Crocheting is a dear hobby of mine, and if you’re reading this blog post, I am guessing that you're into knitting or crocheting too! Do you suffer from wrist pain from too much crocheting/knitting? wouldn't you love to crochet without feeling and discomfort and wrist pain? If you do, keep reading! This problem seems to be common among crocheters and knitters, but there are many things you can do to prevent wrist pain and the tricks that I’ve used are cheap and easy!
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These advices are not to be seen as medical advice! Always consult a doctor before trying a new exercise.
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How my wrist pain started
Since I've learned how to crochet five years ago I have been lucky, because I didn't experience any problems with an aching wrist while practicing my hobby the first years. I could crochet for hours without a break, I didn’t know how blessed I was back then.
But suddenly that changed! I had a period where I wanted to learn Tunisian crochet and knitting. In the beginning I had a lot of fun learning these new and wonderful techniques, but my wrist wasn’t used these new movements so they started to protest. I was very frustrated and a little desperate at first. Being able to practice my hobby has gotten so important to me. If you are a dedicated crocheter or knitter I don't need to tell you that it makes you feel happier and reduces stress!
Since I didn’t want to give up my hobby I began to research how to get rid of my annoying little (read big) problem.
I had to start taking care of my wrist (and if you are in pain, you do too!) The good news is that there are many things you can do to avoid a wrist pain! There are several things that I did and still do that really helps me! Today I am going to share the 10 steps with you that I took to make my wrist more resistant (and hopefully yours will too!), so if you're in pain, you can try some of the things that I did.
10 easy and cheap things I do to avoid wrist pain
- The most important thing I do to support my wrist is using a wrist support, and to use it whenever I am crocheting! I also use it when I am working on the computer, since I spend a lot of time writing. The wrist brace support was a cheap investment and it forces my wrist to be straight which helps a lot! I've tried two different, types, one where you but your tum in a hole and one where you just wrap it around your wrist. I found that the last one works best for me but this is individual.
Taking care of my body
- Exercise - I started to work out on a regular basic. I lift weights and try to focus on my upper body, but also a lower body exercise to ensure a good posture. I try to get a routine done 2-3 times a week and I almost never work out for more that 45 Minutes. Why is exercise important? I've noticed when I am getting stronger it is less likely that I suffer from wrist pain because the muscles support my joints. Makes sense, doesn't it? But I would avoid exercising my hands if you have much pains and seek medical advice before starting new activity.
- The second thing I did was to try out these exercise squeeze eggs
I found these colourful silicon eggs with three different hardness grades and they have helped me to relive stress and train in hands and wrist. I simply squeeze on them multiple times a day.
- Keeping a good posture while working on computer, crocheting and during everyday activities.
- Taking brakes. This is the hardest one to follow, but if you do this you'll get rewarded. A few days of rest, or if you can, a week or two can work wonders! I had to do this recently and I am stil trying not to crochet so much because I have had some problems recently. I noticed a huge difference after three days of brake and on the fourth day my pain were gone!
- Do a little warm up before crocheting and stretch your hands. Also take breaks during crocheting and stretch fingers and hands. I try to take a break after 10-15 minutes. I shake my hands a little and stretch a little.
Eating right
- I take omega 3 acids. I've been reading on forums that many have experienced positive benefits from omega 3 acids. Here is also a great article on stuff you can eat that might help you.
The right hooks
- Choosing the right hooks. I get less strain on my wrist when I crochet with a hook that has a soft ergonomic grip. I could not belive that the type of hooks can matter so much, but for me, it does. But this is really a matter of taste, some find that bamboo hooks are better for the wrists so you have to test different options and see what you like the best. My number one choice is this set from Clover Amour. I could write a whole blog post (and I will!) about these hooks and why I think they are worth investing in. They have a soft grip which is good for avoiding wrist pains and also they really do allow you to crochet faster! Don't belive me? Get one hook in your fave size and test it out for your self!
- Hook size. I love to crochet amirugumi! They are so cute and mostly works up fast! To create pretty animals I try to crochet tightly, but this is not god for my wrists! I have started to go down a hook size from what the yarn label/pattern recommends. Then I don't need to crochet so tightly and I don't have any stress with aching wrists.
- Alternate between projects. A tip that I got from a sweet lady on Facebook, and this was a good one. I've started to alternate between a amirugumi project and something bigger, like a afghan or shawl. That way I can work different stitches and that has also helped a lot!
I hope that my tips and tricks will help you! What ever you do, don't ignore your pain because they can become chronic and we don't want that! Be sure to think of your health while pursuing your hobby and you'll have years of painless knitting/crocheting ahead of you!
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