I'll give those suggestions a try but if playing the piano and keyboard for 6 weeks is part of the cure, it won't happen. I should probably spend less time typing at the computer though.

Steve, I would have to agree with Donny, get another opinion --- and then follow some of Gary’s good ideas. I was told to take medication for my Parkinson (shaking hands) I said no!

Has it gotten any better? No, but I was laughing today, and yesterday was fantastic. No meds until they become a must. On the positive side my wife let’s me scramble the eggs every morning. (smile)

Hope this helps, John C.

Steve.......I had the same problem last year...real bad. God, was I in panic! I did the whole circuit getting opinions, advice, medical profession consultations, possible cortisone or surgery, lots of Internet research. In the end, putting it all together, my instinct told me to "let it ride." I then watched my physical patterns closely to see what might be causing it. Yes, extreme repeated pressure on that left hand little finger. Both from the computer keyboard AND the piano keyboard. Computer keyboard...I made a conscious effort to lighten my pressure on the keys and change the finger "position" as it comes down on the key. With the piano, I spend a lot of time practicing my left hand with the little finger taking all the hits from playing bass notes, stride piano, etc.so I did the same thing...lightened the touch as much as I could and made sure the finger was coming down on the keys correctly. Also, what Gary said, take an anti-inflammatory. I took Voltaren or (generic) Diclofenac. Works wonders in bringing down the inflammation, but after 3-4 days I get an upset stomach. Voltaren now comes in a gel so you might want to try applying it 4x a day and see what happens. I think everyone would agree, surgery is the last step. Avoid it if you can....there's no turning back if it doesn't go well!



Mark

John C., Mark and everyone thanks for your input. As of this morning I'm canceling the surgery and will let things ride. I'll also try what Gary has suggested.

Thanks for that advice, Gary:

My tingling fingers were mis-diagnosed as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and the surgery was a massive failure as far as I'm concerned... on both hands.

I'll begin your recommended regimin today.

----Dave Rice

Going in tomorrow to have xrays done of my hands. I'm not sure what I have but I lnew it hurts like hell. Been using cbd to ease pain for short periods of time, I thought it was arthritis but was told by physical therapist that its tendinitis. VA has approved 13 weeks of therapy and IK hope that will help.

Do you think these symptoms are related to playing the keyboard or something else at this time.....
get well all soon.

Trigger finger on the 1st finger of his right hand caused my good friend, Grammy winning 5 string Bluegrass banjo player J.D. Crowe to retire in 2011.

As befits a great guy, he is not bitter; just grateful for the many years he could play.

Don't much like Bluegrass, but really appreciate the person.


Hang in there, friend.

R.

Dave, tingling fingers on older folks, such as most of us here on the zone, are often the result of Raynaud's Disease, which is not at all uncommon. I was tested and diagnosed with this in both my hands and feet. It can be quite painful at times in my feet, and I now have to wear warm socks in order to sleep. Cotton gloves help the hands, but usually only during times of inactivity.

You can find more information on this at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/raynauds-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20363571

Good luck, guys,

Gary

From my point of view I did a lot of work at the computer when I worked in sales, then when I changed careers and entered the computer support management field for 15 years I was at the computer keyboard constantly. Even though retired from full time work I spend lots of time at the keyboard either playing or at gigs and a lot of the other times I'm still at the computer keyboard , My wife tells me I get carried away once I sit and play the piano or arranger, I spend hours at it and she thinks I need to cut back. Yea I will cut back on the 12th of never.


Dave Rice thanks for sharing your experience. I called the surgeon's office this morning and cancelled the date I set up for surgery.