1. You don't have to take a fistful of vitamins... A shortage of Magnesium is what causes most muscle cramping. Take a magnesium cap and as was already mentioned, drink lots of water. Before a gig, I always take a B-12 (endurance, stamina,) and I always have a jug of water or 'sport drink' right behind my throne. Between numbers, I'll sip on it. Gets me through 3/4 hour long gigs.

2. If you're suffering from any impact related injuries or problems... fix your technique and you'll fix the problem. Impact problems arise from holding the sticks too tight. The impact from the blow travels up the stick and into your hand. Lighter grip is the answer. Good way to check yourself to see if you're holding onto the stick too tightly is; as you play, see how much movement is happening at the back, butt-end of the stick. If the butt-end of the stick is moving up and down freely in your hands, then your grip is on the money. No movement, or little movement of the back end of the stick and you're holding on too tight and causing the force of each blow to reverberate through the muscle and bone of your hands.

Simple ergonomics. Remember magnesium to prevent muscle cramping.

John

Good information Purdie. Thank you.

You're welcome but, I can't take any credit for it. Just passing along useful information that was freely given to me along the way by other drummers.

John

Here's more info: http://www.medicinenet.com/muscle_cramps/article.htm

You still having this problem? I can maybe help. PM if you still need help.

hypothenar hammer syndrome...

http://occmed.oxfordjournals.org/content/53/5/320.full.pdf

Although widely regarded as a rare condition, others suggest that it is not so [20]. There are reports of HHS occurring in mountain bikers [21], tennis players [22]and golfers [23]. Other sports implicated include baseball [24], volley-ball [25], badminton, handball, football, frisbee, softball, karate, weight lifting and hockey [26]. The condition has been reported following a bicycle

accident [27] [COLOR="Red"]and in a drummer [/COLOR][28].

Not likely... but it has an awesome name! :eek:

I am 57, and I have "tennis elbow" in both arms, and arthritis setting in in both hands and shoulders. I am in contant pain, even when I sleep. I have played the music of Emerson, Lake and Palmer for the past 38 years, and after you have played tunes like Tarkus and Karn Evil 9 3rd Impression so many times...just like an athlete, your body will start to feel effects. I'm also diabetic(under control, though).

I read some of the comments, and, I'm going to have to try some of the remedies that some of the other drummers have suggested, mainly the B 12 and magnesium. I guess I should check with my Doctor to see how much I am allowed to take, though?

Glad you started this thread, and I hope that you are not still having the hand problem. Please let us know.

Thanks so much.

Steve