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Thread: Index finger pain - fretting hand

  1. #1
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    Lately I've been experiencing pain in my index finger knuckle (big knuckle at base of finger)on my fretting hand. It really hurts when hitting the E string in the first few positions. It seems that in order to hit these notes on the E string on the skinny part of the neck, the index finger bends in a tight, awkward fashion. Question is , do I need to work on technique, or is that a common repetitive injury to have on that index knuckle? Any ideas on how to speed up recovery without having to quit playing for a few weeks?

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    I have the same problem, along with off and on tennis elbows. I have finally realized after hearing it stated a dozen times on this website that "you need to lighten up with your fretting hand". It is amazing the difference in force needed to fret a note and what I was actually using. I could flatten a steel ball with the pressure I was applying. This excess muscle tension is what causes the painful hands/elbows. Play a scale and apply the least amount of finger force to make the notes, then start playing everything with that same light pressure.
    Keep it acoustic.

  3. #3

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    ...Im suffering from 2 differnet problems...I fell about a month ago and stoved up my right hand....just finally got around to going to the Doctor...seems I have a fracture in my right hand...theres a chip of bone about the size of a pea that just floating around in there. My left hand...going on 3 weeks now I havent had hardly any feeling in my pinky and ring finger...it feels like when you hit your funny bone and the tingle has never went away. Had test run on it..severely pinched nerve in my elbow area....Have to go to an Orthopedic Surgeon tomorrow...I can live with my right hand fracture....but the left hand has to get fixed.

  4. #4
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    Scotti, I have been having the same thing with my fretting hand. After about a month of not playing (I cheated, but not much) and immobilizing my arm at night, the tingling is almost gone and I'm playing at full speed again. I wasn't in an accident, but I was spending hours a day working on my pinkie, together with entering a new data base for my business. I found an interesting site that explains everything about the Ulnar nerve in graphic detail http://www.drmunirelias.com/cubitaltunnelsyndr.htm
    Good luck, it's frustrating not playing.
    Bob Caldwell

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    ..thanks for the info Bob

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    Go to a hand Doc. See if you can go to one that is CERTIFIED in hands. There lots of ortho docs out there but the hand is a little more specialized. I developed what sounds like the same problem about 3-4 years ago. It started about 6 years ago when I purchased a mandoin with a shallower neck than I had been playing for 14 years. It prob. needed a fret job. My finger became very painful at times. The ortho doc said musicians injurys are difficult to treat because they won't quit playing. He was right to an extent. But I got the feeling that was a cop out too. Ortho docs have few options. Give you a shot of steroid in the joint, operate, splint, cast, perscribe anti-inflamitory, suggest alternate motions. I'm sure I missed something.
    He'll tell you to quit for a few months. and take anti-inflamitorys and give you a shot in the knuckle or tendon sheath. Maybe send you to a Occupational Therapist ( I couldn't to one). Go there's nothing like hearing an authoritative voice.
    LONG TERM? For me it turned into Trigger finger eventually. Not sure why. I quit going to hear the same thing over.
    OTHER CURES: Lower action, A Fret Job. Nut work. Fatter neck. I eventuallly just got a different mando. (Which money is better , spent on a mando that fits or money to a doc. That can add up to quite a mandolin. Good luck. Keep you spirits up.

  7. #7
    Registered User Pete Martin's Avatar
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    Try to find a Performing Arts Medical Assn (look them up) doctor. #They are very used to injuries to musicians.

    Please do not play through pain. #I know WAY too many great players that ignored pain, kept playing and many will never be able to play again. #If something hurts, it hurts for a reson. #Stop and figure it out!!!

    I can play today because I stopped (for 3 years) playing when pain started. #It took a while, but I found the cause and got retrained for more efficient techniques with the help of a terrific Performing Arts doc.

    A better setup, with MINIMUM action, especially at the first fret, is a must. #Don't listen to Bluegrassers who say your action has to be high, it doesn't. #Get some stretches from your doc or therapist and do them regularly. #Focus on how much tension is in the hand and minimize it.

    Email me directly, through my web site. #I may be able to help you some. #I will be at Wintergrass Wednesday thru Sunday in case I dont answer right back.
    -----------
    Pete Martin
    www.PeteMartin.info
    Jazz and Bluegrass instruction books, videos, articles, transcriptions, improvisation, ergonomics, free recordings, private lessons

    www.WoodAndStringsBand.com
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    www.AppleValleyWranglers.net
    Western Swing music

  8. #8
    Registered User adgefan's Avatar
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    I'm going for tests tomorrow for the same problem. Ring and little finger in my fretting hand have been going numb and pain in my elbow for about a year now. I saw a succession of doctors before I finally got referred to a specialist. 3 months on a waiting list before I saw the specialist. He put me on another waiting list for the tests. Then it's probably on another waiting list for whatever treatment they prescribe. I'm proud to live in a country that has free healthcare but they don't half make it hard work!

    I immediately saw a doctor as soon as the problem arose, unfortunately, it was 6 months and 3 doctors later before things started moving forward. So I back up everyone who says see a doctor, but I will add, if you can choose your doctor then choose well. I don't have that luxury on the NHS and it's caused so much hassle. Oh and good luck, these things are curable!




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