Crabgrass - Posted - 10/25/2009:  11:59:29

Since starting the banjo just over a year ago, I have been playing nearly every day. I often wonder what I would do if i couldn't play and worry about hurting my hands. Well its happened. I cought both index fingers in a window I was opening. Both nails are blue, and the index on my fretting hand is also pretty cut up. My hands are often cut or scratched up, but this different. Hope I'm not on the sidelines for too long. Professional pickers must be in constant fear of messin up their hands. I know I would be.

Voyageur - Posted - 10/25/2009:  12:06:40

So sorry about your injuries. It sounds very painful. It is hard not to be able to play. I cut my left index finger about 10 days ago and it is just now starting to feel normal. Hope you heal soon!

"Do not pray for an easy life. Pray to be stronger. Do not pray for tasks equal to your powers. Pray for powers equal to your tasks."
- Fr. Solanus Casey

Texasbanjo - Posted - 10/25/2009:  12:07:10

I hope you've been to a doctor to make sure it's nothing worse than a slightly mashed fingernail -- it could be much worse. If it doesn't get better fairly quickly, I'd definitely seek out medical advice.

I had to go for a whole month last year without picking the banjo, guitar or mandolin and it was terrible. I made it through the entire month, but was I ever itching to get my hands back on my instruments and get to picking.

Let's Pick!
Texas Banjo

Crabgrass - Posted - 10/25/2009:  12:23:38

Just happened this morning so I'll give it a chance before going to a doctor. I don't know what I'm gonna do with my practice time?? (typing this with my middle fingers)

Crabgrass - Posted - 10/25/2009:  12:25:22

Why were you on the sidelines for so long?

mike gregory - Posted - 10/26/2009:  07:16:53

It's been a day.
Are they all better?

Crabgrass - Posted - 10/26/2009:  07:22:00

The index on my picking hand seems to be getting better. Just sore and a little discolored. but the index on my fretting hand is pretty messed up. That one might take a while. My wife thinks I should use the time to work on my singing!
Thanks for asking

Mike Greylak - Posted - 10/26/2009:  08:50:26

Went to see the Osborne bros. in Wisconsin, Sonny had a dog break his finger and couldn't play--- that was a bummer

youdye - Posted - 10/26/2009:  09:03:07

just hang in there, you will play again like you did before!

4+1=Hootnanny!
O=='={::}

dawgdoc - Posted - 10/26/2009:  09:52:49

One of my best friends is a specialist in hand therapy. I've had three pins in my left hand and a plate and four screws in my right hand (separate accidents). Every time she tells me that physical therapy is good, but playing is about the best hand therapy. I had to start on the guitar (wider finger board) and moved later to the banjo when finger movement allowed. If it really hurts, don't push it, but a little soreness is okay. If the finger/skin discolors, get it checked out ASAP.

pstroud1 - Posted - 10/26/2009:  11:33:36

Hope you heal up quick.
It's a bummer to anyone who loves to pick.

I had my fretting hand disfigured in two different accidents long ago and had to learn to fret the guitar differently each time.

Paul
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Edited by - pstroud1 on 10/26/2009 11:35:37

Crabgrass - Posted - 10/26/2009:  12:36:16

Got a metal splint today. Maybe it will work like a slide!