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Osteoarthritis Interfering with Playing

Author: Claire Annette
Date: 2023-06-23 22:03

It looks like I am finally starting to succumb to the beginning effects of osteoarthritis in my left index finger. This type of arthritis (inherited from my mother) affects the joint closest to the fingernail. If this follows the path my mother's did, my finger joint will twist and that finger will become bent in an awkward direction.

The wonderful Miles DeCastro recently examined my clarinet for leaks, misalignment, or other factors that would cause my clarion notes to suddenly stop playing. Everything checks out fine. The conclusion I have reached is that my index finger is starting to twist at the top knuckle, thus altering the way my finger covers (or doesn't fully cover) the tone hole.

I would be interested to know if others have experienced similar problems and what suggestions you might have. Telling me to alter my hand position: yeah, that's something I'm trying to do but I've played clarinet for 50+ years and that is easier said than done. I'm wondering if there is something I can wear on my index finger to help me efficiently cover that tone hole or if there is an adaptation someone knows of that can help. My other alternative is to start thinking about an Uebel plateau clarinet.

Thanks ahead for your ideas and suggestions.

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