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Sore right middle finger middle knuckle

F

fusionbassed

Jul 11, 2013
140
1
Sacramento
#1
Ok, I've been playing electric bass a year and a half, very seriously since February. I'm 51. 38+ years of guitar, almost all with pick.

I don't remember how I did it, but doing something non bass related I pinched that knuckle a couple of months ago and its been *sore* on the side that's next to the ring finger since, but only when I rap my knuckles on a hard surface - like a door.

The knuckle appears slightly swollen... but I'm very right handed and its always been a little bigger since I've been right handed.

It doesn't bother me playing bass, but I've noticed lately - and maybe its simply because I've been hyperchondriacal here - that when I'm plucking with the index and middle, that the fingers are brushing each other. Its not exactly uber straight but that finger also has been a little kitty wompus for a long time.

I'm probably practicing 8-12 hours a week plus playing live included in that. Is this something that's likely to go away? I suppose I could just rest it and pluck only with my index and thumb for a while. I am trying to use properly right hand position for my wrist so I'm not bending it too much... is it normal for the 1st and 2nd fingers to brush each other when you're playing with fingers, I am hypersensitive here, or do I need to go see a doc?
 
#2
12 hours a week of practice, plus playing?
That's a lot.

I fell of my mountain bike in early May, and jammed the heck out of my middle finger, right hand. It's been very slow to heal, and the doc said "that's just the way it is, you're 52. It's like that."

So, there ya go. Ice a couple of times a day, and take it easier.
 
#3
Chef said:
12 hours a week of practice, plus playing?
That's a lot.

I fell of my mountain bike in early May, and jammed the heck out of my middle finger, right hand. It's been very slow to heal, and the doc said "that's just the way it is, you're 52. It's like that."

So, there ya go. Ice a couple of times a day, and take it easier.
Click to expand...

I'll be 52 in November. This whole getting older thing sucks :) Glad you didn't get hurt worse... I've fallen off a bike too... I'm kind of hard headed... last October, I wasn't paying attention halfway through a half marathon, and rolled my left ankle. Thought I'd broken it, was so mad I wasn't going to get my finisher's medal (I'm no speedster), but I got up, found I could walk on it and jogged/walked the rest of the way. Ran two more halfs in a six week period. I'm kind of stubborn that way :)
 
#5
I have a good accupuncturist.
For me, this did indeed provide good temp relief, but was not a long term fix.

good thing to try, might well fix your sitch.
 
#6
You probably need to see a doctor. But if you hold out long enough you'll get a lot
of "I'm no doctor but here's my opinion" type replies on the internet.
Speaking of which, I'm no doctor but here's my opinion; sounds like the beginnings of arthritis.
I would agree with the acupuncture suggestion, have experienced amazing results with it.
 
#8
Hand Surgeon here. First, this:

its been *sore* on the side that's next to the ring finger since, but only when I rap my knuckles on a hard surface - like a door.
Click to expand...

Simple fix: DON'T DO IT. :hiding:

Second- it sounds like early osteoarthritis (OA). It will happen to all of us, some sooner, some later. Occupational hazard.

Third- do stretching exercises, keep finger joints supple, a little lubrication helps with mechanical issues (vitamin E, lotion, etc). Apply moist heat for 10-15 minutes before doing stretching exercises.

Fourth- Getting old sucks, but still beats the alternative. By a LONG shot. ;)
 
#10
jbossolo said:
Hand Surgeon here. First, this:

...

Simple fix: DON'T DO IT. :hiding:

Second- it sounds like early osteoarthritis (OA). It will happen to all of us, some sooner, some later. Occupational hazard.

Third- do stretching exercises, keep finger joints supple, a little lubrication helps with mechanical issues (vitamin E, lotion, etc). Apply moist heat for 10-15 minutes before doing stretching exercises.

Fourth- Getting old sucks, but still beats the alternative. By a LONG shot. ;)
Click to expand...

I'm in my 50's (sigh) and have swelling in a couple of joints in my fretting hand, index and pinky... the ones that get used the most, of course. Worst is my pinky, it's often sore and I can definitely feel that it's swollen... been that way for close to a year now, and I've pretty much assumed it's OA. From what I understand there isn't much that can be done, but thanks very much for the advice on how to treat it.
 

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