Health problem... - Lump on index finger, not blister.

[salpica]

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone out there has had this problem. I've been a guitar player for about 30 years, but I started playing congas about 6 months ago (love it!) and have developed this bump on the lowest joint (joint closest to my hand) on my index finger of my right hand (I'm right-handed). It's not a blister, it seems like its part of my bone. It does not hurt or even bother me, but I'm wondering if it is a developing problem that may get serious down the road. My technique was pretty bad when I started obviously, but now I have more control over my attack/strokes and therefore I don't have to hit the drums as agressivley/reckless as I used to (although I still don't consider my self a very good player). But I think I got this bump from hitting the drum so hard in the beginning to get the closed slap "pop" sound that we all love. I can get that sound now with much less effort but I don't know if I should keep on playing if it is going to continue getting worse. I still love the guitar and I don't want to lose that. I'm probably going to have a doctor check it out but thought maybe you guys could tell me if this is something common or not.

Thanks everyone, great site!

[CongaTick]

Salpica,

Respect and welcome to you. Very sorry to hear about bump near base of index finger. It sounds like your slap technique was initiated without the aid of an instructor. Not unusual for us to try self-teaching when it comes to the elusice slap. Even if there's no pain, I would go easy, possibly evn lay off for a while. Secondly, get an instructor to gauge your slap and hand placement on the rim. The striking point should be on the fleshy pad line at the end of the palm before the start of finger base joints. And the stroke when done properly requires less force than "whip", in a way that the striking surface on the palm acts as a leverage point for the fingers to "whip" forward and rebound from the surface. Paragraphs have been written about the slap (and I've just added another). Bottom line: lay off for awhile to make sure this is not a different kind of medical issue. Then have a qualified instructor check your technique. Hope this helps, and good luck

[whitemanplay]

I developed a couple of these after I started playing a while, if its in deed the same thing. Is it sort of like a calous because thats what mine are I can feel that they are there I just cant see them too well, if this is your case I wouldnt worry too much depending on your hand work and placment I guess different people can get calous in different places. But in my case im sure thats what it is. Mine are right behind the main bend in my finger mostly my birdy

[Scottie P]

I've been playing for just a short time, and developed some kind of bump on my pinky just below the middle joint (probably also from improper form). My teacher gave me a small round foam disc, and I've taped that around the area. As a result, my playing hasn't aggravated it further, and it seems to be going away. The disc doesn't really interfere with playing, so I recommend it. Scott