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Playing through arthritis?

L

llewis13

Member
Hi everyone!

I was recently diagnosed with arthritis of the big toe joint in my left foot. I basically haven't been able to put pressure on the ball of my foot for 3 months and so drumming on a full kit is impossible since I can't really control the hi hat without pain.

Curious if anyone has faced anything similar and whether you just sort of suck it up and play through the pain or take the time to really rest/recover/surgery if necessary/etc.

I've got a couple of gigs coming up that I'm really looking forward to and it kills me to cancel last minute but this damn foot won't get any better. The bandmates are somewhat understanding but these are really good gigs (waterfront, hometown, good crowd).

How did you get past or adjust to major issues affecting your ability to play?
 
Got it in both big toes some years ago. Walking was quite painful. Maybe yours is worse but I was given special insoles and I started using bigger shoe size and thick socks for padding. Pain went and stayed away...
 
Maybe you can find a shoe with a stiff sole that allows you to use more ankle. Might be crude but you could possible get used to it.
Steel cap boots?
 
I had to do a gig after having a minor op on my right foot which left me with a stitch in the webbing between my 2nd and 3rd toe. Put me off work for a week, my foot ballooned and any movement meant the wound moved so it took a long time to heal. (luckily I work in the NHS so I got the nurses I worked for fussing over me)

I got through the gig wearing a slipper on my right foot.

Arthritis is a completely different sport though so go and see a Rheumatologist. Have you thought about having a steroid injection? Injections into your foot aren't very nice mind but might bring some short term relief.
 
mikyok said:
I had to do a gig after having a minor op on my right foot which left me with a stitch in the webbing between my 2nd and 3rd toe. Put me off work for a week, my foot ballooned and any movement meant the wound moved so it took a long time to heal. (luckily I work in the NHS so I got the nurses I worked for fussing over me)

I got through the gig wearing a slipper on my right foot.

Arthritis is a completely different sport though so go and see a Rheumatologist. Have you thought about having a steroid injection? Injections into your foot aren't very nice mind but might bring some short term relief.
Click to expand...
Oh I've already had the injection and it's not helping the way it should.

I'm going to try acupuncture to see if that helps too. I'm open to any suggestions!
 
llewis13 said:
Oh I've already had the injection and it's not helping the way it should.

I'm going to try acupuncture to see if that helps too. I'm open to any suggestions!
Click to expand...
I wish you the best. I'm in the early stage with hands, they just hurt. So far I'm just take Nuproxen before gigs but not for rehearsals or on a daily basis. I have Psoriasis so I think it may be Psoriatic arthritis.
 
Yep...me too. Left big toe and maybe left leg.
Left big toe does not affect my left foot playing....yet.
I will be watching this thread. Thanks.
 
I don’t have arthritis but I do have bunions on both feet with my left intermittently painful. I’ve found relief in very soft running shoes. My son recommended I get a pair of Nike running shoes. Mesh upper, soft rubber soles, and a wider toe box. Couldn’t find them again. The closest I could find was Nike Free RN 2018. Essentially the same thing. I find them comfortable and in navy they are suitable for gigs that call for a more dressy appearance. They don’t necessarily solve my bunion issue, far from it. But at least my feet feel comfortable and relatively painless…for the most part.
 
llewis13 said:
Curious if anyone has faced anything similar and whether you just sort of suck it up and play through the pain or take the time to really rest/recover/surgery if necessary/etc.
Click to expand...

I've not had to deal with arthritis yet, but I've played through back spasms, dry socket from a wisdom tooth being pulled, a busted ankle, tendinitis, the flu, walking pneumonia, a wicked cough, never mind colds and allergies. When possible, I take breaks, but I'm usually in a spot where a lot of other people are depending on me so I do my best to push through. If I can avoid playing, I do; however, 90% of the time I have to be there.

llewis13 said:
How did you get past or adjust to major issues affecting your ability to play?
Click to expand...

When possible, I take breaks, but I'm usually in a spot where a lot of other people are depending on me, so I do my best to push through. If I can avoid playing, I do; however, 90% of the time I have to be there. The main thing is to communicate with the band and let them know what's going on so that they can give you the support you need.

If you can take a break, I heavily suggest that you do. It's better to rest and get better the right way.
 
llewis13 said:
Hi everyone!

I was recently diagnosed with arthritis of the big toe joint in my left foot. I basically haven't been able to put pressure on the ball of my foot for 3 months and so drumming on a full kit is impossible since I can't really control the hi hat without pain.

Curious if anyone has faced anything similar and whether you just sort of suck it up and play through the pain or take the time to really rest/recover/surgery if necessary/etc.

I've got a couple of gigs coming up that I'm really looking forward to and it kills me to cancel last minute but this damn foot won't get any better. The bandmates are somewhat understanding but these are really good gigs (waterfront, hometown, good crowd).

How did you get past or adjust to major issues affecting your ability to play?
Click to expand...


My mom has arthritis pretty bad especially in the colder months..

This wiped it out very fast.


1_e75c8eed-c9f0-494b-a039-c28e3eb5bbf7.jpg
 
Be sure the check 'herbal supplements' with your doc prior to taking them. Some can screw up your liver if combined with certain other meds.

Arthritis sux, feeling the early stages myself.
 
Artstar said:
trust me.. that stuff works. it wiped out my mom's arthritis in about 24 hours.
Click to expand...
I actually have my annual physical this month - we'll see if he's cool with it. If so, I'll probably grab some.

Dad told me years ago, 'Your thinking does not change as you age, your body just falls apart.' He was right. :-(
 
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