Arthritic hands

Jon Kostal · Post by **Jon Kostal** » 6 Oct 2021 2:13 pm

This is a video I posted in 2015 to help the sale of my Harmony Roy Smeck lap steel. I recorded it on my lunch break of my job as a Mercedes-Benz technician. I think it helped sell the steel, which I was not fond of. I think it's entertaining. You can see my big hands. Still have 'em, working ok.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYquwHvRO3A

John Watson · Post by **John Watson** » 7 Oct 2021 7:19 am

Nice playing - no need for a backup track! Re the arthritis- ever think of switching to pedal steel - would probably be a bit easier on the joints.

Jon Kostal · Post by **Jon Kostal** » 7 Oct 2021 8:10 am

Thanks!I actually started on Pedal Steel, on an Emmons D-10 P/P that I still have. Doesn't make much difference, really, but thanks!

Mark Mansueto · Post by **Mark Mansueto** » 19 Oct 2021 6:46 am

I have some arthritis in my hands but an even bigger issue is a bone spur in my thumb joint that gets quite painful at times. I experimented with different bars and found that the Shubb GS1 is the easiest to hold due to the wood top and the wood is also not as cold.

Jon Kostal · Post by **Jon Kostal** » 19 Oct 2021 7:21 am

Thanks! Iâ€™ll look into it.

Steve Lipsey · Post by **Steve Lipsey** » 21 Oct 2021 7:44 pm

The solution I found is diclofenac cream It is basically ibuprofen that sinks in and simply makes the inflammation recede, and in a few days of use your hands will feel a lot better, if not completely fine. I have the same issue with that joint - it pops up whenever I use it too much - and the diclofenac saves the day. give it a day or two of use and you will see...
Diclofenac Sodium topical Gel, 1%.
My doctor recommended and prescribed it, but it looks like it now is available over the counter (Amazon, wherever).

Jon Kostal · Post by **Jon Kostal** » 22 Oct 2021 7:11 am

Thanks, Steve! Iâ€™ll give it a try.

Bill Groner · Post by **Bill Groner** » 22 Oct 2021 9:39 am

You can get it pretty much any where........it is under the name Voltaren. You probably won't be able to dance like the guy on the TV commercial though, so just a heads up on that!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oxAF7MCKMaU

Steve Lipsey · Post by **Steve Lipsey** » 22 Oct 2021 2:57 pm

Ah...looks like plain diclofenac is now over the counter...I guess the Voltaren patent expired. But also seems that there is Voltaren Emulgel Extra Strength that is twice as strong as plain diclofenac.
I've never needed anything stronger - genesis diclofenac is magical - but I am sure there are those with much worse arthritis who might need it.