Disfigured elbows

pipburley

I have arthritis in my hands and as a lifelong professional pianist am keeping them exercised and trying to prevent them getting worse (diet, turmeric, etc). Can still play okay - for now. I'm late seventies.

However, although mostly painfree, I have hugely swollen, bony elbows which seemed to have crept up on me. It has now got to the point where it has become a matter of conversation if I appear anywhere in shortsleeved. Will they become painful in time, or can I have corrective surgery?

annabanana

hi @pipburley and firstly welcome to the online community! Secondly, I’m sorry to hear about your elbows - have you discussed your feelings with your rheumatologist? As I believe they will be able to best advise you on this issue, you very well may be able to have corrective surgery but only your doctor(s) would be able to confirm this.

I am ecstatic to hear that you are still able to play piano despite arthritis in your hands! I absolutely adored piano before my diagnosis (I was 15 so clearly not quite a professional); would you be able to share some more details on what you do to help? I’ve always hoped to return to music after this hiatus.