Klarinet Archive - Posting 000493.txt from 2003/01

From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.ca>
Subj: [kl] Thumb Pain
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 09:38:38 -0500

I wonder if some of the list members with experience might comment on my
situation. I have thumb pain (at the point base of my right thumb,
where it meets the hand) when I grip things. It is also noticeably
swollen at that spot (on the inside, towards the web between the thumb
and the index finger). The pain occurs when I play clarinet since the
thumb opposes (resists) what the right hand fingers are doing. The
weight of the clarinet is not at issue here - I've always played with
the bell on my knees and have recently tested this issue several times.
Pain is now happening whe I grip a pen/pencil and write for only a few
moments. A physiotherapist said I have tendonitis in my thumb and
reccomended no playing, icing the area and taking Ibuprofen. Didn't
help. The following week it was worse. I had tried not to use my
thumb, but that was next to impossible. Then he made a splint for my
thumb and said to wear it for two days (daytime only), then only as
needed, but the problem is still there. I think the splint is making it
worse. I see him again on Wednesday and would love to have some ideas
from you to take with me. I get to try playing (with the splint)
tomorrow night, but I'm not optimistic. At this point, he's ruled out
joint problems, but I'm wondering if I should go see my doctor...

Can anyone shed some light on this gripping (no pun intended) problem?

TIA!

Audrey

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