Violin Forum/Message Board

[SJLPHI]

Hello, I haven't posted here in quite some time. I have been quite busy with school and research lately.

Another reason why I have been neglecting violin-related topics is because apparently I developed advanced symptoms of arthritis in my fingers, both hands. Thumbs and index fingers are the worst.

Which I find unexpected because I am only 23 years old and I'm a physics student, I write and type a lot, but it's not like if I am straining my hands working at a factory assembling machines.

In summary, I was curious if there were violin players enduring arthritis pain and how to reduce it. I would like some advice because I am finding that I play the violin for an hour, I won't be touching it again for a week at least because I can't bare the pain.

[SJLPHI]

I've decided to get some arthritis gloves to help with the pain:
http://www.amazon.ca/Imak-IMAK-ARTHRITIS-GLOVE-MEDIUM/dp/B00KCO5EZ0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1433160218&sr=8-1&keywords=arthritis+gloves+medium

I must say, these are worth it. Good: Relieves pain, and especially helps the day after I sleep with the gloves on.

Downside:
-Don't drive with these on!!!!!!
-They are gloves, compression gloves. Don't plan on wearing them while doing anything sensitive, i.e. playing the violin or anything that requires fine motor control

[Lemuel]

For various health issues, I started to keep a diary of the things I did and
ate during the day. I wasted a lot of time and money trying different remedies.
In short, I found out a lot had to do with my lifestyle, managing stress
and getting proper rest.

Years ago, I had terrible rashes that lasted three months at a time. I boiled
the culprit down to mangoes. I couldn't have found the cause, without taking
notes.

In your case, since you are so young, it could be an allergy causing
inflammation, such as nightshade foods, alcohol beverages or sugar.

http://www.foodintol.com/food-sensitivities/nightshades-soy-corn-etc

You'll do well to keep notes and make observations.