Unfortunately, I am forced to add to the discourse on piano-related injuries that float through the message board, and am hoping the knowledgeable souls on the board could offer some advice.

I have little niggles now and then, but about 5 weeks, seemingly out-of-the-blue, I developed forearm pain foremost in my left arm. The pain seems related to the middle and index fingers, and the related tendons remain very sore and the muscles tight, and I'm unable to play beyond 10mins / day. If I slightly tilt my hand awkardly (I've a frustrating tendency to stretch when I play), I get a rushing pain down my arm. Given that I have to use the computer every day (though I have tried to rest from it recently), and have a piano exam this month, I am taking copious amounts of ibuprofin and am using a bandage to compress the muscles and tendons, as well as icing. However, it's been going on for a while now, and I'm a little concerned.

I'm hoping it's a case of tendonitis, which will go away in due course! Would anyone be able to offer any advice on this? I'm surprised by how debilitating it has become overnight!

Thanks

Sorry to hear about the arm pain. I've had the same myself from time to time, though perhaps not as severe as yours. I'm a bit reluctant to suggest this as I have no'proof' as such but when my first dose of sore arm hit I coincidentally started on a course of 'Cherry Active'. It can be taken either as syrup diluted in water, or as a capsule. The pain in my arm cleared up. A couple of times since I have had the pain, taken Cherry Active and the pain has gone away. May be purely coincidental hence my reticence, but it may have been the thing that helped. You can get C Active from health food shops and it is supposed to be one of these wonder foods that helps you live forever. Though hopefully not with tendonitis!! There is also a web site. I have no connection with the makers of the stuff - wish I did as it is over twenty quid a bottle!!! Good luck with the exam.

As ever, proper medical advice is the way to go, first and foremost - please don't entrust the future function of your arm to dubious remedies with no clinical data to back them - you clearly need it to work at your computer as well as for your music. A quick look at the set-up at your desk might help pinpoint where the problem lies there - are your wrists and forearms properly supported, is your seat in the right position, is your screen well placed? But for the pain itself, see a physician. Yes, ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, and will help (providing you can take it), but the arm needs examination, and may benefit from other treatment - you can't tell that without being seen for it.

Try these people, lots of advice on site http://www.bapam.org.uk/index.php