10 Ways to Stop Pain from Crocheting & Knitting

[@kimberlynewberry7770]

I’m so happy to find this video!! I actually stumbled across a blog last week that you wrote about this subject. I was sharing it with my husband, and he said it sounded like I had written it myself! What I wouldn’t give to have found this a year ago. I had surgery 8 weeks ago for tendinitis in my elbow from crocheting. I waited over a year to go to the doctor about the pain I was having. They did order physical therapy, I had cortisone shots, dry needling, the works. I had just waited so long that the tendon was too damaged and surgery was the only fix. I begin post op physical therapy tomorrow. I miss crocheting so much!! The doctor says I will be able to crochet again eventually, but it will be 6 months or so before I am allowed to do anything more than just a few stitches at a time. If there is one thing I have learned in all of this it is DON’T put off going to the doctor when you first start feeling pain! All of this could have been avoided if I had just gone as soon as the pain started.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Wow. Thank you so much for sharing your story. I'm so sorry that you have had to go through all this. But yours is a cautionary tale that we all need to listen to. Thank you so very much for sharing and I hope you're back to crocheting again!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@SequoiaMakes]

Yep, allllllll of that! For those of us with ADHD that get into hyperfocus, it can be super difficult to tear ourselves away from our project. I find myself doing this a lot, even to the point of my eyes getting bleary, my mouth dry because I won't stop to take a drink of water. So, I've started setting a timer and when that timer goes off, I must break focus to turn it off and then I drink water and go to the restroom or walk to the kitchen and back, something to get myself out of that hyperfocus for a minute. It's also a great time to stretch out my wrist and hands, shoulders, neck, and back, all of which carry the tension of the hyperfocus. I also find that in general, amigurumi is the absolute WORST for my wrists, which have carpal tunnel. I think I tense up a lot more with amigurumi, because the stitches are so tight. So, I definitely try not to do ami all the time. I love mosaic crochet and that's what I've done most of this year and last and my carpal tunnel hasn't been acting up like it was before. I also sleep in wrist braces (the kind with a metal bar in them) and that has greatly helped my pain as well. Finally, I cannot stand to use anything but my Furls hooks now. I'm an Odyssey lover, through and through. I can work longer with less pain, I've loosened up and don't hold all that tension in my body, and my stitches look so great too! I'm slowly building my collection. It's an investment, to be sure, but way cheaper than surgery and physical therapy. I too care so much about this topic because I don't think it gets addressed enough in the crochet/fiber community. Thanks for the video and the tips!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

A timer is such a great idea!! And tearing yourself away from an engrossing project is soooo hard, but like you wrote, so necessary! Thanks for sharing your experience!! 💖

[@vt9967]

I have adhd and just had an 8 hour crochet binge and had to look up this video cause I am in PAIN 😂😔

[@jeditalez]

I had ADHD and dealing with pain! This helps

[@shauntelle_09]

I'm in the same boat rn. Learning to manage my newly diagnosed ADHD and crocheting helps SO much that I don't want to stop. Thankful for this video so much.

[@Violetrn76]

Hi! What kind of brace? My left thumb kills me! (I’m a righty)

[@starkaran8390]

I did it with Weedborn CBD products!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so much!

[@starkaran8390]

@@EliseRoseCrochet Welcome !

[@milagrospayne7298]

Where do you get those cbd products?

[@Patzi2447]

Colorado girl 👧🏼 here. Compression sleeves & gloves have helped me a lot . Love your videos Thank you ❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@CookbooksonRepeat]

I used to be a professional costumer so I was sewing and cutting as a full time job. It definitely did a number on my hands and I still have pain today when I’m holding a needle and thread. Thanks for all the great tips!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh wow, Susan! What an incredible sounding job! But just thinking about that pain makes me hurt!

[@CookbooksonRepeat]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I went to a hand specialist once and he said it was nerve damage. It's ok as I really don't sew that much anymore (would like to get back into it, as well as knitting!). Just crossing my fingers it doesn't happen with repetitive cooking motions. :)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

@@CookbooksonRepeat oh my goodness, Susan. That sounds awful. Repetitive motion injuries are no joke. I hope you will be able to sew or knit again! And I'm crossing my fingers for you that it doesn't happen with cooking!

[@peacheskong2245]

@@CookbooksonRepeat Get well! How are your hands today?

[@CookbooksonRepeat]

@@peacheskong2245 thanks! They are better. The pain really only comes up when I am hand sewing or making a similiar kind of gripping motion.

[@BloomByCC]

Omg!!!!! Thank you!!!! 1) Rest 2) Do exercises as shown 3) ICE 4) Dry Needling (acupuncture) 5) Consider ergonomic needles and hooks. 6) Physical Therapy 7) Braces (Velcro for forearm) 8) support your arm/back using pillows. 9) topicals for pain/inflammation (CBD ointment, analgesic options, etc) 10) identify other triggers.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad this was helpful!! 🧶❤️🧶❤️

[@majorgeneralmalaise]

Thank you for the list 💙

[@PeachPlastic]

I'm supposed to take breaks?! OH NO WAY HAHA thank you!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Lol! Right? No fair!!! You're so welcome! 😊

[@geminitiff71]

YES !! I just started having pain in the past 5 months or so. Thanks for the TIPS !!! I go to my hand doctor tomorrow and see what he says. Thanks again !!!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I hope you get some answers and feel better soon! ❤

[@amybunner1158]

Good tips. Thanks so much for sharing. I'm new here, but have been crocheting for YEARS & just recently have had lots of elbow/shoulder issues. Just researching tips to help because I cant imagine NOT crocheting.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

The good news is that almost all of the crochet related issues can heal up with time. Although I can't crochet as long as I used to, I am still able to do what I love. Hope your elbow and shoulder issues heal up soon! ❤

[@Egglitt]

I'm a beginner knitter and after an hour my wrist began cramping and I wanted to find a way to reduce the strain. There isn't many videos that cover this subject so your advice really helped. Thank you

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! It's such a common ailment for crocheters and knitters as well but it doesn't feel like anyone talks about it much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@rayzander5562]

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[@darwindonald6973]

@Ray Zander Instablaster :)

[@rayzander5562]

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[@rayzander5562]

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[@Kytnbit]

There are a few points I agree with: take breaks, use ergonomic tools, physical therapy if needed, and changing fiber types (alternate your plant fibers such as cotton, linen, and silk with animal fibers). However there are a few things that I don’t agree with. Let me explain the muscular system of the arm first. The hand has over 30 muscles. The wrist and forearm has 18. The elbow has zero muscles. The upper arm covers the triceps, biceps, pectorals, and the shoulder muscles. Blood flows to muscles but not to tendons. The pain felt in the elbow is due to either a process down stream or a process up stream. Sometimes both. The elbow pain is a referral pain from an overworked muscle. Inflammation is a warning system from our body. It’s important to listen to that pain and work to correct the pattern dysfunction (strengthen the weak muscles, stretch the tight muscles). If you are going to wear a brace, be aware that you are impeding recovery and strengthening. I’m not saying don’t wear a brace. I’m suggesting that if you do, then don’t use that arm. One last note: look up ‘tech neck’. Don’t keep your head down for long periods of time. Rather, raise your device to eye level when looking at it. Also, as part of your craft break, I suggest massaging your hand (palm side stroking between fingers, stroke fingers, and lightly stretching your fingers back and forth.) This will increase blood flow to your hand. Also, for the neck strain, practice a cervical retraction (with your head in neutral position, shift your head only back as if you smelled something vile.)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks for your input! 😊

[@sherriejohnson508]

The exercise and ice packs are great idea thank you

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! 🧶🧶🧶

[@melissaacuna5301]

Omg! So glad i found this video of yours. My hands started to hurt after crocheting since last month and i will surely follow your tips. Thanks a lot!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad it helped. Pain from crocheting is a real thing so many suffer with! 🧶🧶🧶

[@tonigrandon8695]

Thanks for sharing great advice for us crochet and knitting ideas.:) Have a fun and safe week and lovely weekend.:)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome!! ❤️

[@donnabush7938]

Oh, my goodness! At the end of your video, I thought someone was looking through the window on your door! Great information, by the way!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Lol! Haha! Scary! 😅So glad you liked the video! 🏡

[@brendaknits8751]

WOW so happy to have found you especially this topic. You are doing all the things that I have had to figure out on my own over the last few years! The exercises are particularly helpful. Thank you for doing this.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you could relate! Thanks so much! 🧶🧶🧶

[@bambikilla96]

GREAT INFO! For me, Tunisian crochet is less debilitating, then crochet (affects my wrists more) then knitting (which really affects my forearm)... I love all the info in this video... especially the tip about cotton yarn. I don't use cotton often, but the times when I had, I felt it did not provide much slippage and flow (then I just started second-guessing myself, thinking I had 'made that up' but it felt good to hear your validation :)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you! And I've really wanted to try Tunisian crochet! I've seen a lot about it from Toni from TLYarn Crafts and it looks like so much fun! And I always second guess myself! Lol! Glad you're finding what works for you! 💓

[@dianemonteleone2580]

Thank you! Never saw this addressed before. Yes...I have the tremendous elbow pain as well, and have been using a LOT of cotton yarn. Loved this video.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you found it helpful. There are so many people who suffer with pain and thankfully there are things we can do about it! Hope your elbow pain gets better! 💓

[@aidammanning]

Thank you so much for this video. It really enlighten me of taking care of my hands. After crocheting so much last couple of years I git a cist on my wrist (ugly ball that appeared). I was told it was from overusing my hand and crafters tend to get them. I stopped crocgetingcompletely for the past at leastb 6 to 8 months. The cist is almost gone but I miss my crochet A LOT!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh I had one of those cysts too!! It was painful as well! Mine finally went away but it was because I fell down quite hard on my front stairs and I guess the force popped it and so far it hasn't returned!

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

I am so glad to have found you! I have pain issues as well with my hands and I love the crochet but as you said diversification is helpful and I also like to knit and to quilt. I’m also trying to journal so changing crafts and taking breaks works! Thankyou so much for your channel, I still have not bought any picapau books yesterday but I’m constantly looking.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes! Switching up crafts is so helpful, plus taking breaks! 🧶🧶🧶

[@karenkoutsoumbaris6308]

Thankyou so much

[@Mystical_Dreams]

Thank you for mentioning this. I have been having a lot of pain in my fingers and hands. A week before Christmas I was requested to crochet 5 amigurumi dolls. The pain was unbelievable. Request keep coming in and I simply just told my mom these requests may take time for me to finish because I need a break. I thought there was blood clot blockages in my fingers to the point I had numbness. And I couldn't bend my fingers and my right thumb I use most while holding the crochet hook.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh goodness!! I hope you are able to take a break. I've read so many comments from people who ended up having to have surgery from repetitive motion injuries! 🧶🧶🧶

[@avibuk3037]

I’m a year old into crochet and off late I had similar problems with my elbow . Thanks for this video .

[@ccpperrett7522]

I am currently dealing with pain, as I am recovering from a broken wrist. I have been so excited to get back to knitting. It's going to take much longer to get back my flexibility and muscle tone than I realized. I am disappointed. I appreciate you sharing your experience. Thank you.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

So very sorry you're dealing with pain and the added frustration of having to wait so long to get back to where you were! I hope you find something that works well for you!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@leilazare5824]

Hi, your channel is perfect and useful, everything I need to know and I can`t find them anywhere Thanks for sharing your experience and efforts So kind

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are welcome! 💓

[@mistsinthenight]

I really needed to hear this. I've been suffering from elbow pain for months from knitting, I was putting off going to see a doctor until I finished my current project, but that will take months. I'll make an appointment on Monday.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad. The earlier you get the right diagnosis and treatment the better! Hope you have a speedy recovery! 🧶🧶🧶

[@ndianne88]

😻😻😻 I think this is the best video I've seen online on this subject, filled with information!!! Absolute gold!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟💥💥💥

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so very glad you liked it! ✨✨✨

[@lenorewetzel]

THANK YOU for this! I’m currently dealing with tendinitis and a great deal of elbow pain. My work has significantly affected my tolerance to certain activities and has drastically impacted my crafting. I start physical therapy on Tuesday and will definitely use your advice as well! 💙

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you're starting physical therapy!! And I remember the pain vividly, but thankfully it does get better with time and a lot of rest! Hope you're feeling better soon! 💖💖💖

[@s.h.741]

Wonderful video, thank you very much. I crochet a lot, and I feel it in my hands. I'll have to think about switching to a better hook and less cotton. Thank you for your tips.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I've been trying some cotton blends, which have the look of cotton, but they have more stretch! Hope you find what works for you! 🧶🧶🧶

[@katiewimpari694]

Thanks for sharing! I was thinking that the repetitive motion of crochet was starting to affect me, but after watching this I feel way better about ways to prevent my thumb hurting and to pace myself (I recently started crocheting here in Southwest Oregon and I went crazy!!) And I've been using a lot of cotton! So definitely going to diversify my fibers and learn how to knit as well.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you found this information helpful! I had to remind myself that I wanted to crochet for the rest of my life so I better pace myself! Hoping you find relief soon!! Happy Stitching! ❤

[@ChunyanWhite]

Love you video. Great advice and beautiful settings.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so very much! Just saw your comment on my Should you Crochet or Knit video and recommended you watch this one! Looks like you already found it! 💓

[@annmariebusu9924]

Great tips 👍🏿. I went on this mad crochet marathon once and experienced so much pain after. It took months to get back to normal. I learnt my lesson and switched to knitting. I plan to crochet some items but enjoying my knitting too much.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Ouch!!! That sounds painful!! I find that knitting is much easier on my joints for the most part. Unfortunately I thought it meant I could knit as much as I wanted and now I'm nursing a very sore shoulder! The fun of getting older!!! 😂😂😂

[@annmariebusu9924]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I hear you too much new aches and pains 😂. I hope you feel better soon 👍🏿

[@kookoonutchim3538]

I stopped crochet for half a year due to a burning pain on my elbows everytime I use a hook. I used to crochet for 4 hrs straight without a break, trying to finish a project as fast as possible. Now I'm slowly getting back to it with my health in mind. Thank you for the tips!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

So glad that you're able to start crocheting again!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@tameraskeans4269]

Very informative video. Thank you so much for sharing all of your information! 😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! ❤️

[@debbeach5194]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR PUTTING THIS VIDEO OUT THERE! You have alot of good advice! I have Rheumatoid arthritis and sometimes it bothers my hands and wrists to Crochet! Taking breaks helps! We find a way to do what we love!! Bless you!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you found it helpful! 🧶🧶🧶

[@jeanettecastle7916]

Thanks for the information. I will be trying the exercise. I will also consider going for physical therapy. I've been to my local physical therapist so often over other injuries I know them like family, lol. I've been crocheting, knitting, sewing, crafting for 50 years. And, I was recently using the computer a lot for a new job. With all of that, I started getting pain in my elbow that progressively got worse. I put off seeing my doctor over it until it hurt so bad I couldn't take it anymore. My doctor said it was tennis elbow. She said to rest my elbow and use ice. That worked for a while. Then I started repetitive motion again. My pain came back. I am now wearing a brace I bought at Walmart when I am carrying heavy grocery bags, picking up my 25 pound doggie, etc. It helps. Not long after I started getting the tennis elbow I also started having rotator cuff pain. I had that in the past. But, it healed for the most part. Not sure why I have both at the same time other than the way I was moving the mouse to my computer. I pay more attention to how I move my right arm now. And I switch my hobbies and household chores up so I am not being as repetitive. It helps a lot. I want to be able to use my hands and arms for the rest of my life. I am a hyper person. It kills me to have to rest an injury. :)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I so relate to your experience. I got my tennis elbow healed up and my shoulder has been giving me problems for two years. If it's not one thing, then it's another! Lol! It's a good think you have good physical therapists in your area!! Hope you feel better soon! 💓

[@shawtygotlo1]

Thank you so much for sharing! 😊💕 I have fibromyalgia & a lot of previous sports injuries, so I deal with a lot of joint pain, even though I’m only 22 & I’m looking to avoid long-term pain. From experience, I definitely agree about cotton yarn, ergonomic crochet hooks, & switching between knitting & crochet. I’ve been looking into getting wrist braces, but now I’m also going to look into getting tennis elbow braces! Again, thank you, this is such a kind thing to help people prevent pain! 💖

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Bless your heart. Hoping that these tips help you out! Crocheting and knitting are such relaxing hobbies but only if they aren't causing pain. 😚😚😚

[@bayree4425]

I'm also only 22 and gave myself carpal tunnel :/

[@camper14]

I also suffer from these things. Something that helped me was using the larger handles on my hooks and stopping the reaching and pulling with my hook instead of yarning over. My elbow, wrist and thumb were the most effected. I had some carptunnel prior to trying to crochet that may have made my pain worse. Something else I found helped with pain was a magnesium lotion I received as a sample and am desperately trying to find the source of it, because I lost the card. I know you can only purchase from a representative. It does not take hours for relief and very little of it. If interested let me know and if I locate it I'll let you know so you can research a representative in your area.

[@AnnetteV-w9l]

Thank you so much for this video. I crocheted as a kid and just started again at age 56 and after I started crocheting I have so much pain in my elbow and hand. I will definitely look into this for myself. Hope you are doing better.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I am so much better! Once you figure out what is causing the problem and additional triggers, take the time to heal up and be careful going forward! Good luck to you! ❤️❤️❤️

[@catherinefox7832]

Hi from Ireland, very helpful and light bulb moment when you mentioned other things like gardening. I’m clearing a new part of garden so lots of heavy lifting and using branch clippers to prune old bushes, so hands very painful. Love knitting and crochet, so thanks for the ideas, acpuncture is definitely fantastic for it.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Hello!! Ireland is a place I want to visit! My ancestors are from the west coast of the country and I would love to see it for myself! And yes, yard work is a trigger for me especially when I use clippers! ☘️☘️☘️

[@katyanacook2324]

Yes! I’m a passionate knitter with tennis elbow 😩 Getting physical therapy and have had similar advice to you. Your YiuTube was great. I will definitely look into the dry needling

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's so frustrating to not be able to knit or crochet as much as you want. But thankfully there are treatments! Hope you heal up soon! ❤️❤️❤️

[@sazutt]

Thank you for this video! I'm dealing with this exact issue. I need to go to PT ASAP. Your home is beautiful, too! I love your style.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You are so welcome! I hope you get some relief! Tendonitis is not fun but thankfully there's help!

[@sharimuhamad5905]

I had Tennis Elbow about 20 years ago and went through the same. Thank you for all tips and tricks. I am using Voltaren cream to relesed the pain on my shoulder now.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes!! I've been using that as well!! My shoulder is what is bothering me these days as well! 🧶🧶🧶

[@ljones9704]

Very helpful, thank you from Central Texas!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! Hope it helps! 🧶🧶🧶

[@karleenhester]

Thank you for this video! I don't really do marathon crocheting or knitting, but have noticed increasing right arm issues since learning crocheting 3 years ago. I'm currently dealing with probably the most pain I've had so I have gone in search of answers and found this. I tried heat yesterday but that didn't seem to help much so I'll try some ice and will be contacting my doctor if it doesn't improve by the end of the week.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I hope you get some relief. Rest is one of the most important things you can do and if you feel any pain when crocheting, stop for a while. Although mine is much better now, it continues to be something I have to keep an eye on! Physical therapy is so so helpful as well!! Good luck to you!

[@antonettamachotka4818]

I like your videos. I just subscribed to your channel. I am a mixed metal artist from Manahawkin,NJ. Right now I have been in funk as to what to make in that medium. Last year I started crocheting again. I make scarfs, ear warmers and neck warmers primarily. I through KZbin I have learn a lot about Tunisian crochet. The last few weeks I started crochet and amigurumi crochet and doing more single crochet and my tendinitis in my elbow was acting up again. This is a problem for me off and on, but now I realize after listening to your video on this that I should vary my projects. Your videos are very informative thank you.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad it helped! I have to really watch my tendinitis as it can flare up with very little effort. Rest and variation are so important! Hope you're on the mend soon! 😊

[@Helga051]

Thankyou. I recently got a cortisone injection in my Right Elbow for my tendinitis-Tennis elbow and Also another cortisone injection in my Right shoulder for Torn Rotator Cuff Tendon/Bursitis it's only been 7 days and made two crochet Crosses today that was enough for me. I live in Auckland New Zealand 🇳🇿

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you for sharing! I just made an updated version of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqSvdp6Iq52pfZY ❤️❤️❤️

[@natalieloves7504]

So helpful. Thank you. I'm a naturally tight crocheter and feel it in my wrist. Recently discovered your channel. Sending love and thanks from Utah

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yep. I feel your pain....literally, lol! Utah is on my bucket list of places to visit one day! Looks like a beautiful state! 💟

[@cheryldavis2655]

Same info I've been given for my pain. My Dystonia will never go away or leave but progressively get worse but like you, I've learned my trigger issues and made changes and more breaks and I'm able to continue to enjoy my crocheting. Cheryl from Tampa area of Florida

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad. I was so afraid that I wouldn't be able to continue crocheting. Thankfully I have learned how to help myself and adjust as I need to. So glad you're able to continue doing what you love. 🧶🧶🧶

[@bgtsy]

Thx for sharing...love kitty included!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

She's such a sweetheart! 💓

[@LimeadeGal]

This is such a great reminder to take breaks! I just discovered your channel a few days ago and have been loving all your videos. You inspired me to try Amigurumi, so I'm working on my 1st 🐰. I've noticed after crocheting for 2 hours solid, the joint in my finger is very painful. Thank you for the tips, and I'm definitely going to see if I can find an ergonomic hook in a 2.25 mm

[@jerseyvanorden-miner4132]

Very interesting post. You probably opened a lot of peoples eyes. Mine especially when it comes to taking breaks. Great thumbnail. ❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thanks so much, Jersey! Taking breaks is THE hardest part!!

[@Rose.Gold777]

Thank you for sharing glad your doing better happy stitching 🥰💕🙌🏼

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Vickybryant26]

That was so helpful, I’ve always had hand and shoulder pain but recently have got tennis elbow which I didn’t for one minute think was caused by crocheting so thank you I will try your exercises

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's a common thing for us crocheters to get! Hope you get some relief soon! 🚗❤️🇬🇧

[@MsOhsusanna]

This was very informative. I have sjogrens and have lots of joint pain in hands, wrists and elbows. I got some good tips.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so very much! Glad you found the video helpful. 💛

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

I am a serious crocheter and knitting so this was awesome! New friend Ruthie

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad, Ruthie! It's amazing to me how many of us are affected by pain from crocheting and knitting!

[@SSaaNNddYY77]

Thank you for sharing these tips... I am an avid knitter and with the pandemic going on, I knitted more than ever. I felt pain in my thumb and fingers but all of a sudden it became severe. My wrists even hurt. I'm seeing my orthopedic hand Dr. next month and I'm scared he'll say that I must stop knitting. I have arthritis. I have been resting my hands and only knit a row a day. Missing it terribly.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I was afraid my doc was going to tell me I had to stop. Thankfully that didn't happen and I went to physical therapy. I hope you have the same result and can get back to knitting more! 🧶🧶🧶

[@myrandameans2123]

This goes over my situation almost exactly, thank you so much!! I’ll use your tips, just bought a brace and will start using ice packs for my forearm.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I really hope it helps!! It's so awful to feel pain doing something you love! Best of luck to you! 🧶🧶🧶

[@amandamoses9179]

Very useful tips thank you and yes I can’t crochet with cotton anymore either. Great videos xxx

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're very welcome! I'm thinking of trying a cotton blend and seeing if that would work!

[@LillyGraceSparkleCrochet]

Your videos are always so informative and beautiful! ❤

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ruchipadia7307]

Thank u for sharing your pains story and important tips ...crochet is as new as lockdown for me in my life ...and I have got totally hooked on to it ...I suffered terrible neck,wrist, shoulder and back pain ...I had to keep looking at my phone for youtube tutorials as I am a self taught Crocheter with no one in may family doing it . I had to exercise a bit leave crochet and that was heartbreaking as I collected so much yarn 🙄...now I take rest and breaks in the middle and keep my body posture proper.bit thank you for ur tips I want crochet to stay with me long I want to start selling so I will need projects .do keep posting thank u

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad you found these tips helpful. It really is important to take care of ourselves so that we can continue crocheting for many years to come.

[@lauraandrews1676]

I had three days off in a row a few weeks ago and I knit a cabled sweater wayyyyy more than I should have, and much more than I usually do, over the entire three days. Right at the end, I had a flare up of pain in my right arm and hand. It was pretty bad, and it made me sit up and take notice. I took three days off, but when I started knitting again it came back, so I took a week off, and since then I've been careful not to knit for long periods, especially cabling as that puts more stress on the hands. I'm also breaking my longstanding habit of only having one or two projects going at once, and I have THREE now, all with different needle sizes and different fabric elements (stranded knitting, garter stitch, and cables). The stranded knitting is the easiest on my hands, since I hold one strand in each hand so that the work is divided between the two. Whenever I start feeling any kind of pain, I stop knitting immediately. It's pretty hard, because I love knitting so much; but I don't want to really injure myself.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Good for you, listening to those signals. I ignored mine and that's probably why my tendinitis got so bad. Now I take days off and if something starts hurting I stop immediately! 🧶🧶🧶

[@Sang15Mitang]

Thank you for all the tips!! I get pain in my hands sometimes when crocheting and I have to take long breaks from it, but this time of year it's hard to do that because I have so many projects I'm working on as gifts. One issue I have, whether it's when I'm crocheting or painting or programming or doing digital art etc, is my neck gets very sore. I'm so focused on what I'm doing that I don't remember to move my head and neck around. I really need to start having a timer to remind me to stretch.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Ouch. Neck pain is no fun! I hope you feel better soon. And a timer is a great idea! 💞

[@grizzlieknits]

Such a great video Elise! Lots of good advice. (I was kind of hoping you would tell me to stop doing laundry and cleaning my house! Oh well a girl can dream...)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh dang! I should have added that tip!! My house definitely looks like I've done that! 😂😂😂

[@alwaysreadin163]

I was diagnosed with cubital tunnel syndrome last year after I had experienced an overuse injury in my right arm (then my left because I was overcompensating!). I was sitting at my computer doing online high school for around 6 or so hours a day, writing a ton of notes and then crocheting for hours on end. Doctors originally thought it was tennis elbow too! :( I'm probably gonna need surgery sometime next year. I had PT and learned a couple exercises that might help if I catch soreness early on but it made my pain worse 😭 thank you so much for your video! It's so hard to take breaks at times

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh goodness! That sounds painful! I hope you get some relief! And sitting at a computer all day is so hard on your body! Good luck to you! 💖

[@erikabutterfly]

I know this is an older video, but so timely for me now. I've been on a break from knitting and crochet for a couple of weeks by now, trying to give my inflamed muscles a chance to heal before it gets more serious. It's so hard though, because I'm itching to get back to my projects!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Good for you for recognizing that you need to take a break! Making breaks a habit is a very good thing so that you can continue to crochet and knit for years to come!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@mitheryan1491]

thank you, i have fibromyalgia and have a lot of pain and soreness in my arms, wrists and hands, but i love to paint and crochet. i used to beat myself up for taking breaks but its so important to switch it up and take breaks when necessary to avoid really stressing out your joints and muscles. :)

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Yes! Breaks are so important! I'm glad that you now no longer hard on yourself about it. We have to take care of ourselves. 💓

[@amandalambert2220]

Really love your channel and your tips and tricks are fantastic! I fell in love with Amigurumi 6 months ago and I am addicted... I live in Far North Queensland in Australia. Thank you once again for all of your very informative and helpful information. ❤️🧡💚

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That is amazing!! Thank you so very much! So glad you like the channel and I totally get falling in love with amigurumi!! It's so much fun! ❤️

[@jmarie283]

I totally agree that knitting and crocheting are totally different movements. I am a knitter, but I tried crocheting and it messed up my hand so badly. I have carpal tunnel pretty bad in my right hand (I'm right-handed), to the point that I've had surgery and it still came back. When I tried crocheting, it aggraveted my carpal tunnel so bad that I couldn't make a pinching motion without having sharp pains in my hand! I had to get a steroid to calm down the nerve and then it was much better. I wish I could crochet, but I don't want to risk it again!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh goodness!! That's awful!! Yes, it looks like you'll need to stick with knitting. Thankfully there are so many gorgeous projects to knit!!! 🧶🧶🧶

[@dishabhatnagar5384]

Your house is so beautiful. Just like you

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Awww. Thank you so much! 💓

[@lisawilliams2406]

I have the max freeze. I've used biofreeze in the past. They work the same to me and the max freeze is cheaper. I initially bought it for my back. I have titanium in my upper spine, bone spurs, & degenerative disc disease. I'm glad you put that exercise on here. Thank u!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Bless your heart! That sounds so painful! I hope the exercises help! 🍄🌻💓

[@geniej9093]

I have learned something ever so important. I've been using cotton for dishcloths and just used same for amigurumi. Silly me...ouch!. I've found I need to use different tension for say, the 100% acrylic CARON Simply Soft so of course, my hands still hurt. Have been switching to a knitting projects to keep from cramping. Taking the breaks are a must, THX! In spite of all the hand pain I must report I have a beginning case of Dupuytren's Contracture. It has remained in the early stages and has not gotten much worse since first being diagnosed some 3 year back. I'm no expert but for me I think my continued crochet and knit exercise of hands, has perhaps helped.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I didn't realize that Cotton could cause issues either! I'm so glad that crocheting and knitting are a good thing for your condition! ❤️❤️❤️

[@rhythmandblues_alibi]

I searched for videos on this topic as I was obsessively crocheting a ripple blanket with all those repetitive dbl stitches and my old wrist RSI flared back up :( I also have found that doing more with my left hand to help my right, kind of using my left hand to yarn over like I would when knitting, helps to strain my right wrist less. Thanks for a helpful video. It's nice to know all of us in pain are not alone.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I've been quite shocked to find how many people have pain from crocheting and knitting! Mine flares up from time to time and it's a signal to me to take more breaks. Hope you feel better soon! ❤

[@BiFelicia319]

I am brand new to crochet and I found your video because I woke up this morning with pain in my left middle digit and I JUST got to the part about cotton yarn causing finger joint pain 🥲 I’m trying to knit a hair kerchief (my first non-swatch project) for my SIL for Christmas. I could marathon crochet using other fibers and didn’t feel a thing on my practice attempt at this kerchief, But the yarn I’m using in the one I’m doing for my SIL is 100% cotton 🙃 Blast. And I have SO. MUCH. COTTON to use 😭 Plus, I have the yarn tension of someone trying to commit strangulation 😅 Thank you for helping this newb so quickly diagnose my problem!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Lol!! Your comment about your tension made me laugh!! 🤣 I hope you feel better soon! 🧶🧶🧶

[@BiFelicia319]

@@EliseRoseCrochet Thanks so much 😂 A pair of compression gloves and some tension rings for when I work with cotton helped drastically! 😃 It’s a good thing, too; it’s hot more often than not where I’m at, so it would suck to not have a good way to work with cotton here 😅

[@shamszakhour6076]

Yes, I've had both wrist and shoulder problems. (It doesn't help that I am on a keyboard all day.) What has helped me are some simple stretches I learned from the Yoga for Knitters youtube channel. And, yes, taking breaks!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oooh! I need to check out that channel!! Thanks for sharing! 🧶🧶🧶

[@k.embers]

I notice the biggest pain I get while knitting is in my neck because I don’t realize I’m looking directly down for an extended amount of time in poor posture. I’m glad I have already been regularly seeing my chiropractor because it has been really helpful in preventing my tension headaches and neck pain from long knitting sessions from getting worse.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That's great! Perhaps propping your knitting on a pillow so that it's higher up could help keep you from looking so far down? Hope you find a good solution! 🧶🧶🧶

[@darcypalmer7783]

Thank you for this information. I've been having pain in my left elbow. I am right handed. I never connected the pain to crocheting! I will use some of these tips for sure.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It definitely could be from crocheting. I can get pain in either elbow as well. It's definitely worth investigating and it could be more than one thing. Thankfully there is so much you can do to make it better! Good luck to you! 🧶

[@annelieselowman3977]

This video was so helpful. Thank you!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! So glad you found it helpful! 😊💓😊💓

[@wasanalsuhayan816]

Thank you so much that was very useful to know . I experienced some wrist pain after hours of crocheting , I took a break and it went away . I also noticed that crocheting for hours with no breaks could give some feeling of like stiffness body joints , it makes me feel uncomfortable, because we dont move a lot . I started as you said to giggle between hobbies and move more in the house and take walks more whenever I can.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you found the video helpful!! ❤️❤️❤️

[@ekilestari9322]

Hi...I am from Indonesia, love to know your explaination...all that is true...and actually I found the right things, yarn, hook, position when we crochet....thank you so much...

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you! I visited Jakarta once when I was very young but I still remember it being very beautiful! And yes, it is so important to take care of how we crochet so that we can do it for many years to come! 🧶🧶🧶

[@dzunglu7184]

Crochet and drumming! Double whammy!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh yes!! Hope you get some relief!! ❤️

[@nathaliavirginia8973]

Thank you for the tips, I'm from Michigan. I start to knitting because I thought knitting would be less pain and stressful my hands and shoulder. But, I'm getting the same pain I should to have when I crochet.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so sorry. I have different pain when I knit, it bothers my shoulder where crocheting hurts my wrist and elbow. Hope you feel better soon! 🧶🧶🧶

[@OmemawaG]

You post such great quality videos! 😍 I love the effort you put in by filming in different places. ❤️

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so very much!! ❤️

[@saharaantarctica2525]

Thanks for this. I had the worst tennis elbow for 2 years straight nothing worked to ease the pain. It was agony. And I love , love my computer games and knitting. Now I have a ligament that is stretched and pops out of the side of my hand above the wrist, very painful. I found that strapping your wrists or using bands is a great help for reducing general pain or ligament pops. Soaking your hands alternating between cold and hot water baths helps a lot too.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh that sounds so painful!! The bracing sounds like a good idea! Thanks for sharing! ❤️

[@cynthiarichter3131]

Thanks for all your tips!! They're going to be helpful. I had to stop crocheting because I have Osteoarthritis and the pain got too bad. I loved to crochet, too, so I was really sad to quit it. I recently learned that knitting was supposed to be easier on your hands so I retaught myself how to knit... but I ran into problems with a stiffer kind of yarn on circular needles. My left hand has been swollen & I can't bend my left thumb so no more knitting for awhile. I've taken a break & I haven't knitted for a week but the inflammation is still pretty bad. I'm thinking about the tips you mentioned & may see my doctor. Thanks. I love doing handwork and would hate to have to give it up permanently.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I hope you feel better soon!! ❤️

[@fifinguyen8944]

Great advices. Thank you

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! 💗💗💗

[@apapsa]

Hello Elise! That was very helpful. I find that supporting the hand I’m crocheting with with a pillow is the number one preventing method for me. I’m going to start changing into less thin hooks to see if it helps with pain (more often annoyance). What I can’t see me changing is the use of cotton; I have tried crocheting amigurumi with wool and I can’t stand the tiny fluff that gets in the way 😄 It made it harder for me than cotton -it isn’t stretchy, but it slips easier for me. Thank you so much for this video and I hope your shoulder feels better!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you, Eliso! I hope to someday go back to cotton yarn! It's so beautiful and I love the feel of it! And you're right, it looks so gorgeous for amigurumi!

[@shawtygotlo1]

I love using cotton for amigurumi, but I ended up switching to acrylic bc of the stretchiness & price point (not a fan of acrylic for anything else). Have you tried that or are you not a fan?

[@apapsa]

shawty got lo I haven’t tried 100% acrylic, but I tried 70% cotton and 30% acrylic and unfortunately it gives me goosebumps 😟 I’m sticking with cotton for now, but who knows, things change ☺️ Thanks for the suggestion!

[@DawnsDays]

Great advice Elise 👏👏 I'm a massive fan of acupuncture, I've been having it as part of the bio resonance therapy and its amazing. I'm having a KZbin marathon catch up tonight lol 😘😘

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I had never had it done before and now I'm a fan. I really like the combination of eastern and western medicine. They both have so much to offer. KZbin marathons are so much fun! I hardly watch regular TV anymore. Except the Housewives... I'll never stop watching them! Lol!!

[@DawnsDays]

@@EliseRoseCrochet 🤣🤣 LOVE the RHOs ❤❤

[@Miamouse3]

Thank you for the great info really helps😊

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad!! Thank you! 🧶🧶🧶

[@alyssamartinez7690]

OMG! This was so helpful. Some of these things I knew but ALOT I didn't know at all. So thank you so much you have a new subscriber much love from Colorado 😘

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad it's helpful! And I love Colorado!! 💙

[@alyssamartinez7690]

@@EliseRoseCrochet so do I. I fell in love with Colorado & my husband as soon as I came here & saw him ☺️. I also love your style of amigurumi so cute & look so old fashioned too 🙂. Once I get more yarn I will most definitely try some of your patterns for my kids

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It's such a beautiful place! I would move there in a heartbeat! 🏔🏔🏔

[@alyssamartinez7690]

@@EliseRoseCrochet I know right? 🙂

[@msjetmech]

Great Tips Thank you

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! Hope it helps!

[@quix66hiya22]

Helping me three years later. Arthritis in my left thumb, in PT for it.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

I'm so glad! 🧶🧶🧶

[@ktd3184]

Thanks for all the tips! Believe it or not, I am dealing with this in a major way right now. I’ve dealt with this in the past but this time I really am hurting. I started aleve for a week and have decided to take a long rest from my projects. It’s very difficult for me to do this, but I don’t want any permanent damage. I also have a doctor’s appointment scheduled soon and am asking for a referral for physical therapy. My massage therapist works on the area for me, but she said she can only do so much for me. Ugh! I really hope I will be able to work on my crochet blankets again soon.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oh I hate to hear that!!! I so get it! I have to remind myself that taking breaks isn't the end of the world. I never want to have to permanently stop so I'm willing to do whatever I need to keep going for many years to come! Hope you're better soon!!! 😘😘😘

[@ktd3184]

LePetitSaint Crochet I agree and thank you! I hope your shoulder doesn’t play up too much. Bursitis is no joke.💕

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

@@ktd3184 Thanks so much! I'm definitely taking it easy and reevaluating a few things I'm currently doing!

[@RasigaG]

So useful, thank you so much!!

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! 💓

[@annekaelber]

I'm about to start physical therapy for my right elbow. I've been packing/moving boxes around AND working on my first cardigan in crochet (because I always start working on Christmas gifts too late!). I am *very* LEFT handed; I like to call myself a Sinister Knitter, because I knit and crochet left-handed. However my pain is in my *right* elbow. As a writer, I'm used to doing hand exercises to reduce RSIs in my hands and wrists. so I didn't notice any hand pain -- just the elbow discomfort. That I didn't listen to. Now, it's been almost two weeks without knitting or crocheting and (besides being a little stir-crazy) I haven't seen a reduction in pain yet. But, that might be because I've continued packing (and hauling boxes to Goodwill). Ill be discussing changes to my usual tasks I can take to try to prevent more RSIs in the future. I bought an elbow compression sleeve and have been wearing that as much as I can. There's a lap pillow designed for handcrafters/gamers, to support the arms, that I've been seeing recently. I'm not sure what makes these pillows better than say a bed pillow or bolster, so I'm still working through the pillows I have at home first. I'm going to search through your channel to see if you've done any other videos of this nature!

[@radhika3478]

Thanks Elise for sharing these observations and tips. I have started having tingling numbness in my fingers even after just a couple of rows. For me I find it's less with crocheting. I am an English style knitter and now I'm learning to switch to continental style, hoping that it will be easier on my wrist and fingers. I'm going to try the wrist brace as you said and let's see if it gets any better. Thanks a lot for addressing this issue.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Hope you get some relief soon. ❤️

[@Helga051]

Thankyou I've been to my doctor and I have tennis elbow and also a torn rotator cuff and buritis. Alot of pain had x-rays today and ultrasound

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Oooh, I'm so sorry! That's sounds painful. I hope you have a speedy recovery! ❤️❤️❤️

[@laydilyke]

I've had tendinitis in right elbow a few years ago in right arm then again last year in left arm but lasted nearly a year. Physio helped with shockwave treatment.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

It really is tough to get rid of! Thanks for sharing what helped you! 💕

[@kaym804]

I’m new to amigurumi and thought it was all made wth 100% cotton, so I purchased 2 paintbox packs of beautiful colours. I have rheumatoid arthritis in my hands and noticed it was getting worse, I can’t not use the cotton yarn it’s oh so pretty!☹️ I will have to be patient and take breaks like you do. Thanks for this information

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

That was my favorite cotton yarn! Now I mostly use wool blends and I love Berroco Vintage! Just beautiful colors and so soft! Hope you're able to continue. I have a dear friend with RA so my heart goes out to you! 💓

[@evalaraine9985]

I started crocheting earlier this year because I am disabled with long covid. I am mostly housebound and thought this would be easy on my body and keep me occupied. WRONG. I ADHD hyperfocused and did a huge marathon crochet session for days and days. I wound up with a tendon strain injury from my neck/rotator cuff to my wrist. Holy moly it hurt! Now I do all of these things, as well as use mirror glasses so I don't have to bend my neck to look down at my work and strain the muscles that way.

[@cjayshobbycorner]

Thank You for this informative video.

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

You're so welcome! ❤️❤️❤️

[@debcollettesam6472]

Great advice, I will certainly be sharing this with my crochet group. I use cotton all the time, I have not had any issues as yet. You mentioned you use wool. I have never used wool. I wander if that could be a problem with cleaning and would there be any shrinkage?

[@EliseRoseCrochet]

Thank you so much! A superwash wool can be washed. But you definitely need to look at the label for the care instructions. 🧶🧶🧶