Arthritis

[Guest Roffensis]

I wonder if any members can please give me some advice about Arthritis? I have it in both index fingers, my little finger left hand has kinked out rather, and the right middle finger joint is currently paining me if touched. A lot. I should add that none of this has affected my playing whatever, I can still play Bach cleanly, and still practice a good two hours a day. It does not hurt playing, it is more the physical side I notice, thick clicky joints etc.

 

What can I look forward to? At 50 is it all just downhill now? How do older members cope? Are there any remedies or magic potions to abate impending doom?

 

Any advice greatly appreciated, on what must be one of the hazards of playing.

 

Thanks,

 

R

[Guest Geoff McMahon]

Would it be worth getting in touch with the Arthritis Foundation? http://www.arthritis.org I know of one (now deceased) famous player who had that problem and he plunged his hands into very warm water before he played to alleviate the symptoms. I also believe that things such as evening primrose (I rather irreverently call it deadly nightshade) can be a help. It certainly helped problems I had with a knee some years ago, that and abandoning the car for a bicycle.

 

John

[Dulciana]

Have you consulted a doctor? It could just be osteoarthritis, but if some joints are acutely tender it's worthwhile making sure it's not an inflammatory arthropathy.