Double Bass Thumb problem

[Ggordon]

Hi, looking at a possible ligament tear in my right thumb. Anyone have this and care to share their experience?

 

[David Potts]

How bad is the pain? Right now I would suggest rest and ice (frozen peas) until you seek proper advice from a physiotherapist or doctor. Voltaren might help reduce the pain and you could immobilise the thumb with a loose bandage around the whole hand so that you are not tempted to use it. There are physios who specialise in hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. I would not try to keep using it in pain lest you make any damage worse and slow your recovery. Perhaps you have irritated the ligament by overuse and not torn it. It would also be a good idea to revue your technique in case your thumb is being misused. How do you think this came about?

 

[Ggordon]

Thanks for the reply. It was 8 weeks ago and probably from weightlifting. Who knows? I got an xray and an MRI and there is a slight tear in a ligament. Look up skiers thumb or gamekeepers thumb for more fun!!
My ortho consult is next week and am off until then at least.
Funny thing is playing has been not so painful. You know us musicians and pain. Hand in hand.

 

[David Potts]

Thank you for the extra information. I looked up skier's thumb and gamekeeper's thumb to find that my advice was close to the mark. It sounds like you may be heading for a splint. I once had my L little finger in a splint for 14 weeks to rejoin a torn ligament and was warned I might have permanent pain after. There was no lasting pain and my slightly stiff little finger has never collapsed again. I was very lucky.

Hopefully the ligament will heal itself if you are in luck but be careful not to keep tearing at it by bass playing lest you keep trying to heal over scar tissue and end up in more pain. Be patient !!