"I can't let it bother me..."

Tendonitis is an inflammatory condition, often occurring at the wrist, knee, or elbow.¹ It is caused by the tearing of a tendon due to overwork or high muscle stress from repeated, controlled movements. It is common among “typists, carpenters, assembly line workers”¹…and of course, musicians. The repeated movements of a pianist’s fingers along the keys, or the constant strumming of a guitarist’s right wrist, make them susceptible to developing some form of tendonitis in their time playing music.

[Years of strumming has strained Zac's wrists.]

[The constant stretch and positioning of fingers on guitar frets causes Caitlin's hands and wrists strain in the long run.]

Carpal tunnel syndrome and “tennis elbow” are off-shoots of tendonitis. Carpal tunnel syndrome is characterized by a burning pain in the hand and wrist, following up the fingers. Tennis elbow presents as an ache around, you guessed it, the elbow, and despite its name, it is not limited to tennis players.² It may begin as a gradual pain, or as a sudden onset when lifting a heavy object, such as an instrument case or amplifier.

[Zac's guitar case and amplifier are heavy and difficult to tote around.]

My first experience with tendonitis was much like any other musician’s—it began as a small burning pain in my wrists and hands whenever I played the piano for too long. The pain would fade eventually once I stopped playing, but tended to return once I sat down to play some more. Tendonitis is pesky because of its habit of persistence, and can cause some serious damage if left untreated. It could manifest as a minor, mostly tolerable annoyance (like it does for me), or it could develop into intense pain that may render a musician unable to play.

[Over time, the fingers and wrist can be damaged by playing piano.]

Guitarists and other musicians who play with picks on fretted instruments are especially prone to tendonitis.¹ Gripping the pick too tightly can strain your thumb muscles, as well as gripping the instrument’s neck too hard with your left hand.

[Ukulele frets are considerably narrower than a guitar’s, and can be easier to stretch to form chords.]

*Jimmy Eat World - "Pain"