Bruised Fingers?

[joplinfreak]

Any one else have this problem? Seems whenever I play a really stiff piano I bruise the tips of my fingers. Even when I'm on my own piano it happens (thought much less often).
Your thoughts will be appreciated.
 thanks

[1piano4joe]

Hi joplinfreak,

I don't have this problem but will share my thoughts.

Are you sure your FINGERTIPS are bruised from actually playing the piano and not something else?

I think the TIPS would need to be striking the keys at 90 degrees for them to be injured.

I can think of a few things that MAY be causing this:

1. Are you sitting too high? This can make your fingers more VERTICAL.
2. Are you playing with very high wrists? This can make your fingers more VERTICAL.
3. Are you playing VERY LOUD repeated chords? This should be obvious.
4. Are you overpracticing? Certain things like octaves or glissando cause some people trouble.
5. What is your age? Older people in general have more "bellyaches". I know I do.
6. Do you bruise easy in general?
7. Do you keep your nails trimmed short enough?
8. Black key octaves should be played with 1 and 4 so that longer fingers don't poke the fallboard.
9. How really bad is the piano your playing on? Are any keys damaged?
10. How long do you practice? Do you take breaks?

It can be any combination of the above which would be more difficult to detect.

Just some food for thought, Joe.

[joplinfreak]

Thanks for the reply! Now to answer the questions:

1. My fingers are curled that's the way I was taught. I doubt that will change because it gives me greater agility than playing with hands stretched out. Besides even if I could stretch my hands they would wind up hitting the back board and really give me some bruises. 
2. Yes I have to I'm 6'5" and play a keyboard from my stool, the problem still occurs on other pianos though.
3. I do play a lot of blues and rags which involve very repeated chords this could be where my problem lies.
4. Over practicing? Doubt it; never had problems with glissandos or octaves.
5. Still a teenager no problems there
6. If I do I don't notice getting bruised.
7. My nails are always trimmed as short as they can get since my playing style doesn't allow for them to be long.
8. I don't play the ebonies with the 1 and 4 fingers (well not every time), but never had any issues with the fallboard 
9. My piano is fine no broken keys, but I have taken the key facing off on other pianos.
10. 1 hour a day occasionally 2, but not in one session.

Very good answers, I appreciate it. However, I'm still at a loss as to what specific cause it is. All well I'll figure it eventually. Thanks again!