I've been playin' for about a total of 12-16 hrs a week for 15 years.Had all the little wrist bones turned into powder on my right picking hand from bike wreck(this was 10 yrs ago..does'nt affect much at all,thankfully;-) and overall,turning forty,so far so good.Maybe being a mechanic and having to use your fingers and arms a lot helps.Dunno..Chondroitin and VitaminC help joints flow..Dunno..Just be happy playin'!