Arthritis a danger with guitar/bass?

[Haiku Jimi]

I'm just wondering about this for some reason. I know Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is somewhat of a risk in those who spend A LOT of time playing, but can arthritis (of the wrist joint of course) also be related to guitar playing? I know that in some cases strenuous activity can result in arthritis; but if that's the case then its usually with athletes (ie. runners > knee/hip arthritis, etc.). So I was just curious if guitar playing can be associated with arthritis problems. If anyone knows anything, thanks. :)

[cj4258]

Moreso tendonitus (sp?) and carpal tunnel are risks I've heard.

My doctor, a musician herself, said that percussionists and guitar players will develop tendonitus before carpal tunnel.

I've been diagnosed with mild tendonitus in my left forearm. It's been a long time since I've talked to my doctor about it because it isn't debilitating (yet). For the most part, its just a feeling of stretched muscles in my forearm, sometimes slight and sometimes it'll keep me up at night. Aspirin and Sodium Naproxen make it seem to go away.

She also recommended fish oil supplements and eating the cartilidge (not just the meat) off of chicken wings and such to help the problem.

[Haiku Jimi]

Thanks for the info. I'm a bit clueless about this, so tendonitis isn't of a form of arthritis though, is it?

I've just had a discomfort in my wrist lately, that's why I've been wondering. Its only when I do a big stretch over the fretboard, or just bend my wrist upwards too far. I mean its not arthritis/tendonitis/CTS or anything, its most likely just an accute inflammation of some sort, but I'm thinking it could lead to problems in the long run...

Happen to any of you guitarists (discomfort in the wrist)?

[dmb1spe]

Originally posted by Haiku Jimi
Thanks for the info. I'm a bit clueless about this, so tendonitis isn't of a form of arthritis though, is it?

I've just had a discomfort in my wrist lately, that's why I've been wondering. Its only when I do a big stretch over the fretboard, or just bend my wrist upwards too far. I mean its not arthritis/tendonitis/CTS or anything, its most likely just an accute inflammation of some sort, but I'm thinking it could lead to problems in the long run...

Happen to any of you guitarists (discomfort in the wrist)?

Not to sound like a Know it All, but when I met Dave in 2000, he had this ungodly wrist brace on. He said the brace is because his wrist just gets sore, tight, and generally unusable. If that's the case with you, invest in a wrist brace and put it on for about an hour after an intense session (or the whole day before like Dave).

[cj4258]

Originally posted by Haiku Jimi
... so tendonitis isn't of a form of arthritis though, is it? ...

Arthritis would be a problem of the joints, tendonitis is a problem of the tendons that control your fingers (at least in this case).

The brace is a good idea... my girlfriend, a fiddler/violinist, has to wear a brace sometimes but her problem is an arthritis thing, something she was born with unfortunately...

[Haiku Jimi]

Originally posted by cj4258
Arthritis would be a problem of the joints, tendonitis is a problem of the tendons that control your fingers (at least in this case).

Is the pain you have not being aleviated by painkillers?

Its nowhere near bad enough to be using painkillers. Its just a discomfort, rather than a pain. If I apply pressure (the type of pressure that you would get from leaning on it, or being in the push-ups position...) to my wrist, there's a bit of pain, but if I'm just going about my everyday business, I can't even tell there's anything wrong. That's why I think its just a temporary inflammation or something to that extent.

[Dancing Ants]

i'm proud of my tendonitis.

[Haiku Jimi]

Originally posted by Dancing Ants
i'm proud of my tendonitis.

So you actually have it? I dunno, just seemd like a joke...dont ask.

[Dancing Ants]

it's not tendonitis, but it feels like a pinched nerve...i call it tendonitis..*shrug*

[cj4258]

Originally posted by Dancing Ants
i'm proud of my tendonitis.

I f'n hate it.:violent