Sadly, annoyingly, this topic has been on my mind lately. I’ve started wearing a splint at night for sleep and it’s helping. I DO NOT want to get into advice giving here. A crochet blog is not the place for medical advice sharing. But, I have looked around on the web for ideas that might make crocheting easier on me. So, I’m gonna share a few of those ideas.
First, this looks funny but might be very helpful and the accompanying article has some good hints:
http://www.craftycrafty.tv/2007/09/dont_give_up_crochet_because_o.html
There are other hooks available that call themselves ‘ergonomic’.What does ‘ergonomic’ mean? Here’s a good definition:
Ergonomics is the science of adapting the job and/or the equipment and the human to each other for optimal safety and productivity.
It makes sense to me that if a hook fits my hand nicely and I keep my elbows close to my body while crocheting, I’ve created the safest way for the muscles, tendons, bones, and nerves in my upper extremities to crochet safely. The thing about keeping elbows close to the body came from #1 Nancy Nehring during a class I took in 2001, and #2 Laura, the hand therapist I worked with after I broke my left wrist a couple years ago. I figure that’s good information – and, even if it’s not written in granite by the world’s leading orthopedist, it can’t hurt, right?
This one is hand turned and available at the site linked below it.
http://www.woodbyc.com/other_goodies1.htm
Here are some other ergonomic hooks that are widely available (Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, Walmart). Check them out to see if one might work for you.
