Help your hands whilst you Crochet

This blog entry is my submission to the Deramores Blog Awards 2014. 

Deramores is the UK’s number one online retailer of knitting and crochet supplies. 

As a Crocheter I suffer from pain in my hands and wrist.

As a CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) suffer this can be severe pain.

Due to this I've found a number of things that can help

and I want to share them with you.

Hooks:

There are lots of different hooks available on the market. 

I have found that having different sizes and shapes helps with the repetitive movement of the hands. 

As my hooks are different sizes my hands aren't in the same position for each project.

I started my crocheting journey with a set of aluminium hooks.

I found these cold to the touch and they caused my hands to ache.

However they are easy to use and a good staple hook.

Pony Crochet Hook Set (Aluminium) - 15cm - Set of 6 - Available from Deramores

Addi Bamboo Crochet Hook - 15cm - are available from Deramores

I then invested in a set of bamboo crochet hooks.

Theses are a lot better as they don't get cold like steel.

They are cheap and easy to access

but if you have trouble holding something so thin

then other hooks might be a better option.

Another option is to add polymer clay to your hook.

You can shape and style it to your grip so can be a lot comfier.

This is a fantastic method but they can be quite heavy.

There are new lighter materials that may be better.

I use my polymer clay hook whenever my pain is at the greatest.

The comfort of the shape helps to reduce the amount of pain I suffer.

Another option is soft grip hooks.

These have a number of features that are advantageous.

They aren't cold, the handles are an even size

so no matter which size hook the size of the handle is the same.

They are soft and comfy to the touch.

These are especially good for arthritis sufferers.

Clover Soft Touch Crochet Hook (Aluminium) - Available from Deramores

Another good option is the ergonomic hook.

These are more expensive than any of the hooks above

but they do have a lot of benefits.

Your hand is shaped to aggravate the nerves less.

They are soft to touch and a good size.

The way they are shaped they put less pressure on your hands.

Addi Swing Crochet Hook - 16cm - available from Deramores

I personally use all of the above hooks.

I prefer to change my hook for each project

so that it causes less repetitive pain.

Support:

Whilst you are crocheting you are putting a lot of pressure

on your hands, wrists, arms & shoulders.

One way of elevating this is to rest your arms on pillows (cushions).

Place a pillow under each arm so your elbow is resting on the pillow.

The weight transfers to the pillow rather than you taking the weight of your arm.

Take Breaks:

Remember that taking regular breaks can help.

If you are sat in one position crocheting and not moving

you are putting pressure on certain points.

Take a break.

Moving position of your limbs can have a big impact.

Exercise:

Certain exercises can help to relieve the pain

and support your hands and wrists to reduce

the likelihood of any pain.

Take a break from crocheting and try the following:

Close your hand into a fist.

Move your hand up and down.

Rotate your hands around and around.

 Open your fingers and close them.

Do this again whilst pressing your hands on a flat surface.

Put pressure on your wrists and hands by pressing down on a flat surface.

Do this with your hands open and closed.

Also try this with pressing the back of your hand down.

Rotate your shoulders & arms.

I also rotate my neck at the same time.

Support Aids:

I also use support aids for my hands, wrist and thumb.

Different types of support can offer

different types of help.

This type of support moves your thumb to a different position.

This is especially good if you have pain running from your thumb up your wrist.

I also have a full hand and wrist support.

this gives added support and keeps your hand, thumb and wrist

in a different position which helps to open up

the nerves and reduce the pain.

I hope some of this helps.

The best way to enjoy crocheting or knitting

is to do it pain free.

I am not medically trained and all opinions expressed are my own.

If you are suffering from regular pain please seek medical advice.

This post has been written as an entry to the Deramores Blog Awards.

However all opinions expressed are my own and are methods that I use.

No monies have been received for this post.