the stickies in the hardware and Setup Forum and get a REALLY good setup on your bass. Then play with the absolute MINIMUM amount of force required. let your amp do the work.

Also - Advil (ibuprofen) and Alleve (naproxin sodium) both have anti-inflammatory and painkilling properties; the naproxin sodium is a stronger anti-inflammatory. I'd use whichever one works better for you, both before and after playing. Stay with the labeled doses - don't overdo it.

rosanne · #12 05-21-2010, 04:13 PM

I've got arthritis so bad that one of my fretting fingers is bent to the side b/c of knuckle deformation. I use several natural anti-inflammatorys such as Vitamin D, flax oil, and propolis (which is extracted from honey. None of these are harmful (you would have to take huge doses of vitamin D for it to be harmful).

I also keep my action as low as possible and no longer use the "grip of death" on the fingerboard.

Pilgrim is right about being careful with Advil - I ended up with an ulcer because I took way too much of it. The ulcer is gone now but I still only take it in extreme situations.

Ric5 · #13 05-21-2010, 04:19 PM

Traditional medicine for arthritis is only pain relief with side effects.

Search "Natural Cures for Arthritis" I have kept my arthritis at bay for more than a dozen years with a good nutrition and supplementation program.

rosanne · #14 05-21-2010, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ric5

Search "Natural Cures for Arthritis" I have kept my arthritis at bay for more than a dozen years with a good nutrition and supplementation program.

What supplements are you using?

Robert Spencer · #15 05-22-2010, 12:30 AM

Lots of good information given here. Thanks everyone & take care. Bob

**RedsFan75** · #16 05-24-2010, 10:53 AM

As a sufferer I fully understand. Been on 'meds' for the last 10 yrs, and I just turned 50. I have it in my hands knees, shoulders and to brunt of my problems are related to my spine. Lots of spinal issues stemming from arthritis including neuropathy resulting from the spinal damage and I also have carpal tunnel..

Low action, light touch, let your amp do the work and pay CLOSE attention to technique. MAKE SURE you have no bad habits in you playing technique. I've lightened up my gear, I have a good supportive strap and my action is very low. Folks who've played my basses comment on the don't know how I play with it that low.

I'm on a regimine of Glucosamine/Chondrotin, SAM-e, MSM, Halyuronic acid, Fish Oil, Flax, Vit D, Vit C, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vit B6 and 12, GLA and CMO on top of the daily dosages of Loratab, and the anti-inflammatory Mobic. I've also done accupuncture and other therapies to manage the pain.

One thing about it, keep playing, just be careful with your playing, but keeping those joints moving go a LONG way to keeping you doing well. The days I don't get to play something, the next day my joints are stiff and swollen.

Pilgrim · #17 05-24-2010, 01:46 PM

Yup...it may well be one of those "use it or lose it" things.

Ric5 · #18 05-24-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rosanne

What supplements are you using?

I have a whole health regime that I follow.

I start with my blender in the morning and blend up a bunch of raw fruit and veggies. The I take a lot of minerals, vitamins, and superfood supplements. Also I avoid carbonated beverages.

My supplements include. Coral Calcium, Via Viente, Omega 3 oils, glucosamine, msm, magnesium, and much more.

Ric5 · #19 05-24-2010, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SurferJoe46

Be careful with that DMSO. It works, but is very toxic to your kidneys.

The efficacy is not questioned as it is really a good and capable substance - after all it is used on race horses for their legs - but horses don't live as long as people so kidney damage isn't going to show up on them like in a human who lives longer.

When you apply the DMSO you get a kind of 'garlic' taste in your mouth and maybe think you smell it even though it is on you hand/leg/foot, etc. That's an indication of the power of this stuff!

BTW: It acts as a good device to send any other chemicals that are on the skin first, into the blood stream - so make sure the area is pretty clean before you apply it!

Don't rub it either! Apply - GENTLY!

Been there - done it - WON'T do THAT again!

MSM will do what DMSO does but it is not toxic and won't make you smell like sulfur.

**RedsFan75** · #20 05-24-2010, 04:24 PM

Capsicum cream or ointment works too, you can get some and rub it into the fingers.

This is my story and by no means an offer of medical advice, but my hands were really bothering me, a lot! I see a rheumatologist regularly for my arthritis issues and my hands were bothering me so bad he and my regular Dr. thought I had gout like issues but the tests came back negative. I used the Capsicum to help with the pain and mobility issues. Through a couple changes I stopped taking my cholesterol meds, and gradually, but rather quickly after I stopped taking it, my hands started feeling a lot better. We've tried every statin they make and they all bother my joints and muscles. So I take a Niacin for my cholesterol and have not had nearly as much trouble with my hands.