Originally Posted by: vettraI'd classify myself as a medium-level shredder. Lately I've been playing at times all day, like 10+ hours. recently my index finger (#1, left hand) doesn't
bend in all the way w/out some pain. my other fingers are OK. I've read how
with some serious guitarists who get tendonitis - it doesn't go away and
there's no cure. Scary - AIDS equivalent for musicians?! Wondering how
do you know if you get it?
--greg

Heya vetra-

Tendonitis is simply an inflammation of the tendon in a given area. There *is* a cure for it- I used to suffer from it in both my elbows. If you can't see a doc now, or can't afford it, I'd suggest resting that finger, ice it to reduce inflammation, and take an NSAID (non-steroidol anit-inflammatory drug) like aspirin if your stomach can handle it, or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation. Acetominafen (I know I spelled that wrong) wont help inflammation, but would help with the pain. Tendonitis is more often caused by overuse/abuse of a joint. Still, it's best to have a doc make the call; could be you have something entirely different like a fracture or somethin (fractured my pinky finger on fretting hand about 5 times.) At the very least, rest it, and if you don't feel significantly better in about a week, definitely try to see a doc. Feel better.