Pick for someone with arthritis

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by Birdbrain

My basal joint arthroplasty happened about eight years ago, and was completely successful. Now, the small scar where my thumb bones meet the wrist is the only reminder of the problem. I was back to playing in two months. If that's the OP's problem, don't be discouraged.

My non-surgical recommendation would be to try a much thicker pick, 2-4mm between the fingers, that's been beveled into a sharp or rounded edge. The guitar won't know, because you only hit the strings with the edge of the pick. It may turn out that it's easier to hold something thicker than thinner. My V-Picks stick to my fingers naturally, so you don't have to squeeze them hard. Another picker I know puts rubber wraps on the back of his picks, the ones hardware stores sell in colors to identify door keys. Excessive tension in the hand may be the root of your problem.

Hi Birdbrain, thanks for that. I've been using Bluechip TAD (triangles fr some time but am starting to prefer 1.5 m/m picks and also my Wegen TF (346) 1.4 m/m picks.

However, I still think that many of us "grip" picks too hard rather than "holding" them sand letting the pick to the work.

[PeterM]

CMC joint
BASAL joint arthritis.
Same thing.
Sorry! Me too. I feel your pain.
I had my left (fretting hand) surgically "repaired" a year ago. Still hurts but much better. Right hand appintment is 10 days from now.

NSAIDS are not good for me...didn't they take Voltarin off the market?

As Silly says, try the large triangle pick. I like Wegen because they have holes that help with the grip.

[Br1ck]

I'm heading in that direction. When my thumb hurts, I hold my pick farther up my index finger, covering two index finger joints. This grip is used by mandolinist Mike Compton for more power, but if you lighten up and relax as you use this grip you can save some of the wear and tear on your thumb joint.

So far pain has never made me stop playing. Yes, I find big thick Charmed Life triangles work for me.

[blakey]

My sympathies to the OP. Acoustics can be hard work to play no matter what the make and model. Personally, I'm really enjoying my Danelectro electric atm.
Really easy to play, lightweight, great necks. Great acoustic tone (for an electric). Sounds wonderful - played clean through a small amp. Inexpensive too.

[Milgateb]

Unfortunately I have no cartilage in the base and middle joint of my left thumb.
Throughout the last year it has gotten increasingly more and more painful- to the point that I had resigned myself to the idea I probably wouldn’t be able to gig anymore. While I could play for short periods - there was no way I was going to be able to endure two or three hours of continuous performing.
Several months back my orthopedic surgeon tried a cortisone shot in the base. I got some relief, in that the pain seemed to be reduced to just the middle joint however it wasn’t enough of a difference to restore any confidence that I could do any entire gig.
A few weeks ago my Dr. referred me to a hand specialist. He reevaluated the condition - confirmed the original diagnosis but suggested a “targeted” cortisone shot done using an MRI to pinpoint the medication placement.
Incredible! That was on Wednesday and I had a two hour gig on Friday. About 50% pain reduction by that evening. Made it through fairly easily.
Another 2 hour gig last Thursday evening.
No pain whatsoever!!!
I recognize the damage is irreversible and along with Mr. Silly Mustache I agree that I am not at all optimistic about the surgical option.
Conversely, previous cortisone shots to other arthritic joints have given me long term relief 2 years + in a knee and ankle and still going strong. I’m hopeful for the same outcome here.
I also agree with the folks suggesting Voltaren (Diclofenac topical) and Tylenol. I was able to get moderate relief but it slowly became less and less effective.
Cortisone is routinely my last resort but I’m amazed at the most recent result. Definitely must be done with MRI to direct the shot.
I wish you all the best!!