Playing with wrist strap

[isaac scott]

So ive been having a problem with my thumb on my fretting hand hurting and i think it mightjust hsve to do with my whole arm because as you all know the body is connected. So would wearing my wrist strap i use for weight lifting be a good idea to neutralize the over use of muscles? I just to prevent problems.thanks guys rock on

 

[Alan Celis]

i dont think wrist straps would help at all bcuz since the problem is at the thumb itself and most of the muscles of the thumb are in the hand, what i think is probably the joint at the base of the thumb, but if u feel like half of your palm gets numb sometimes and hurts it may be bcuz u are applying alot of pressure on the base of ur palm and hurting the median nerve, but its very likely its the joint problem bcuz the thumb is the finger we mostly use and hence it gets worn down, and if u feel or hear a crackling sound when u move ur thumb and it hurts it may be arthritis

 

[Adin Shepherd]

It could be that you are just gripping the neck to tight, it will make your thumb hurt, particularly where it joins the rest of the hand. Try to only apply as much pressure as you need to get all notes/chords to sound cleanly.

 

[isaac scott]

Thanks so much guys.but when ive tried useing less force ive noticed that it does help my thumb but im worried it may mess my wrist up just bescause it feels like im using it at a different angle or im putting more pressure on my wrist.and i feel the crackel you where talking about but once i stretched and grinded my arm out it feels alot looser and less tight. Would this still mean i could hsve arthritis or carpal tunnel? Im 17 and have been playing for 5 years is this likely? And if so is there anything you guys know of to help out or improve it from getting worse? Guitar is my life as cliche as that sounds. Again thank you guys and sorry for the long post im just very concerned

 

[Adin Shepherd]

The wrist angle and pressure shouldn’t change just because you have loosened your grip, it should have no adverse affect at all. If you have concerns about arthritis or carpal consult your doctor.

 

[Alan Celis]

i highly doubt u have carpal tunnel bcuz the symptoms are a dead giveaway, and since ur young arthritis is also unlikely. id say its just joint pain but dont take my word for it since all the information i have is that ur thumb hurts and im not a professional yet. also try to reduce the stress on your hand.
but if its really bothering you, as adin said you should consult ur doctor to have it checked out.