Klarinet Archive - Posting 000430.txt from 2002/01

From: "Karl Krelove" <kkrelove@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] "Trigger" Thumb
Date: Wed, 16 Jan 2002 07:49:33 -0500

I need some input from anyone who has dealt with a condition called "trigger
finger." Essentially, it involves swelling, stiffness, pain and a "clicking"
phenomenon in the affected finger when it flexes or straightens. I've been
dealing with this condition in my left thumb for a couple of months now. I
have continued to play (with the doctor's encouragement), although the
"clicking" worsens after I've played for several minutes, and the pain when
I have to move the thumb (especially as I go over the break and need to move
to the register key) is enough to make the experience an uncomfortable
chore. The orthopedist (who specializes in hand problems) has given me one
cortisone injection with some mild improvement after 6 weeks. I'm going for
another injection this morning. He has told me that, if 6 weeks from now
these shots haven't solved the problem, he will recommend surgery, which he
describes as relatively simple and unlikely to lead to further
complications. I will discuss this with him today. My general reaction is
that surgery, with its potential for leaving scar tissue in detrimental
places, should be a last resort. Neither the orthopedist nor my GP, however,
is really offering another alternative to living with the (significant)
discomfort.

Has anyone had experience with this? Are there any medical people on the
list who have some ideas, pro or con about the surgery or about other
alternatives I haven't been offered? The doctor has pretty clearly described
the surgery itself, so I think I know what's involved, but my worry is that
I could end up with a worse condition relative to clarinet technique than I
have now.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Karl Krelove

---------------------------------------------------------------------