arthritis

just got arthritis in my right hand. stopped practicing for a month. should i quit the guitar?

The stuff I've read about arthritis says activity of the affected joints is better than inactivity -- this from the CDC, http://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/pa_overview.htm

As for arthritis preventing playing -- take a look at Keith Richards hands, http://www.ronankavanagh.ie/musicians-health/learning-from-keith-richards-fingers-why-musicians-get-sore/

See a doctor. Try to find an MD, therapist and/or guitar teacher familiar with arthritis and musicians. Get a diagnosis and a plan to keep playing if that's your desire.

Could not have said it better John... I have some arthritis issues myself, and do find that playing often helps, rather than worsens the condition. The Keith Richards reference isn't relevant though... its common knowledge that he died years ago, and has since been kept in a cryogenic container only to be re-animated for concert tours and photo ops....

:D :D

I knew it!! Our tiny town of Missoula hosted a 'Stones concert in '06. I grew suspicious when I saw a deep cycle battery wheeled off stage right after Keith began performing...