Arthritis anyone?

[WEDGE]

I will be 50 in a couple days and as I get older I get the normal age related issues to deal with, but for the last six months or so my hands have been killing me. At its worst I get numbness and tingling and they ache pretty badly. I take some over the counter stuff for it and it helps but when I wake up in the morning making a fist can be difficult sometimes. The other day I was playing and my left thumb would cramp when holding chords.

Anyone have any experience with this and have any suggestions for me? I do know I need to go to my doctor and get real advice which I will do next week but wondered if anyone else had issues with this. I am just a home player but I can't imagine having to stop or limit playing, and even extended sessions at the computer keyboard for work makes them ache, especially if I forget to pop another pill after so many hours.

 

[jfb]

Can't say I have experienced this. It crosses my mind from time to time though due the amount of time spent on a computer and playing guitar.

Hopefully the doctor will have some advice that clears this up for you. Keep us posted.

 

[BrianC]

Do not buy in to the Glucosamine scam.

Take Advil Liquid Gels as needed - one will usually do it.

The good news is now you too can predict the weather! (lol)

 

[alantig]

Not in the hands, but I was told I have arthritis in my knees. Funny - I wasn't really having issues before the doc said that, but now I notice things. I'd actually hurt myself lifting weights (I'll wait for you all to stop laughing...), but the arthritis diagnosis was apparently a bonus.

I have had the hand cramping thing from time to time, but I attribute it more to losing my stamina over the years of not having a band and not playing for three hours at a time. Stretching and warming up help, but building up the stamina and strength are what I really need to do (and never have the time for).

 

[László]

I have arthritic changes in my cervical spine causing a pinched nerve. When it flares up, it will cause problems in my right hand, to the point where my hand cramps up even holding a pick.

However, there are effective medical treatments that help. Just an FYI.