Do you keep playing with Arthritis?

[bdengler]

I have asked this question before, so forgive me. But I'm hoping there are some "over-50" members who may share their experience with me. I've got arthritis in the thumb and finger joints, both hands. They hurt when I play (sometimes), but they also ache when I do nothing. Sometimes they feel better when I play. I went to two specialists -- they told me to keep playing, because the alternatives -- doing nothing -- are worse. I keep "quitting" (ha, ha, ha) but then I'm asked to play here and there and, frankly, my heart is totally into doing it. I even thought of switching to tuba (I played it for 9 years), but it seems there are a lot more opportunities to play string bass. My gut reaction is to "suck it up" and play. I'm wondering if any of you share the same experience as I do and could share what you've been doing to keep playing.

Thanks, Brian

[jrduer]

Hey, Brian:

I have the same problem in my hands (and other places). I've been to my doctor, and he gave me some pills to take before I play. The dope is called Tramadol, and sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.

I hadn 't played my EUB for several weeks, and when I gigged last Wednesday night, by the end of the second set, my hands were like Fred Sanford's: claws. Muscle cramps in addition to the raging arthritis pain.

Anyway, I guess what I can add to the discussion is: if it hurts whether I play or not, I'm gonna keep playing.

Good luck,

~John

[bassbuck]

Brian,

I'm 62 with fairly pronounced arthritic knuckles in my right hand and some involvement in my left hand. However, with consistent practicing and playing and the over-the-counter varities of naperson sodium, I am playing better than ever (even with resuming after twenty-six years of not playing).

So here's my advice: KEEP PLAYING!!! The alternative (not playing) cannot possibly be acceptable to a double bass guy.

Hang in there.

Buckner Malcolm

[bdengler]

Buckner, John,

Thanks. My doc put me on Etodolac and told me to keep playing. It's funny because at times I feel better when I practice. I appreciate the encouragement and I'm going to keep playing.

Brian

[TomGale]

Duets are especially good because if you try to stop, your partner will hit you......
Good wishes, Tom Gale

[Uncletoad]

Originally Posted by bassbuck

So here's my advice: KEEP PLAYING!!! The alternative (not playing) cannot possibly be acceptable to a double bass guy.

Agreed 100%. I plan on playing until they dig my 6 feet.

[jdapodaca]

I'm 20, and don't have arthritis. But, I'm going to encourage you to keep playing, in hopes that when I'm over 50, I'll also be encouraged to keep playing by my peers.

[kurt muroki]

I've been having arthritic problems and I'm always in pain when I play, but havent seen a doc yet... I guess I should go. I've been doing some over the counter all natural herbal pills that help... Zyflamend and extra A,C,E vitamins. anyway I'll keep playing even if it hurts beyond tolerable.

[DeaconK]

Gentlemen,

I'm 55 and just now picking up electric bass. I also play acoustic and electric. I'm beginning to have problems with my fingers as well. We think we have problems? Look at Les Paul (he can't even bend his fingers anymore and he's still as hot as ever!).

Besides the meds, I might suggest something else. My wife picked it up this weekend for her hand pain. It's parafin bath that you dip your hand in and then wrap the parafin encrusted hand in a plastic bag and wrap a towel around it. IT FEELS GREAT! She got hers at a beauty supply store (Sally's, I think). I used it after I got home from practice on Sunday and I was amazed at how much it helped with the discomfort.

It's worth a shot anyway!

[grayhawk1853]

I'm 53 and I started taking one alleve each morning about two years ago for it. It seldom bothers me now unless it gets cold for a few days or if I quit taking the alleve. I try to practice each day for at least a half hour and I don't have any plans to change that.

[downneck]

keep playing!

i'm only 30, but i've recently (the last couple years or so) had problems with DeQuervain's tendonitis in my left wrist. some of these may or may not be applicable to arthritis sufferers, but it can't hurt to inquire about it with your doc.

things that have helped me, recommended by my physical therapist and various others:
- zyflamend
- garlic! one or two cloves a day, raw! (is also excellent for preventing colds and keeping vampires (and loved ones) away)
- aleve (although i'm told that mixing garlic with ibuprofen may cause excess bleeding, check with your doctor...as this may only be pertinent with garlic supplements and not natural garlic itself)
- tens therapy (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). this does wonders for the tendonitis as it stimulates the body's natural production of pain-blocking endorphins. you can buy (from your doc, or online with a prescription) a decent portable tens unit that takes a 9v battery for about $60. again, check with your doc as i have no idea how effective it might be on arthritis so ymmv. i normally hook myself up for about 10-15 minutes before i play.
- joint supplements: i use the triple-threat glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM ones
- topical joint stuff...i prefer jointritis, seems to help temporarily

combining all this stuff, i've been able to keep the tendonitis manageable enough that i'm not really considering surgery unless it really deteriorates

[lbanks]

I use Unker's and try not to think about it.

[62bass]

Originally Posted by downneck

keep playing!

i'm only 30, but i've recently (the last couple years or so) had problems with DeQuervain's tendonitis in my left wrist. some of these may or may not be applicable to arthritis sufferers, but it can't hurt to inquire about it with your doc.

things that have helped me, recommended by my physical therapist and various others:
- zyflamend
- garlic! one or two cloves a day, raw! (is also excellent for preventing colds and keeping vampires (and loved ones) away)
- aleve (although i'm told that mixing garlic with ibuprofen may cause excess bleeding, check with your doctor...as this may only be pertinent with garlic supplements and not natural garlic itself)
- tens therapy (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation). this does wonders for the tendonitis as it stimulates the body's natural production of pain-blocking endorphins. you can buy (from your doc, or online with a prescription) a decent portable tens unit that takes a 9v battery for about $60. again, check with your doc as i have no idea how effective it might be on arthritis so ymmv. i normally hook myself up for about 10-15 minutes before i play.
- joint supplements: i use the triple-threat glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM ones
- topical joint stuff...i prefer jointritis, seems to help temporarily

combining all this stuff, i've been able to keep the tendonitis manageable enough that i'm not really considering surgery unless it really deteriorates

Yes, I use the all natural remedies.They work if you take the right ones.

The medical drugs, even over the counter ones have too many serious side effects.

Keep playing for sure. I've stopped my arthritis in it's tracks and I'm 66. You just have to look and find the appropriate remedies.

Carol Kaye has good advice on this. She's managed to beat it without drugs.

[Chris Fitzgerald]

At 42, I have two arthritic knees (basketball), one arthritic shoulder (Aikido), and a mildly arthritic thumb (weightlifting), all from previous injuries. I find it's better to stay active and hydrated. My knees actually feel better when I run on the eliptical trainer 5-6 days a week, so I try to do that. Ditto for my shoulder and thumb as regards playing. I plan on doing all of the above until I'm cremated. It might seem corny to say it, but the pain of not doing something I love always seems to be greater than avoiding the physical pain by staying off the bad joints. YMMV.

[christ andronis]

At 55 I've been taking 2 Aleive (sp?) about an hour before the gig and it tweezes me out real good, no pain. Keep playing!!!!

[Jazzdogg]

Originally Posted by grayhawk1853

I'm 53 and I started taking one alleve each morning about two years ago for it. It seldom bothers me now unless it gets cold for a few days or if I quit taking the alleve. I try to practice each day for at least a half hour and I don't have any plans to change that.

I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but my Pop had to be hospitalized because of internal bleeding directly related to Alleve; his bleeding was bad enough that he had to be transfused. Since then, I've talked to several people who've also suffered from internal bleeding after taking Alleve repeatedly.

[lbanks]

Because of other medication I take, I'm wary of most over the counter meds. I stay with topical ointments, when possible. There is a book I have, "The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health", by Randall Kertz, M.D.. Good info there... he plays bass.

[Jazzdogg]

Originally Posted by lbanks

Because of other medication I take, I'm wary of most over the counter meds. I stay with topical ointments, when possible. There is a book I have, "The Bassist's Guide to Injury Management, Prevention and Better Health", by Randall Kertz, M.D.. Good info there... he plays bass.

Thanks for the lead. I ordered a copy following a quick Google search?

[Eli_Upright12]

I'm only 16 and can't say i know much about arthiritis, hell i cant even spell it correctly, but my aunt has pretty bad arthiritis in her fingers and is a painter and she seeks out homeopathic remedies. It seems to work for her too, there stuff like Black Cherry juice and believe it or not stinging arthiretic joints with bees, and herbal creams. I suggest that if normal treatments arent working try something alternative. Theres probalby a hippy store in your town that can give you some good advice. Never stop playing

[lbanks]

I've been trying the Black Cherry Juice, also. Tasty!