hand pains

[alpacinator1]

I was just playing the first movement of Beethoven's Pathetique, and when I got to the part with the really fast left-hand octaves I decided to play it faster than usual, and all of sudden I get this sharp stabbing pain in my left pinky (specifically the first knuckle where it connects to the hand). After about 10 minutes it still hasn't gone away.

Do you think I damaged a tenbon or something?

[comsmcsc]

I had a similar problem in my thumbs.  It was very painful and was due to inflammation and a narrowing of the sheath which the tendon slides through.  It is usually due to repetitive strain injury or overuse.  I tried using ibuprofen (Aleve) but eventually had to have cortisone shots in the tendons.  (Ouch)  Did your pinky "catch" when you felt the pain?  If so, you may have what I had.  It is commonly known as "trigger finger".  You can obtain more information by accessing the Mayo Clinic website.

[hyrst]

It does sound like a tendon to me.  From what I understand,  a sudden injury like that is probably not a repetitive strain type but could result in one if not properly cared for.  If the pain has not subsided still, see your doctor.  Usually the first aid response is to apply cold compress, rest and elevate.  It is still within 24 hours, so is probably still the thing to do.  After that, gentle heat, massage and gentle stretching and exercise are the routine.  Don't repeat the action that caused the injury.  It is possibly a tendon strain rather than a tear but you will be sensitive and vulnerable.  Allow the hand to rest a couple of days and then back into playing gently - avoid uncontrolled stretches such as fast octaves, chords or fortissimo at speed. 

I hope you feel better soon and that it isn't serious. 

[alpacinator1]

Turns out it wasn't as serious as I had anticipated, the pain is completely gone now. I'll be sure to be more careful though. Thanks for the responses.

[dan101]

I'm glad your pain is gone. The fact that you analyzed when the pain started is great. Hopefully that movement will not affect you in the future, as your hands are likely to continually gain in strength and dexterity.