Stiff Fingers

[Col]

I'm getting worried. I've notice (since the clocks have gone back) that my fingers are getting really stiff and painful, particularly when I wake up. I also noticed this during a gig on Saturday night.
My older sister suffers from arthritis and I believe it may run in families. I've looked at websites but they all seem so dry and complicated.
What I'm looking for are simple (even Old Wives) preventions and perhaps cures. I massage and exercise my fingers everyday, I'm not that old (52) and am terrified this could get worse and affect, or even stop, me playing.
Anyone have the same problem? know any creams or diet or pills to make it better (or at least slow down the effect)?

 

[Pete Thomas]

If it's any consolatiion, I had this a few years back. It lasted a couple of years then went away. I'm not sure of any changes in my lifestyle that could account for it.

But I would still seriously advise you get an expert diagnosis, either to set your mind at ease or nip something in the bud or whatever.

 

[Moz]

It's not a cure but it may help first thing in the morning if you fill the bathroom sink with water so hot you can barely put your hands in (don't scald yourself) and you should find that your fingers quickly loosen up and become pain free. I do suffer a little from arthritis in all my joints (especially my knees) but a few years ago I had an agency job delivering beer and soon found my knuckles were actually locked in the mornings and the water thing helped a lot. BTW age is largely irrelevant, I have had bads knees since my thirties and painful hands on occasion since I turned forty (I'm 57 now)

Non-prescription medicine-wise, try cod liver oil tablets -- buy the expensive ones as some others use different fish oils but expect nothing for quite a few weeks.

But as has been said it is always worth a trip to the doc's to check there is no underlying problem.

Cheers

Martin

 

[kevgermany]

Salmon oil seems to help. 500mg or more per day.

 

[MandyH]

I have had stiff fingers on and off much of my adult life (I am "only" 45 now!) which get worse during the winter.
As suggested elsewhere, getting them warm and keeping them moving.
I also wear gloves whenever I am heading outside, and keeps my gloved hands in my pockets whenever I can to keep my hands as warm as possible.

When my daughter was a baby (so I was barely 30) they hurt so much I couldn't pick up a milk bottle safely in 1 hand - it needed one round the bottle and the other underneath it.

The "specialist" at the hospital had no suggestions then.
At the moment <looks for something wooden> they don't hurt at all. My mum would tell you it's all part of that 7 year cycle - things come and go!

Not much help, sorry.

 

[Andrew Sanders]

Regular cod liver oil does it for me, and counteracts clicking knee joints.

 

[Targa]

Copper bracelet.

 

[Jack]

a large glass of whiskey does it for me.

 

[old git]

Regular cod liver oil does it for me, and counteracts clicking knee joints.

You've got your own percussion there.

 

[Col]

Thank you everyone, really helpful advice.

I'm going to get it checked out with my doctor next time I visit, but feel reassured it may not necessarily mean the begin of the end.

 

[Andrew Sanders]

Not any more, Bill, had to buy backing tracks. You win some you lose some.

 

[jadoube]

Cider vinegar - teaspoon a day. (suitaly doctored to taste)

 

[andyb1970]

Hi Col, I thought I saw on Facebook you saying you'd been dieting, perhaps this could be related?

 

[Col]

Hi Col, I thought I saw on Facebook you saying you'd been dieting, perhaps this could be related?

You should know I never diet, built for comfort not speed. Some geek hacking my Facebook account.

Come to think about it, my finger problem started after I bought that Selmer off you earlier this year.....

 

[andyb1970]

Ahhh that makes more sense..thought it was a bit odd. Be surprised if it's the Selmer....never gave me any trouble like that, just that the fact the MK VII wasn't comfortable on the left hand stack (too much of a stretch), but I would have thought it a perfect fit for you.

 

[Col]

I'm winding you up Andy, looking for a refund

The Selmer is perfect, no complaints at all, I love it, as you well know.

Upset you think I couldn't have lost 30 pounds in 3 weeks though...

 

[andyb1970]

Duh I'm a bit slow today......

Great you're still enjoying it. My sax tutor, James Rawlinson, says he has first dibs if you ever want to sell.

Well........I was sort of interested in seeing what you look like 30 pounds lighter LOL.