How to Cope With Arthritis

Question: I’m developing painful osteoarthritis in my hands. Is there anything I can do to keep it from interfering with my playing?

Joint pain is common as we age. We lose muscle mass, water stores, and bone density all while holding on to fat cells. These changes influence neuroendocrine regulators, immune regulators, and metabolism, which play a role in inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the body is damaging and can lead to arthritis (arthro- meaning joint, and -itis meaning inflammation).