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Permalink Reply by bi-crafty on August 15, 2010 at 1:02pm

Thanks for replying - much appreciated. I've been searching for other sites that address this problem, and found quite a few. One by a blogger at "3 sleeves to the wind" described nearly every one of my symptoms. Taking breaks is key, and unfortunately I'll have to take several more weeks off from knitting and crocheting in order to give myself time to heal. Argh! I think what put me over the edge was rushing to finish a crochet project that needed a small hook. Must have been gripping it too tightly without even realizing it. Double Argh! I'll definitely keep playing here, in small doses. Need to keep my sanity somehow!

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Permalink Reply by Peggy Stuart on August 15, 2010 at 2:40pm

You might also take up spinning, using long- draw or modified long-draw to change the type of fiber fun. You could intersperse knitting with spinning. It saved me when I was unable to knit after each of my thumb surgeries. I also found books about knitters--there are lots--and listening to knitting podcasts to be helpful in spacing out the knitting sessions without feeling the pain of withdrawal so much. So you're a good mouser! Our kitty is retired from her career of mousing, and we could use you at our house, LOL!

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Permalink Reply by cherylbwaters on August 15, 2010 at 7:59pm

So if you are interested in spinning, click here.

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Permalink Reply by bi-crafty on August 15, 2010 at 8:12pm

spinning in not an option for me now, although I'm curious about it. as for taking over for your kitty, I'll pass, LOL!

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Permalink Reply by knitstertoo on August 15, 2010 at 5:21pm

I am a member of Knitting Daily and in June there was an interesting article article about hand exercises for knitters {and crocheters too}! I do them, when my hands bother me, and they would not doublt help more if I did them regularly. Here is a copy.

Attachments:

Here are some exercises from the makers of Handeze Gloves.docx, 23 KB

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Permalink Reply by MartyAZ on August 15, 2010 at 5:27pm

I have neuropathy from chemo. I bet these exercises will help. Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by bi-crafty on August 15, 2010 at 8:25pm

I just went through the exercises, as much as possible, and I think they'll help very much. I also found a lot of help on ravelry.com - there's a group called Crafting with Carpal Tunnel. The recommended ice dips (from Joshua Turner, a big contributor on the site) have actually helped today, a LOT better than icing, which left my hand scarily immobile.
Thanks so much for your reply and the file!

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Permalink Reply by knitstertoo on August 16, 2010 at 8:58am

You are welcome.

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Permalink Reply by PickleSue on August 16, 2010 at 2:39pm

Crocheting is harder on my hands than knitting, especially crocheting with a small hook. A few years ago I found some of those foam gripper things that you put over the handles so they're larger to hang on to. Clover makes the soft grip now and Susan Bates makes bamboo handles. I think both of those would be good. I've seen some use a small piece of rubberized tubing (the clear kind like for fish tank air hose) around the hook to give it bulk and grip. I haven't tried it yet, but plan to. If I'm online too long here at home, my whole right arm and hand will go to sleep. It isn't an ergonomic set-up either- I think it is how my elbow rests on the desk- don't know how to combat the problem. :[
Hope you're feeling better sooner rather than later!

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Permalink Reply by bi-crafty on August 24, 2010 at 12:01pm

Still hurting, but I've posted pics of the vest I was making that I think set me off on the road to tendinitis. You can see them on my page. Those foam gripper things were actually invented by my aunt and cousin! Boye and several other companies sell them under their brand. I emailed my cousin and asked her to send me a bunch.