Bar finger joint deformity from playing?

Jim Rossen · From: Iowa, USA

I have developed some pain, swelling and and reduced mobility of the knuckle (metacarpophalangeal joint) of my bar (pointer) finger. Also, some joint deformity such that the finger points toward the middle finger slightly when flexed... and this angulation seems to help with bar control. I have done a lot of other stuff with my hands that could lead to arthritis. But- has bullet bar use caused joint pain/deformity in other steel players?

Jim

Brad Bechtel · From: San Francisco, CA

I've never heard of that particular issue with steel guitar bars, either Stevens-type or bullet-type bars.
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John Rosett · From: Missoula, MT

I have a lot of arthritis issues with my fingers also. I like the Stevens bar, but I find that if I use it for too long, my index finger starts to hurt like crazy from laying it on top of the bar. My solution is to keep a bullet bar on hand to switch to. Maybe try using a couple of different bars and see if that helps?
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Bill Hatcher · From: Atlanta Ga. USA

You should not have to press down so hard on a steel.

Gauge the nut till the strings are flat across. Use a heavier bar. Distribute the downward pressure to more fingers instead of primarily on the finger that’s giving you a problem.

Paul Seager · From: Augsburg, Germany

For most of my life bass has been my first instrument and in the last decade steel guitar has overtaken in importance to me. However, since the extreme heat waves that we experienced in Europe last summer, my left hand middle and ring fingers have become stiff and painful - and now in the autumn months it is a permanent annoyance. At first I put this down to age but I can confirm that the discomfort is worse after playing steel guitar where those fingers are held in one position for a long period.

I spoke about this with a friend, a very active guitarist (he is 70 now), as he suffers from arthritis in the fingers. He was advised by a specialist orthopedist to keep playing as movement is the key to retaining dexterity! Something that a steeler doesn't do!

I've researched a lot of exercises and I'm refining my list to those that help and those that do not. I intend to share that list with this forum soon.

\ paul

Ron Lacey · From: Austin, TX, USA

I’ve been playing more lap steel and dobro due to arthritis in my left thumb. Bar chords on guitar have gotten too painful and it turns out I use a lot of bar chords. Switching to lap style was an easier solution than relearning guitar.

Mike Neer · From: NJ

It's never been an issue for me and I play A LOT! However, I do not use the Jerry Byrd position of the first finger on the bar. It just doesn't work for me and I seem physically unable to do it.
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Paul Seager · From: Augsburg, Germany

I am not specifically linking playing steel with the condition only that, if you have the condition then, playing steel may put more stress on the fingers where the condition has taken effect. For me that means left mid and ring fingers which tend to stay stretched during playing. My index finger on the same hand has no problems but on my right hand, the index finger does ache a little.

I can play upright bass with very few problems. Playing in E on standard guitar is just fine but ask me to fret a standard C chord on a guitar and you'll see me grimace!

As I wrote, movement and exercise will hold it in bay. And you want to keep dexterity, really - just think toilet paper - enough said? Smile

\paul

Gene Tani · From: Pac NW

I'm sorry you're dealing with that, you could see if your library has this book about musician injuries by a pro cellist, Janet Horvath, very good book. Besides "obvious" causes, it tells you to look at lifestyle factors, you can get overuse injury from instrument AND keyboard/mouse, driving, power and manual tools, sleeping on your arm, all kinds of things.

https://www.amazon.com/Playing-Less-Hurt-Prevention-Musicians/dp/1423488466
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Jerry Overstreet · From: Louisville Ky

Jim, I have noticed a similar condition as of late except the joint points more toward the thumb though it is not severe...just slightly more than on the right hand.

I do have some arthritis and calcium deposits in some of my knuckles but no pain or swelling and very few limitations.

I have come to the conclusion that my condition is due to the way I hold the bar with that finger...slightly over vs. straight on. Although I am sometimes conscious of it and try to correct it, seems I end up with it back in the same position.

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