BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: Jason LaPrade
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 11:44 PM

I tried glucosomine for awhile, probably not long enough to see a difference. I stopped because of all the reports I heard about it damaging the stomach. My instincts also told me to stop.

If you're interested in supplements, you might want to try ginger. Used for centuries ... ie, forever ... it's good for your overall health. I've heard that it's suppose to be good for pain as well. From my own experience, it's great for an upset stomach. Hopefully it'll help my hand pain as well.

You can get ginger as a supplement but I'd suggest buying the ginger root. Eat it raw or put it into a cup of boiling water. If you grate it, it's very easy to eat the pieces while you drink it.

On the other hand, I've heard of studies that reported dried ginger capsules as being the most effective for pain relief. I think I'll try it myself.

Jason.

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 11:35 PM

Jenny, you might find some more stuff on this thread, too: Cortisone for tendonitis

I agree, though, best to see a doctor to make sure. Also, a good massage therapist can work wonders when things apparently get gummed up that way.

Feel better,

kat

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: GUEST,Jason LaPrade
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 11:27 PM

Hi Moonchild,

I agree with everyone else, see a doctor as soon as possible. It may not cure you, but it's a good start.

I've been having problems with my left hand for about 3 years now, and my right hand for about a year. My problem developed over time by playing too much (more than I was used to, anyway). I can relate to not being able to play.

Was there any warning that something was wrong? It sounds like it happened suddenly for you. I would guess it's not arthritis, although I'm no doctor. Arthritis would probably come about gradually. Bursitis is possible but I wouldn't worry too much. Something as simple as a sprain can cause all kinds of strange things to happen. A lot of times, things like that come and go and there is really nothing to worry about.

The problem could be anywhere -- your hand, arm, neck, back, hips. Have you had any pains developing lately? A pinched nerve is also possible.

There are a few things I could suggest from my own experience that might help alleviate the symptoms, but I'd get it checked out first. I wouldn't want to mislead you by giving bad advice when I don't even know what the problem is.

One thing I'll stress: IF IT HURTS TO PLAY -- DON'T! You may cause more serious damage. Cancelling the gig would be a good idea in my opinion.

Take it easy, Jason

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 11:12 PM

BTW, glucosomine is one of the supplements currently under debate.

Spaw

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: bbelle
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 10:57 PM

Well, kendall, you are an absolute wealth of advice ... and, believe me when I say that I am most appreciative, however ... horny is not what I need right now. Do you think saltpeter will help it?

moonchild

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: kendall
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 10:48 PM

My doctor said cortizone doesnt always help, and it makes some people very horny

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: catspaw49
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 10:46 PM

Additionally Moon, there is a lot of current medical debate over what to take and supplements and all kinds of crap. Carpal Tunnel is often aggravated by bouts of arthritis and cases of CTS have been known to become serious quickly when the arthritis isn't treated.

Bottom line....SEE A DOC NOW!!!

Love ya'.....

Spaw

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: kendall
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 10:44 PM

long term treatment- Glucosomine

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: JamesJim
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 10:35 PM

Moonchild, I don't want to be an amateur physcian, but... A few years ago, I had a "locked thumb." Woke up and it was locked down. I could pull it up, but it would click as I moved it. When I put it down again, it locked and I had no power to raise it. Turned out that a shot of cortisone cured the problem. I think you should see your doctor and quit guessing. You have too much at stake not to do so. Jim

Subject: RE: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: Mbo
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 10:32 PM

Go to the doctor! This could be serious!

Subject: BURSITIS ... CANNOT PLAY ... HELP!
From: bbelle
Date: 13 Jul 00 - 10:27 PM

I'd like to know if any of the rest of you guitar players have had problems with arthritis or bursitis in your hands. Here's the scenario …

I awoke yesterday morning and noticed that my left wrist hurt a little when I bent it backward and forward. I thought, at the time, that I had slept on it wrong and figured it would get better during the day. By yesterday afternoon, the pain was such that I could barely move my wrist … couldn't pick up or hold anything because of the pain and it felt weak … and had trouble bending my fingers.

I tried playing guitar to see if that would loosen it up, but finally had to quit because I couldn't make chords.

I took some advil, went to bed, and this morning it felt better, so I assumed it was better.

As the day wore on, the pain and weakness grew; couldn't bend my fingers; couldn't pick up anything, etc., etc. Then I noticed a red spot on top of my hand, about the size of a half dollar, swollen and sore. When I pressed the spot, pain radiated back to my wrist and into my fingers.

When I got home, I took alleve and started ice packs. Neither has helped so far. I checked to see if there was a "spot" where a spider might have bitten me, but there isn't. I think it's probably bursitis.

So … have any of you had this to happen and what did you do? I cannot think of one thing that I've done to my wrist that would have caused this. It's annoying because I'm ambidextrous and do as much with my left hand as with my right. And it's upsetting because I'm supposed to perform tomorrow night and cannot play.

HELP!!!!

moonchild