Early/Sudden Onset of Arthritis of the Hands and/or Fingers

[Tom Dowling]

Early/Sudden Onset of Arthritis of the Hands and/or Fingers: I would be interested in communicating, probably by PM, with folks who have experienced or are experiencing sudden onset and increasingly severe arthritic pain in the hands and/or fingers. I am also interested in what I call 'trigger finger' or 'snap finger' syndrome, in which, when opening up the hands--upon waking, for example--one or more fingers on each hand refuse at first to open with the others and then snap open as if spring loaded. In my circumstance, I am especially interested in the degree or manner in which semi-annual Lupron injections or daily use of statins may be factors. Since this has the potential to get into personal medical stuff, I am in favor of kicking this around via PM. I am aware of, but have not tried, soaking in warm paraffin. I have tried turmeric dietary supplements. What I am experiencing seems a bit more serious than a condition that can be handled with these somewhat popular and quasi-organic approaches. If things continue at the current pace, my (already sketchy) whistle playing may become a thing of the past. Low whistles--with which I once had a tad of facility--are becoming noticeably harder to play. I am in my early 70's and do not have a history of arthritis. This is late breaking stuff for me.

[syn whistles]

I can sympathize with you about your trigger finger problems. At one stage I took to wearing splints on my fingers at night and while driving as a means of preventing the dreaded 'lock-up'. Operations are available but if you can put up with the condition for a while the symptoms do seem to alleviate over time. Playing wooden flutes is out for me now, but using the pipers grip on low whistles still works.

[Tom Dowling]

Thank you for that. Some PM's have been coming in and I appreciate the suggestions I have gotten.

[busterbill]

I applaud your optimism. I am 67 and recently accepted that I was no longer eligible for early onset anything. I assume you are getting some great medical advice and consulting a hand specialist. Ask your doctor if you can get a prescription for Occupational Therapy. If he or she thinks this is a good idea, an occupational therapist is sort of a physical therapist for your hands. Along with whatever medical treatment you receive they can help you with exercises aimed at countering the effects of the work our hands are doing as we play our instruments. I'm a flute, fiddle and concertina player so I don't have experience with the pipe specific injuries, but I have seen a number of posts over the years about the issues you describe. So hopefully you are getting some good advice. Good luck to you.

[Tom Dowling]

Thank you Busterbill. I meant sudden onset, not early. It came on quickly as opposed to gradually.

[busterbill]

[ChrisS]

Have similar problem with my hands and fingers at age 62. Decided to take up the clarinet 2 yrs ago but had to give it up because of the pain it caused my thumbs. Occupational hand therapist helped a little with exercises but mostly adjusting my sleeping position and different pillow helped relieve the strain on my hands and wrists (am a side sleeper). She also prescribed hand/wrist braces I wear to sleep more comfortably. They keep me from hyper-extending my wrists and fingers keeping them in a straight/relaxed position. Have been a big help.
My high 'D' down to 'Bb' whistles give me no trouble.
I do ok with some discomfort from my low 'D' using pipers grip. Cocking my head slightly and angling the longer whistles a little (similar to a transverse flute) helps relieve the strain on my wrists with the low 'D'. I seldom take pain medicine but occasionally use Aleve if my joints are particularly achy and this helps with my playing. Best wishes! Would appreciate any additional tips you may have learned recently.

[benhall.1]

Would appreciate any additional tips you may have learned recently.

... provided it doesn't amount to medical advice - Mod.

[Tom Dowling]

Would appreciate any additional tips you may have learned recently.

... provided it doesn't amount to medical advice - Mod.

At the time I posted my inquiry, I was not aware of the Board's view of stuff that touches on the medical. It was not my intent to solicit medical advice. However, I have become aware that my issues are not about music as such, so will delete the item if that is doable. My apologies to the Board and the C & F community.

If one of the moderators could remove the post in its entirety, I would be most grateful. If this is a 'power' granted to the poster, then I will do it myself.

Thanks,

Tom D.

[benhall.1]

At the time I posted my inquiry, I was not aware of the Board's view of stuff that touches on the medical. It was not my intent to solicit medical advice. However, I have become aware that my issues are not about music as such, so will delete the item if that is doable. My apologies to the Board and the C & F community.

If one of the moderators could remove the post in its entirety, I would be most grateful. If this is a 'power' granted to the poster, then I will do it myself.

Thanks,

Tom D.

Actually, Tom, I think your OP was fine. There's no harm in having whatever chats you want with people by PM. Also, the answers above where people have provided their own personal experience are interesting. They have to do with things that we, as musicians, all tend to experience at some point.

Where it gets problematic is when people ask for what amounts to medical advice, to be provided on the forums; or, where people give unsolicited medical advice, on the forums. (Note to all: "Go see your doctor" is always OK.)

So my comment above was not to say that anything in the thread so far was off-limits, but rather was a little, gentle reminder to people to be aware of the prohibition against giving medical advice itself.

[benhall.1]

Thread cleaned and locked - Mod.

I did try to warn you guys ...