Piano Forum

Piano Board => Performance => Topic started by: back_in_black on November 14, 2020, 06:56:30 PM

Title: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: back_in_black on November 14, 2020, 06:56:30 PM
Hi, I am 22 years old and I am playing piano since childhood, but I've been training for 2 years so that you can understand my level of piano playing, probably the most difficult one that I play is Chopin's nocturne no. 20.
4-5 years ago I broke my metacarpal bone of the little finger and I didn't know that my bone was broken, and I left it like that. improperly healed fracture of the metacarpal bone of the little finger. When I play, I feel uncomfortable but not very much, I don’t know if I will be able to play difficult music in the future. I think about it a lot and it really prevents me from continuing to study, but I love music very much and want to play drums in the future too, and I think about surgical intervention to correct the bone. someone has such experience? I need help. thank you.
Link to pictures below.
https://cloud.mail.ru/public/4Lpf/8tJQe16Gq (https://cloud.mail.ru/public/4Lpf/8tJQe16Gq)
Title: Re: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: dogperson on November 14, 2020, 07:04:19 PM
I would recommend that you consult a hand specialist for advice, as they will know the options for an untreated fracture.  Until then, why are you focusing on it? Continue playing and see what limits, if any, you reach.
Title: Re: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: ranjit on November 14, 2020, 08:07:25 PM
It would be a good idea to consult a doctor.

I've never heard of someone breaking a bone while playing the piano, so you may be in the clear. However, if your finger is twisted as a result, that may result in some stress on the finger, which might eventuality result in some sort of repetitive stress injury. I feel like you'll realise on your own whether or not you need to change anything (undergo surgery etc) while you progress in terms of the piano. You typically do not strain the finger a lot while playing -- you should maintain a natural arched structure and not push down or attack a key from the side. I personally feel a medical procedure may not be necessary at this point.

However, do not take my word for it. Your best bet is to consult a doctor.
Title: Re: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: lostinidlewonder on November 15, 2020, 12:38:27 AM
hmm
Title: Re: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: timothy42b on November 16, 2020, 01:23:14 PM
I "jammed" a finger playing basketball, and happened to have my regular doctor appointment about the same time.  It's a pretty common injury for anyone playing sports.  I don't know if you call it strain or sprain, but they generally heal on their own so I wasn't worried. 

She insisted on splinting the finger.  She did not want any sideways movement while it healed.  She said that was important, because:  "that will keep it from healing crooked, like all your other fingers."  Who knew? 

That said, it is lack of skill that limits my piano playing, not any structural finger issues. 

Also, just a thought.  Your finger pain may not be due to the old break, but actually be caused by some incorrect piano technique. 
Title: Re: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: dogperson on November 16, 2020, 02:32:13 PM
It would be a good idea to consult a doctor.

I've never heard of someone breaking a bone while playing the piano, so you may be in the clear. However, if your finger is twisted as a result, that may result in some stress on the finger, which might eventuality result in some sort of repetitive stress injury. I feel like you'll realise on your own whether or not you need to change anything (undergo surgery etc) while you progress in terms of the piano. You typically do not strain the finger a lot while playing -- you should maintain a natural arched structure and not push down or attack a key from the side. I personally feel a medical procedure may not be necessary at this point.

However, do not take my word for it. Your best bet is to consult a doctor.


I don’t see how you can reach a conclusion a medical procedure is probably not required.  Even  a physician would not verbalize any conclusion from a brief description without a thorough exam.
Title: Re: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: ranjit on November 16, 2020, 02:49:34 PM
It wasn't a conclusion, just a hunch. I think any medical procedure the OP would require for the finger would be independent of whether he plays the piano or not (again not medical advice). I haven't really heard of people's bones getting affected by playing the piano in general.
Title: Re: Broken metacarpal bone
Post by: thalbergmad on November 23, 2020, 08:28:27 PM
Surgery always has to be the last resort.
My piano teacher had a procedure carried out on both hands and he was out for months, so it can help when done properly.
Good luck