Index Finger Hurts While Playing Drums!

Ok so the index finger on my right hand, which is the hand I use to hit the hi-hat, has a lot of callouses from playing so much. I've only been playing for 4 months so I guess it's normal to get blisters like that so I just put band-aids over it to reduce the stick rubbing against my finger. But now I feel like I have arthritis in my index finger when I hold my stick, and I'm only 16!
I think it may be the way I'm holding my stick that could be causing all these problems but I watched a video on how to hold it on youtube and I thought I was holding it properly.
Any suggestions to prevent the pain is greatly appreciated :)

ANSWER

My first thought is that, while you may be holding the STICK correctly, you may not be holding your HAND correctly. I see this in my beginning students a lot.

The proper position for your hand is such that if you drew a straight line from the juncture of your thumb and the rest of your hand straight up your arm, the line would and at the juncture of your arm and the rest of your body.

A lot of beginners hold their hand with the thumb up. Doing so will put a lot of pressure on your finger's middle joint because it is constantly being pounded by your stick.

Try turning your hand over. Not only might it eliminate the pain, but it will give you a much stronger grip on the stick.

By the way, have you tried our Almost Free Drum Tabs? They will help you to play your favorite songs accurately.

Best Wishes,
Lynne