Double Bass Playing with osteoarthritis in the fingers

[Pings Bass]

The arthritis has gotten pretty bad in the first knuckle of the left index finger.

I'm wondering what others with this condition do to try to slow its progression, or at least treat the stiffness and soreness while still putting in hours on the fingerboard.

My approach thus far is NSAIDs occasionally, when it gets bad or I'm going for a long hike (have it in my toe knuckles, too). I've also been taking a glucosamine, but the science on that is not strong (i.e. there are not many high quality studies showing therapeutic value above placebo). I've tried cannabis salve, which smells nice, but I don't notice any effect. I know ultimately steroid injections and surgery may be available, but I will put those off indefinitely if I can.

I worry that playing bass only makes it worse, but I can't stop. You know what I mean.

I'm sure others are dealing with this... what's your strategy?

 

[Don Hergert]

As funny as it sounds, I wash dishes -- manually -- in very warm water 2 to 3 times a day. The combination of warm water with a variety of finger/hand movements seems to help.

 

[walking Bass]

As funny as it sounds, I wash dishes -- manually -- in very warm water 2 to 3 times a day. The combination of warm water with a variety of finger/hand movements seems to help.

And it makes my wife happy too. I limit my play on any one instrument and default to shorter scale basses, particularly my Taylor GS Mini. I've also migrated to shorter neck 6-strings.

I don't believe there is any real cure at this time. Anti-inflammatory drugs have a lot of side effects and over-the-counter pain killers are either of limited usefulness or have long term liver/kidney consequences.

It helps I replaced my dishwasher with a wine fridge. More dishes need washing and I have more wine handy.

 

[matthewbrown]

I've heard that paraffin baths are recommended, but I haven't tried that approach. I have the same problem, but not very bad (yet). Mainly, I try not to spend too much time doing things that make it worse.

 

[pcake]

i find gently squeezing a warm, wet sponge is very helpful. two minutes or less and i'm set for hours.

my husband and i both take glucosamine with MSM, and both found it helped our arthritis quite a bit. i also find ginger - i take mine in lemon ginger tea - helps a lot over time.

btw, this thread is packed with suggestions and supplements. definitely read the entire thing
Onset of Arthritis

 

[Aldwyn]

I was dealing with arthritis so bad I couldn't play guitar anymore (guitar is my main instrument). The rheumatologist was about to put me on meds for the rest of my life, when I decided to try acupuncture.

Three sessions later, the pain was gone. Gone. Done. Finished. Shortly after I had full motion back, as well. I didnt start getting paid again until about 12 years later... and even them it was minor, and just now and then, not every day.

Perhaps I am an exception, not the rule, but give acupuncture a try. It made me a believer, for sure.

 

[briandavismurph]

The arthritis has gotten pretty bad in the first knuckle of the left index finger.

I'm wondering what others with this condition do to try to slow its progression, or at least treat the stiffness and soreness while still putting in hours on the fingerboard.

My approach thus far is NSAIDs occasionally, when it gets bad or I'm going for a long hike (have it in my toe knuckles, too). I've also been taking a glucosamine, but the science on that is not strong (i.e. there are not many high quality studies showing therapeutic value above placebo). I've tried cannabis salve, which smells nice, but I don't notice any effect. I know ultimately steroid injections and surgery may be available, but I will put those off indefinitely if I can.

I worry that playing bass only makes it worse, but I can't stop. You know what I mean.

I'm sure others are dealing with this... what's your strategy?

There are many different qualities of CBD oils and creams in the marketplace I found one that works pretty well it’s by a company called Zilis. I will be happy to PM you more information if you’re interested

 

[jasonrp]

I'll also say CBD but it's really just a bandaid. I'm lucky in the fact that it doesn't affect slapstyle very much BUT pizz can be painful. My mother got surgery and had the nodules on her knuckles ground down. She had to do her index twice, but the knobby knuckles have not returned.

Has yours gotten to the point where you can't fully close your fingers anymore? 3 of mine are at that point but CBD oil makes all but my index closable. The bump on my index knuckle is big enough that it is no longer capable of closing no matter what.

Of course with how fond I am of whiskey, it could be gout...The scourge of middle age English royalty.

 

[pcake]

I was dealing with arthritis so bad I couldn't play guitar anymore (guitar is my main instrument). The rheumatologist was about to put me on meds for the rest of my life, when I decided to try acupuncture.

Three sessions later, the pain was gone. Gone. Done. Finished. Shortly after I had full motion back, as well. I didnt start getting paid again until about 12 years later... and even them it was minor, and just now and then, not every day.

Perhaps I am an exception, not the rule, but give acupuncture a try. It made me a believer, for sure.

years ago, a friend of mine had severe arthritis - at 33, she couldn't straighten her fingers and they hurt all the time. then she tried a course of acupuncture. i know this is going to sound like BS, but not only did it help with the pain so she could totally function again - after several years of crippling pain, she became a ski instructor.