Pickerwannbee - Posted - 05/03/2021:  04:15:40

Hello. Been a while since I've posted anything here. Haven't played much due to work and other time consuming issues. I've noticed arthritis has gotten in my left hand...thumb, index and, middle fingers. Any suggestions on what to use to ease the pain so I can play? Thanks.

Texasbanjo - Posted - 05/03/2021:  05:01:35

First of all, I'd check with my doctor and find out if there was something that would alleviate the pain.

I have arthritis and take Aleve, an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory. It helps some.

I've found that I have the practice in short sessions, rest and then go back again. Usually 30 minutes is about all I can handle before pain starts. You might try short practice sessions and see if that helps.

I've also found that if my hands/fingers are warm, arthritis doesn't bother them nearly as much. Warm water or a few minutes with a heating pad to warm up the hands/fingers might help a little.

I've also used Lidocaine spray and/or gel but use it sparingly.

Just keep moving those fingers as much as you can (without pain) as that helps them be flexible and not stiff and painful.

jhfiddler - Posted - 05/16/2021:  10:17:16

I have used "Arnicare Gel". it is a Homeopathic Medicine, over the counter gel rub, can get at Walmart & other drugstores usually. DO NOT USE HEATING PAD WITH IT. It is made from a flower in France I believe. I have my small town pharmacy order it. It's not very expensive & it sure helps with arthritis issues.....Arnica has been used for centuries as a natural pain reliever. Boiron’s high-quality Arnicare products are born in the French mountains. Specialized harvesters carefully handpick this mountain daisy, and within 48 hours, the fresh plants arrive at Boiron’s lab. A team of botanists and pharmacists then transform this plant into one of today’s most widely relied upon homeopathic pain relievers. This info from website: arnicare.com...................jhfiddler