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Re: Hand problems

Author: kdk ★2017
Date: 2021-10-14 04:41

Hey_Pauly wrote:

> I suffer with some hand problems and I find it difficult to use
> the pinky keys at times. Have any of you experienced this or
> know of someone who has?

Yes, although my chronic problems are mild and only really interfere occasionally during flare-ups. At least some of my difficulty is caused by a pinched ulnar nerve where it goes through my right elbow, which I broke almost 50 years ago. It had to be surgically reassembled.

I don't know what other nerve compressions might be possible culprits, and then the tendons themselves pass across the wrist sheathed in "tunnels" that can become swollen and compressed as well. I also get occasional arthritic pain in my wrists that can make moving my pinkies in certain ways uncomfortable. If it's bad enough to interfere noticeably, you're best off having the cause diagnosed by an orthopedist with a hand specialty.

Solutions might range all the way from warm compresses through NSAIDS or steroid injections to surgery. But IMO it's best to have it professionally evaluated and not to guess.

I do sometimes have enough trouble reaching my RH pinky down the the E/B key that I often resort to playing E-F#-G# or B-C#-D# by sliding L-L-R instead of starting on the right hand.

Karl

Post Edited (2021-10-15 05:42)

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