Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Hi.

I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a long absence, when
a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident carving a roast
leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a month later, all
the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but there are several
points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and they don't seem to
be getting any better..

I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger forces would be
more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is still too painful.

Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try? Any other
suggestions?

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Tony wrote:
>
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try? Any other
> suggestions?
>
I'm sorry to learn of your accident. It makes anyone of us
wince...honestly, despite anyone's well-meaning home made
responses, you really need to take that question to a good physician.
See your primary care physician and if he/she can't help you out then
get a referral to a Board Certified specialist.* Avoid quacks!

*
Peripheral neuropathy: Advice from a Mayo Clinic specialist ...May 24,
2006 ... David Martin, M.D., who specializes in pain medicine at Mayo
Clinic, ... The most benign effect of nerve damage is nerve
irritability, ...
w w w .mayoclinic . com /health/peripheral-neuropathy/BN00046

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

On Thu, 08 May 2008 15:04:47 +1000, Tony <tony@nowhere . com .au> wrote:

>I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger forces would be
>more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is still too painful.
>
>Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try? Any other
>suggestions?

I use Gripmasters with the Ruff Rider caps (simulates clamping down on
strings) and they have done a wonderful job of strengthening my fingers and
toughening up the tips.

* w w w .guitarcenter . com /Gripmaster-Exercise-Tool-429070-i1134911.gc
* w w w .guitarcenter . com /Ruff-Rider-Ruff-Grip-Callus-Builder-Caps-423501-i1134582.gc

I bought all three tensions in the Gripmasters. Medium for the "HOW MUCH DO
YA BENCH!!!" effect. Light, for carrying in my pocket to use throughout the
day. Extra Light, for high speed burns until complete muscle failure occurs
(every other day or so.)

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury


"Tony" <tony@nowhere . com .au> wrote in message
news:ap1524p0tfgjkvulebv24ls787qq4g2od4@4ax . com ...
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a
> long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident
> carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a
> month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but
> there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and
> they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger
> forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is
> still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try?
> Any other
> suggestions?

I feel sorry for that Lamb.............

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

On 8 touko, 08:04, Tony <t...@nowhere . com .au> wrote:
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try? Any other
> suggestions?

Uhuh...sounds bad.

All I can suggest is superglue...I use that stuff all the time for
cuts on fingers...I love to do all kinds of tinkering/wood/metal/
plastic work...just last night i was chopping a battery box hole in my
flying-V...and being a clumsy sob I always cut my hands here and
there, as well as score the guitar surfce and the home floor by
dropping tools etc...I swear I always have like a dozen small
cuts&burns on me any given time, because I never use gloves :-) maybe
it's partly that that kind of small pains are just nice, makes you
appreciate not having pains and makes you feel you've done something.
Like yesterday I cleaned my bike with turpentine, and when rubbing it
clean I scratched and bumped my hands on the parts more times I can
count and afterwards my hands felt like they were burning after being
soaked in turpentine and having small cuts here and there---but it
just feels good. Kinda like having a tattoo made, a nice kind of pain.

Anyway, I always glue 'em shut with superglue so I can play.

Cheers,

Dee

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Tony wrote:

> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try? Any other
> suggestions?

Superglue is the most commonly used substance that I know of. It'll
seal the injury and provide a tough barrier. If the pain persists, you
can also squirt some into a paper bag and take a long, deep huff :)

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury


"Tony" <tony@nowhere . com .au> wrote in message
news:ap1524p0tfgjkvulebv24ls787qq4g2od4@4ax . com ...
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a
> long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident
> carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a
> month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but
> there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and
> they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger
> forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is
> still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try?
> Any other
> suggestions?

Many years ago I cut my finger on a job they made me go to a doctor they
put a bandage on it then covered the thing with a extremely small condom .
So that got me thinking hears what I found
* w w w .fingergloves . com / . I also got my finger pinched in a large tool
box it remove all the skin about 3/8" down the doctor called it a classic
de-gloving. It was about a month before I could even touch it to finger
board It just took a lot of time to heal ( about six month) to wear it did
not bother me. It is just going to take time

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Sac Dave wrote:

> Many years ago I cut my finger on a job they made me go to a doctor they
> put a bandage on it then covered the thing with a extremely small condom .

Heheh, you don't want to admit to owning one of those :)

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Soak your finger in rubbing alcohol a couple of times a day. It dries the
skin out and makes it tough.

"Tony" <tony@nowhere . com .au> wrote in message
news:ap1524p0tfgjkvulebv24ls787qq4g2od4@4ax . com ...
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a
> long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident
> carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a
> month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but
> there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and
> they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger
> forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is
> still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try?
> Any other
> suggestions?

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Tony wrote:
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try? Any other
> suggestions?

Its hard even for beginners. We all tend to forget when we started I
guess. I have a mate who lost parts of his right fingers, still plays
well tho. I'd imagine old fashioned built up over time calluses would be
the only answer. Have you got nerve damage? That could be a real issue.

Mark

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

"Tony" <tony@nowhere . com .au> wrote in message
news:ap1524p0tfgjkvulebv24ls787qq4g2od4@4ax . com ...
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a
> long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident
> carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a
> month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but
> there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and
> they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger
> forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is
> still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try?
> Any other
> suggestions?

As suggested elsewhere, you may want to start with a visit to a qualified
medical specialist to be sure that there isn't underlying damage that you
need to treat differently and might make worse by playing.

If that's ok, you might just start with much lighter strings.

HTH
-pk

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

I dont know why you guys suggest a doctor ? Dont you know when your finger
is fucked up? Even if it was there aint a damn thing a doctor can do about
it if its nerve damage. Believe me I know. Well one thing that they can and
will do is charge you money for nothing. You guys act like you've never been
cut bad?

"Patrick Keenan" <test@dev.null> wrote in message
news:h_ednf1Ckr_wwr7VnZ2dnUVZ_vOdnZ2d@supernews . com ...
> "Tony" <tony@nowhere . com .au> wrote in message
> news:ap1524p0tfgjkvulebv24ls787qq4g2od4@4ax . com ...
>> Hi.
>>
>> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a
>> long absence, when
>> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident
>> carving a roast
>> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a
>> month later, all
>> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but
>> there are several
>> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and
>> they don't seem to
>> be getting any better..
>>
>> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger
>> forces would be
>> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is
>> still too painful.
>>
>> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try?
>> Any other
>> suggestions?
>
> As suggested elsewhere, you may want to start with a visit to a qualified
> medical specialist to be sure that there isn't underlying damage that you
> need to treat differently and might make worse by playing.
>
> If that's ok, you might just start with much lighter strings.
>
> HTH
> -pk
>

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Tony wrote:
> Hi.
>
> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after a long absence, when
> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an accident carving a roast
> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger. Now, a month later, all
> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed, but there are several
> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar, and they don't seem to
> be getting any better..
>
> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the string-finger forces would be
> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice is still too painful.
>
> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could try? Any other
> suggestions?

It all depends on the nature of your injury really - if the damage is to
underlying tissue you might be only making it worse. Or if you have
nerve damage, that may be permanent and you may need further possibly
surgical attention.

Bottom line is, if you are in pain, I'd knock it off - unless a doc told
me I could play, and with a recommendation as to how much.

--
- Rufus

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Rufus wrote:
> Tony wrote:
>> Hi.
>>
>> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after
>> a long absence, when
>> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an
>> accident carving a roast
>> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger.
>> Now, a month later, all
>> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed,
>> but there are several
>> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar,
>> and they don't seem to
>> be getting any better..
>>
>> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the
>> string-finger forces would be
>> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice
>> is still too painful.
>>
>> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could
>> try? Any other
>> suggestions?
>
> It all depends on the nature of your injury really - if the damage is to
> underlying tissue you might be only making it worse. Or if you have
> nerve damage, that may be permanent and you may need further possibly
> surgical attention.
>
> Bottom line is, if you are in pain, I'd knock it off - unless a doc told
> me I could play, and with a recommendation as to how much.
>
Imagine you're a specialist in eripheral neuropathy / nerves...some guy
walks in with an f'd up finger made far worse w/ superglue. You're
looking at him and he comes out with "some dudes on the internet said
it'd work-- hey, I don't need no attitude Doc! SRV used it all the time
dude -WAY!". :-) mvm

Re: Help - need to toughen finder tip after injury

Gamma Ray Bursts U wrote:
> Rufus wrote:
>> Tony wrote:
>>> Hi.
>>>
>>> I recently decided to get back into playing live music (guitar) after
>>> a long absence, when
>>> a perfect opportunity came along. But within a few days I had an
>>> accident carving a roast
>>> leg of lamb, chopping deeply into the end of my left index finger.
>>> Now, a month later, all
>>> the dead skin in the area has peeled away and it looks fully healed,
>>> but there are several
>>> points deep inside that are very painful when I try to play guitar,
>>> and they don't seem to
>>> be getting any better..
>>>
>>> I'm thinking that if I could toughen up the finger tip the
>>> string-finger forces would be
>>> more spread out so I mightn't feel as much pain, but guitar practice
>>> is still too painful.
>>>
>>> Any suggestions for toughening chemicals, exercises etc that I could
>>> try? Any other
>>> suggestions?
>>
>> It all depends on the nature of your injury really - if the damage is
>> to underlying tissue you might be only making it worse. Or if you
>> have nerve damage, that may be permanent and you may need further
>> possibly surgical attention.
>>
>> Bottom line is, if you are in pain, I'd knock it off - unless a doc
>> told me I could play, and with a recommendation as to how much.
>>
> Imagine you're a specialist in eripheral neuropathy / nerves...some guy
> walks in with an f'd up finger made far worse w/ superglue. You're
> looking at him and he comes out with "some dudes on the internet said
> it'd work-- hey, I don't need no attitude Doc! SRV used it all the time
> dude -WAY!". :-) mvm


Damn...I think you just encouraged the guy to inject super glue...

...don't try that at home, kids. Much less in public...

--
- Rufus