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I searched for arthritis, but the threads were a bit old, so I thought I'd open a new general-purpose one.
I found that on the guitar, practice tended to relieve the pain (hence the comment on Keith Richards below, although he may have other ways!), so that's a reason to be optimistic.
One thread here talks about arthritic pains all the way from the shoulder right down the left arm. I wonder if that's rheumatism rather than arthritis? I've discovered thermal T-shirts which keep the shoulders warm. They are great for keeping the rheumatism out of my upper arms. (and maybe I've just discovered a second reason for emigrating to Florida - the first would be fiddlershop!).
I was wondering if old-timers could share their arthritis experiences and advice with regard to the violin?
I'm approaching 60 and I've got a Heberden's node on my LH index finger, so I doubt if I'll use finger vibrato very often. Random pains in thumb and little finger (onset Bouchard node, it looks like). It doesn't seem to have done Keith Richards much harm. I haven't been to a doctor for advice. I assume there's no point. My mother spent a fair amount of money on what were clearly quack cures - dietary supplements that had to be taken 8 times a day or something stupid, usually involving bits of shark.
Andrew
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Yet another good reason to move to Florida (you were counting them on another thread @Gordon Shumway) Different degrees of osteoarthritis and the discussion thereof are a national sport down here. Sorry to hear you are among our ranks.
The good news, is that Keith Richards has it right... exercise and movement of the impacted joints is good. Amongst my other quack efforts at self-help, I can list:
- warming up my left hand with a microwaved bean bag before playing
- icing the hand after playing
- occasional ibuprofen (potentially not so good for other body parts long term)
- Most effective, though, has been working on less tension in my left hand when playing. I posted a video and, thankfully, Fiddlerman forum buddies (very tactfully) pointed this out. I know you have a lot of experience on oboe and ukulele so this tension prob is likely not yours. But it sure hits lots of us newbies so I listed it for the record 
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I am of the opinion that motion is lotion. A quick story.
About 30 years ago, my wife inherited a seal coat from an aunt by the simple virtue that she was the smallest of all the female relatives. The coat was kept in cold storage since the 1920’s. Beautiful but badly in need of a styling update.
Reading anything I could about the fur trade, I came across the comment that leather could be conditioned by the application of sulfinated caster oil. The only source that I could find for it was the Salem Oil and Grease Company, and they only sold it in 55 gallon drums. They gave me a free quart bottle “sample” and I was in business.
I found a retired furrier and gave him the oil, which he reluctantly agreed to use. The coat was a success and the furrier requested that he be allowed to keep the remaining oil. He left the trade due to arthritis in his hands and the oil provided him considerable relief and allowed for more digital mobility. I always kept some handy (now sold on eBay and elsewhere) after hearing his testimonial.
Success is the progressive realisation of a worthy ideal. —Earl Nightingale.
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Hello there, I have a bit of it in my left thumb, first joint. I have to use it straight to support the neck of my violin, not proper form but I can't do it any other way. I have tried everything, MSM. Chondroitin, heat, cold, ointments.The most painless result I can achieve is by staying well hydrated and stay away from cheese and too much salt. Ibuprofen when necessary and warm up thoroughly before playing and not playing too long so as not to stress it. Hope that helps.
Just bow it.
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First I want to thank Fiddlerman and all the people who post in these topics. I am learning so much from you guys.
second, I have had numerous severe injuries over the years and some not so severe, and it all adds up. I tried bovine extract for a while, suppose to lubricate the joints, and it actually seemed to help. Can't find it here anymore. Epsom Salt soaks actually seem to work, occasionally adding salt peter. being from the mississippi river bottoms, dont ask for measurements, it's a pour until the soul feels better kind of a thing.
Soaking in hot water must be a big answer, that or my secret feminine side just loves calgon. mobility and relaxation.
I'll hit the taboo subject. I don't know if whiskey and marijuana actually help, but when I tried those avenues, I didn't seem to care about the arthritis, pain wasn't as bad. Better things to waste my money on.
Glad to hear about the cheese and salt. I can cut those smooth out of my diet.
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Many people insist that Marijuana has healing effects and whiskey is not all that taboo, as long as you are not an alcoholic.
I would of course not advocate mind-altering substances but I would not condone it either. Chances are that everyone here already has their own personal opinions on the matter. I can't in good faith judge others who are sick or in pain either.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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markcobb said
... Epsom Salt soaks actually seem to work, occasionally adding salt peter. being from the mississippi river bottoms, dont ask for measurements, it's a pour until the soul feels better kind of a thing.
In terms of pours, I'm more for your whisky suggestion
By the way, welcome to the ranks of the active forum posters, @Shane "Chicken" Wang ! Good stuff.
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The only thing I'm addicted to is cheese!
I remember reading Aldous Huxley's Gates of Perception in the 80s. That was hilarious - he describes the effects of taking microscopic amounts of mescalin, and I thought "I get a bigger high off a cheese roll and a cup of coffee!"
Andrew
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bocaholly said
markcobb said
... Epsom Salt soaks actually seem to work, occasionally adding salt peter. being from the mississippi river bottoms, dont ask for measurements, it's a pour until the soul feels better kind of a thing.In terms of pours, I'm more for your whisky suggestion
By the way, welcome to the ranks of the active forum posters, @Shane "Chicken" Wang ! Good stuff.
@bocaholly , thanks much.
I would tend to lean more toward the whiskey myself. Even soaked in it a couple times after my first divorce.(Threw a party at Chuck E. Cheese after the second, whole different story there.)
As far as the weed goes, people do do,,, some strange things. State of Nevada legalized recreational marijuana, and the other night elected a deceased brothel owner to the state legislature. Only in America can the deceased not only vote, they can win the elections.
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