swollen forearm

Hi,
I was trying to find anything online answering my problem, but I couldn't. I'm practicing quite a bit - around 3 hrs a day and in the evening I get swelling on my lower forearm (closer to the wrist) where ukulele is pressed against. I got myself a strap (the "ukulele thong" type) but it didn't really help much plus it impacts the sound a lot.
I'm scared of installing a strap button.

DKM said:

Hi,
I was trying to find anything online answering my problem, but I couldn't. I'm practicing quite a bit - around 3 hrs a day and in the evening I get swelling on my lower forearm (closer to the wrist) where ukulele is pressed against. I got myself a strap (the "ukulele thong" type) but it didn't really help much plus it impacts the sound a lot.
I'm scared of installing a strap button.

Click to expand...

3 hours is a lot of friction... I would try holding the uke a bit differently. Some people I know hold it like a flamenco guitar, with the body of the uke resting between their legs and the neck pointing at about 45 degrees angle. Personally, I usually cross my legs and let the uke's body rest on my thigh so I don't have to press my arm against it. I know it's considered bad practice, but some people also tend to tilt the uke towards them a little, which I imagine also puts less pressure on the arm and helps you see the fretboard better.
Hope you find a posture that suits you!

Welcome to the forum! Wow! I wish I had three hours a day to practice!

Chances are that you are clutching the uke much more tightly than needed. That's a very common mistake. I actually glue non-skid shelf liner to the back of my small ukes (sopranos and concerts). That keeps them from slipping around. I understand some people aren't willing to "deface" a uke that way but to me the important thing is that I be able to play it and get good sound - a piece of shelf liner on the back of the uke where no one but me ever sees it anyway doesn't bother me in the least and even my $700 KoAloha sports its nonskid patch.

As much as you practice, if you don't want to glue the nonskid material to your uke you might want to attach a piece to a vest and wear that vest when practicing.

At the least, avoid shirts that are slick. I have some T-shirts that are a blended material and they are slicker than snot even though they look like normal cotton.

John

DKM said:

I'm practicing quite a bit - around 3 hrs a day and in the evening I get swelling on my lower forearm (closer to the wrist) where ukulele is pressed against.

Click to expand...

Is that 3 hours straight? Do you take frequent breaks? Try changing your routine so that you play 20 to 30 minutes, put down the uke for 10 (study music theory, search for new tabs to play, etc.), then pick it up for another 20 to 30 minutes. That should be enough rest your arm and get circulation going again. Forearm stretching exercises might help.

Is this a wind up?

Seriously - as much as a site like this can only promote playing the instrument - if you get pain, swelling, soreness, inflammation from any activity - you need to keep it in check. Nothing is as important as your health.

Few years ago I ignored wrist inflammation and swelling (nothing to do with uke) that progressed to full on carpal tunnel irritation. Cue 9 months of agony and most days with hand in a brace to cure it. I was lucky - I did t need surgery.

Unless anyone on here declares themselves to be a doctor, they ain't. Speak to a specialist. Please.

Don't wish to sound over dramatic - 99.99% chance it's just a body inflammation reaction to something new. But PLEASE don't ignore and soldier on.

You might try putting something between your arm and the uke, like a small towel or sock to pad your arm. Maybe it is a skin reaction to the finish of the uke (allergic?), or just a reaction to too much pressure there. Definitely take more breaks. Is it red in addition to swollen? Is the skin blistered or dry looking? Any bruises?

–Lori

This has got to be a wind up. First post and he's asking this instead of doing what anyone with an ounce of sense would do and go to the doctor's. Work it out, do the math.

Yeah, probably what you British call a wind up. My best advice is to probably learn to wank with your other hand.

Seek medical advice asap, your health is everthing.

Or maybe it's serious - great help guys...