Hi ssrkyle, My hands have always had problems due to a bunch of physical things. Which has just led me to take much better care of them. Along with some suggestions that my teacher has given me here are some practical (and somewhat obsessive ideas) 1. Stretch all the time, before, in between, and after your playing sessions. Your hand is like the rest of your body, and although we do not consider these things, music is very athletic in nature and takes a toll on our bodies 2. Use moisturizing lotion to increase the flexibility of your fingers, its kinda weird but it helps. 3. Run your hands under the hottest water they can handle, Epson salts added to the water do a world of a difference.. 4. When you're practicing new techinque or perfecting stuff you already know, be sure to start out slow to make sure your hand position isn't tensed up. Tension is both mental and physical, and can do damage that cannot be reversed... 5. If your fingers lock up or feel pain, STOP. Take a break. There is such a thing as too much repetitive practicing. Muscles get tired! You get to a point you're hurting yourself rather than perfecting techinque. Lots of small little breaks are a good thing. Hope that helps, and if I said anything wrong let me know!