Sore finger concern...

imalrightjack

Hello all,

In the last few months, I've probably spent more time playing than I have for many years.  Usually, complex technical stuff (Marty Friedman solos, etc.).  I've made some great gains but...my middle finger on my left hand, at the joint nearest the nail, has become a little achy.

Any advice?  Rest?  Play less?  Slower/simpler?  If so, any suggestions on a break?

I'm sure I'm not the only one to suffer this, so thought it best hassle you lot before the doctor!

Thanks

further

Ask a doctor.

mgaw

I get the same and my wife is a doctor, her advice is to keep playing

CarpeDiem

My understanding is that it's fine to continue playing through aches, but not if in pain. Congratulations on what you're playing!

LastMantra

I'd rest it for a bit. If it doesn't improve in a few days, or gets worse, see someone. 

mgaw

if you go to see your GP they will be able to tell you if its an arthritic pain (mine are) in that case then keep going 

Strangefan

further said:

Ask a doctor.

Surely you are aware how vital the Internet has become for accurate diagnosis of medical conditions, making clinicians obsolete? 

imalrightjack

Strangefan said:

further said:

Ask a doctor.

Surely you are aware how vital the Internet has become for accurate diagnosis of medical conditions, making clinicians obsolete? 

Frankly, people who have direct experience will likely provide better information than a clinician at this stage. I’ve had many a bad experience with doctors, who seem determined to fulfil Big Pharma quotas, dishing out prescriptions like flyers. 

mgaw

imalrightjack said:

Strangefan said:

further said:

Ask a doctor.

Surely you are aware how vital the Internet has become for accurate diagnosis of medical conditions, making clinicians obsolete? 

Frankly, people who have direct experience will likely provide better information than a clinician at this stage. I’ve had many a bad experience with doctors, who seem determined to fulfil Big Pharma quotas, dishing out prescriptions like flyers. 

cynical perhaps

crunchman

Try to do the right things.  Have some cod liver oil, which is meant to be good for joints.  Make sure your posture is good etc.

imalrightjack

@mgaw Unashamedly so!

mgaw

@imalrightjack

Sassafras

Try a different sized neck, maybe?
I could never play skinny necks for very long before fingers started to ache.

ADP

Can you straighten your fingertip fully? I’ve had mallet finger in both my left and right index fingers, and it sounds exactly like what you’re describing.

imalrightjack

Sassafras said:

Try a different sized neck, maybe?
I could never play skinny necks for very long before fingers started to ache.

Wide fat player. Not a fan of skinny necks.

ADP said:

Can you straighten your fingertip fully? I’ve had mallet finger in both my left and right index fingers, and it sounds exactly like what you’re describing.

Pleased to say, I can!

proggy

Put a bit of Ralgex Muscle Rub cream on it, It's also good for joint pain. It helped me when I twisted my knee.

imalrightjack

proggy said:

Put a bit of Ralgex Muscle Rub cream on it, It's also good for joint pain. It helped me when I twisted my knee.

Good call. I’ll try Tiger Balm too!

proggy

imalrightjack said:

proggy said:

Put a bit of Ralgex Muscle Rub cream on it, It's also good for joint pain. It helped me when I twisted my knee.

Good call. I’ll try Tiger Balm too!

Yes. Tiger Balm is really good, hopefully that'll sort you out.

scrumhalf

You have plenty of ideas as to what it might be, but no definitive answer.

I wouldn't ask a doctor for advice on what pickups to buy, don't ask guitarists for medical diagnoses.

Go and see a doctor.