Left index finger stiff and numb

[War Admiral]

Been putting lots of practice in lately since I stopped playing for months at a time but Ive been practicing a few hours everyday for the last 2 months and my fretting index finger has been stiff and sore for a week now. Cant bend it fully and is swollen at the knuckle wtf?? New band and still lots of songs to learn and I have a rehearsal tonight with the guys...fuck this sucks!

This happen to anyone else here? Dont think its arthritis since its only there and no where else...

 

[carlygtr]

It could be arthritis. I get the same thing sometimes and my nail on that finger is kinda bumby and weird. Dr said it was from the finger being injured. Injured from repetitive guitar playing.

 

[moltenmetalburn]

Arthritis ,tendinitis, try some ibuprofen and see if it helps any.

 

[Dingleberries]

I get the same shit from practicing vibrato, I just try to stop at a reasonable point and not play into the pain to the point of damage. +1 for ibuprofen

 

[War Admiral]

Yeah thats what scares me...arthritis in that joint....could be. Didnt think of taking Ibuprofen...thanks guys, Ill pop a couple and see if it releives it a bit for tonight. Getting old sucks!

 

[mentoneman]

if you have a health food store near you try to find MSM/glucosamine/chondroitin combination pills.

I take chewables regularly and it helps with my hands and back/neck joint stiffness.
try to drink lots of water too.

holdsworth soaks his hands in warm water before gigs

 

[Anonymous]

Don't take any meds before you try icing it

If there's any inflammation, the ice will help. Ibuprofen (advil, etc.) will also help, but you're better off trying the ice first

20 minutes, 3 times a day, try relaxing your finger muscles and find a comfortable position. Put some cloth between your finger and the ice so it doesn't get too cold.

The only time you should use hot/warm stuff is if you really need to use the finger, like right before practice/gig

You can trust me on that one