I have a genetic connective tissue disorder. It’s not going to get better. It will probably get worse. I’m not going to stop what brings me joy, but I do have to listen to my body’s pain and adapt.
Machine knitting allows me to do a lot on bad days, but I still love hand knitting and crocheting. When I can’t muster the strength to push a carriage or walk to my studio, I can usually hold a project to stitch on the couch.
I’m not a doctor. This is what has worked for me and might work for you.
Talk to your doctor about your situation and symptoms.
Talk to your doctor. Be clear about what you want from them.
“This hand pain has negatively impacted my life and daily activities. I need recommendations for strengthening exercises and pain management that are not just medication.”
Please advocate for yourself and your needs. It can be difficult if you’re not used to speaking that way, but a doctor has limited time with you during an appointment, so you need to be clear and direct.
1) Slow Down
Literally. Slow the tempo of your stitching. Sometimes slowing down alone will lessen the pain.
Try to notice when in the stitch forming process hurts or feels awkward. Use that knowledge to start modifying how you stitch.
2) Change How You Stitch
Try another method of holding your tools or yarn.
Try another way to form the stitch- switch from continental knitting (picking) to English style (throwing).
Change your crochet hook hold from the knife hold to the pencil hold.
I hold my right hand completely still since my right wrist, thumb, and first finger are my most painful joints when stitching. My left hand does all of the yarn tensioning, yarn throwing, and any movement of the needles or hook.
3) Wear Compression Gloves
Try to find a soft, non scratchy material. Pressure can help reduce swelling and pain. The glove itself will help retain warmth, which can help painful joints.
4) Wear a Brace or Tape
Consult your doctor or physical therapist for properly fitted brace and kinesio tape placement, but you might need more than just compression gloves.
5) Take Breaks
Set a timer or a specific number of rows and make yourself rest after each interval.
6) Heat or Ice Packs
Use whichever makes you feel better or both. You can find reusable packs online that can be both microwaved for heat and frozen for icy needs.
7) Prop Up with Pillows
Use your couch throw pillows or buy a specialized pillow (I’ve seen breastfeeding pillows suggested) to prop up your elbows or whatever body parts get fatigued the most when you stitch.
8) Use Pain Patches or Medicine
If your doctor okays them, use over-the-counter pain patches like Icy Hot or Salonpas along with NSAIDS or acetaminophen when your pain requires it. You don’t have to suffer through pain without medication when you need it. If it’s bad enough, ask your doctor about pain medication.
9) Work on Small or Lightweight Projects
I’ve noticed heavier yarn weights weigh more! (No waaaay!) More weight leads to more fatigue, so choose lightweight or small projects on rough days.
Bulkier yarns mean larger motions for stitching, and those can cause fatigue faster than smaller movements.
10) Check Your Posture
Are you craning your neck or hunching your back? Try to achieve good posture so hurt and fatigue don’t enter your body from other places while you focus on your hands.
11) Stop to Stretch
Ask your doctor or physical therapist for stretches and strengthening exercises to help your hands.
YouTube has a lot of hand yoga videos that can help if your insurance doesn’t pay for physical therapy.
12) Come Back Tomorrow
It’s okay to stop and admit stitching just isn’t going to happen today.
It’s okay to be disappointed you can’t stitch today.
Tell your project “see you soon, raccoon” and come back tomorrow.
Be nice to yourself. Sometimes your body just can’t.
ELY Knits 