What to do about arthritis?

guitarmangler

Have you tried tuning down a tone and putting a capo on the 2nd fret? That way you could keep the 10-52’s, they’d play looser and the scale length would be shorter .

Humboldt

I started taking cod liver oil a few years ago when my finger joints began to swell and became quite painful. I now have no symptoms at all but it did take a while. I also agree with the comments about curcumin and vitamin D supplements. However, the key is all about absorption rates and some delivery methods are far more effective than others. 

Roland

guitarmangler said:

Have you tried tuning down a tone and putting a capo on the 2nd fret? That way you could keep the 10-52’s, they’d play looser and the scale length would be shorter .

I’m building a shorter scale guitar to reduce tension. I guess that’s a luxury most people don’t have.

Humboldt said:

I started taking cod liver oil a few years ago when my finger joints began to swell and became quite painful. I now have no symptoms at all but it did take a while. I also agree with the comments about curcumin and vitamin D supplements... 

We’ve been taking vitamin D etc for the last five years, so I may be exhausting the benefits they bring.

marchayden

I did many things after i damaged wrist ligaments:

• Supplements, but only fully natural, from British supplements, including glucosamine, msm, devils claw, chondroitin.
• Diet is important....only organic/natural. Good quality fish.
• Accupuncture with current passed though.
• Ultrasound therapy.
• Regular wrist exercises/movement.

newi123

I know it sounds all new age-y - but I was having a bit of joint soreness a few years ago in my fretting hand. First finger big joint particularly, and it was stiff and also painful against the fretboard.

Coincidentally Steve Vai was doing his lockdown FB videos, and he mentioned he`d had trouble with the start of arthritis in the 90s, and since then had worn a magnetic bracelet. He`s even been recommending one to Brian May apparently, as he was also starting to suffer.

Anyway, I though What the hell and ordered one for £10 off amazon.

I am pleased to report that it has made a genuine difference. Whether there is any actual science to it, or it`s psychosomatic, I don`t know and tbh I`m not really bothered by. All I can report back is that if I don`t wear it it`s substantially more of an issue that when I do.

And funnily I was telling my wife about this in a vaguely embarrassed way and her response was `yep - we`ve been using those on horses for years - they really work!`

Anyway - for the sake of a tenner or so, it may or may not help. I hope it does.

Roland

An update. Giving up wine, particularly red wine, has had a significant impact. Not something I want to give up, but I’d rather that than stop playing. When I do get sore joints then 10% Ibroprofen gel helps reduce inflammation, and gets me through a gig or rehearsal.

VimFuego

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