SOPP291: Lately I've been having trouble with osteoarthritis in my right hand

This question was sent by John and he writes: “Lately I've been having trouble with osteoarthritis in my right hand (and to a lesser extent in my left) so my practice has been restricted to work on the pedals. Simple finger-work is basically fine for me, but holding a note(s) while the other fingers move can be quite painful. Being a pianist my pedal playing has always needed attention but it's distressing to have the hands so sore after playing.” V: How long can you play without the pain? “It varies, Vidas, but if the pain gets bad I just give up for the day and let my hands recover. If I start a session with no particular pain I can play for maybe fifteen minutes or so without too much trouble. If the texture is complicated and I'm trying (for example) to hold an inner part while another melody weaves around it that can be troublesome. I think I need to choose repertoire with more care and try to avoid anything that gives me grief. My home practice instrument has a modern keyboard action, so I don't have to deal with tracker action.”