SRUMMING HAND CRAMP AFTER SURGERY

Not sure if this is the right thread but here goes. 54 years old been playing since I was 10..had trigger finger surgery done few years back on fretting hand seems ok. Just had golfers elbow surgery done end of Dec 2014. Was out of work for 6 months no guitar till about Feb-March... was back to work in May,had gig March 28. 30 years retail in meat department which probably hasn't helped things with cold and repetition. Now it has happened twice at a gig.(never happened before elbow surgery) ..Terrible cramp between thumb and index finger holding pick. That I can't even strum or grab on to pick. Anyone have this operation or complications? I am not a light player and heavy handed....a digger in the fret board. Any insight would be appreciated ..........Thanks

Iv'e been where you are brother. Golf and handguns got me good. I had an old retired neurosurgeon suggest Aspercreme at night, wrapped, and Bufferin during the day, ( any buffered aspirin ). 2 weeks later, done deal ! Never reoccurred. My brother is 10 years older, and warned me of this shit, I didn't listen. I now believe 50 is the hill everyone is referring too, lol :dude:

Oh 50 is the mark alright. I've never swung a golf club in my life not even pulling a Tony Soprano. I have 3-4 Advil before I play but didn't seem to help. Going to try drinking coconut water see if that helps.

You might benefit from switching to a thick pick like a V-Pick. Easier to hold on to with less pressure between your thumb and index finger. Best of luck to you....hope you find a solution.

Funny it's never happened at practice and has happened a 2 gigs......I forgot to mention that if the crowd is into it we usually play a good 3 hours non stop no breaks. Were crazy like that. But it has happened early on in the set. Got a gig next Saturday......see what happens.