"the motion that you use to press keys on the sax/flute isn't really that bad for you. It's not like a computer key that just "stops" it has a little pressure at the end. This is far less damaging than a keyboard." Actually, from all the saxes, flutes, clarinets and other wind instruments I've played over the years, there really isn't much give in a key when it's fully depressed. It does "stop" like a computer key. If it doesn't you must be throwing your keys and springs WAY out of alignment! "the tips of your fingers were starting to lose feeling (all the time) THEN you would have a problem. Again, the two things you brought up don't just come and go, they stay and are there all the time..." Umm, actually, these on-and-off symptoms CAN be the early signs of BOTH of the problems inquired. "and still the flute is a pretty nutreal position" If you've ever played a flute you'd know that the posture is pretty uncomfortable. The way you hold your wrists cockeyed and a couple of the stretches of the fingerings (especially for a person with smaller hands) can definitally lead to muscle tension after an extended playing time. I had a feeling you were talking about flute playing rather than sax, Jenn. I still go with my advice about checking out the other activities you do and maybe ask your parents about seeing a physical therapist (bring your flute with you and show them how you hold it). Ignoring a nagging problem, even if it seems like nothing, is like the Captain of the Titanic falling asleep at the helm: it may seem like a smooth ride, but danger is just lurking around the corner. I hope for your sake that it does turn out to be nothing, but don't wait for years to pass by to see if it gets any better. Good luck. Keep us posted.

Jen The flute creates physical problems because of the posture. Also you mentioned playing trombone which is heavy and is held differently than the flute. This adds weight on muscles that were trained to work in a different way. All of these things, plus stress, plus lack of sleep (recovery time), plus computer activity, and many other things can really mess you up. See a doctor, if they think it is mild you may want to consider massage therapy as an alternative. Good luck. Kristy

could your problem be in your left hand by any chance?

by saxophonik.... the motion is a little different than a keyboard, and they do stop differently... also the problem comes when it wants to, not all the time. The problems they listed would happen all the time. you are right about the flute though.

I have extremely bad tendinitis and a little carpal tunnel awhile back - AND THEY COME AND GO. And for the record, chiamac, sax and flute is so much worse for your hands because your hands ar not in a natural position while playing either, expecially flute and tenor. Keyboard is a kind of heaven for my wrists after playing sax or flute. I'm sorry, but you clearly don't have these problems severe enough to go to a hand specialist, PT or OT, and if you did, you would know that with musicians, tendidnitis and carpal tunnel are almost never "textbook" cases in a situation such as this. Because I did not get treatment early enough, I will have problems for the rest of my life. I know what I am talking about.