Is there a doctor in the house? I have been researching a problem that has developed with the thumb on my right hand. It's the thumb that hangs under my saxes to hold them up. I have a callous there and recently the thumb has started "locking" on me. It clicks and sometimes has to be forced to either flex into a curved position or to straighten it back out. It has started being painful in the mornings.

It appears I have "trigger thumb". Yuck. From what I have read here on the internet, I am most likely in for some cortesone shots in the near term with surgery as a possibility if the problem persists.

I read somewhere that this is a common problem with musicians. Have any of you gone down that road? I am wondering how long the cortesone shots will last in terms of a solution. Any and all your insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Randy

Randy, it's a problem for musicians and writers, too....probably anyone who does lots of repetitive finger movements.

I know four people who developed the same problem. all had surgery and are doing better. One bass player is having problems with getting his speed and coordiation back to the level he wants it.


Good luck!


R.

Hi Randy
I think you will find thatyour problem is known as 'carpal tunnel syndrome'.
It happens to many who use the hand in reptitive situations, typing mainly, but in many other modes.
I have known many who have had CTS and had a surgical operation to 'sort out the tendons which can get crossed and need to be released.
'My wife had this a couple of years ago through knitting and sewing and her carpal tunnel op was a success.

------------------
Eddie from Rotherham
Skype:eddiefromrotherham
www.yamahakeyboards.info

PSR9000

Randy,
I have the same recurring problem with my Left thumb.It seems to be hit or miss regarding the effectiveness of surgery hear in the Uk.It will be assured, eventually rectify itself,however you can never tell when it will reaccure.I have had it three times in the passed 15 years and now just live with it.

Gilbert

Good luck Randy! That sucks.

BTW Russ, how is your arm and your fingers?

Beakybird

thanks for asking, Randy. Not doing really well. I set a goal to be back playing guitar in a month. I worked on it 4 hours a day, and continued to play 4-6 gigs a week on arranger. I hurt the tendons and have almost unbearable pain now.

Serves me right for trying to push things. The good news is, I'm starting to get a little feeling back in my left hand, in the form of a little tingling.

Still not crazy about playing arrangers, but this is something (about all, actually) I can do until things improve.

Really miss playing that walking left-hand bass, upright, electric bass and guitar.


I'm working hard on it!


Russ

Find a good Chiropractor instead.

I ain't kiddin'.

Chiropractor saved George Benson, now he endorses it, too.

MANY musicians could derive benefit from the thing, no matter the instrument choice.

And -- start drinking 8oz of water every hour you are awake.

Yeah, you visit the bathroom more, but stadying hydrated cures a lot of these things right up, gout, carpal, "trigger finger" and the like.

Prayer helps, too.

Wish you the best,


--Mac

Actually, Randy is correct that it is most likely "Trigger Finger", and in his case, "Trigger Thumb". Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is something totally different, where you get numbness and tingling over your hand and fingers.

Check with your doctor. Sometimes taking anti-inflammatory medicine may help (though they could be hard on your stomach). But steroid injection is faster and likely more effective. And yes, sometimes, surgery may be needed if all else fails.

[This message has been edited by kalak (edited 08-07-2009).]