Klarinet Archive - Posting 000508.txt from 2003/01

From: "Kaitlin Costello" <kecostello@-----.com>
Subj: Re: [kl] Thumb Pain
Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 13:17:22 -0500

I have a problem simular to what you describe-- however it turned out to be
accute arthritus. It is partially from many years of clarinet and even more
so on a family level, as arthritus has effected almost all the women in my
family.

On an odd note , I went against conventional medication. I've been using
herbal theripy , along with physical theripy ( I have this problem with most
of my joints :( You might consider taking a walk off the traditional road.
However, as always, I am not a medical practitioner and can only offer my
experience with such.

I hope you find something to help ease the pain.

Regards,
Kaitlin

>From: Audrey Travis <vsofan@-----.ca>
>Reply-To: klarinet@-----.org
>To: klarinet@-----.org
>Subject: [kl] Thumb Pain
>Date: Mon, 27 Jan 2003 06:38:38 -0800
>
>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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