Pain in right elbow and numb fingers

KnittingNat · 03-16-2008, 04:10 AM

I wanted to know if this sounds like knitting related problem. I've been having a slight pain in the inner part of my right elbow and my ring finger and pinky are getting numb and i have this prickling sensation at their tips. In the morning it's worse and after i put something warm on the elbow (i have a knitted wool sort of sleeve) it gets better. Does it sound like a knitting injury? I'm thinking of visiting an orthopedist and i don't know what to do.

knitncook · 03-16-2008, 04:45 PM

Could be tendonitis (tennis elbow) People get this from doing repetative motions with any joint or holding a joint in a rigid position for an extended period of time. I used to have this problem (and still do from time to time) in my left elbow because I tend to sleep with my arm tucked under my back. I've had to train myself not to do this. I took a big chunk of enamel off the stove when I dropped a cast iron skillet on the stove because my arm gave out on me.

Make sure when you knit that you give your hands and elbows a break from time to time. Most doctors will recommend 10-15 minutes per hour of repetative motion.

The.Knitter · 03-16-2008, 04:58 PM

Yes, it sounds like tennis elbow to me as well. Perhaps one of the mods can remember where the post was on stretching exercises to help prevent tennis elbow. I think it might be a good idea to see the doctor. That way you battle it before it gets so bad that you can't knit! Good luck!

Jan in CA · 03-16-2008, 06:28 PM

Yep, there are all kinds of threads about carpal tunnel and elbow problems like yours.

I think this one has some exercise to do.
http://www.knittinghelp.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=67704

KnittingNat · 03-16-2008, 07:16 PM

Thank you, everyone! I'll make an appointment tomorrow to see a doctor and then ask for physiotherapy. I think that the fact i work mainly on computer and also knit a lot lately has caused this problem. I'll do the exercises and try not to knit so much

.

annomalley · 03-16-2008, 07:51 PM

I have tendonitis in my right wrist, and one thing that makes a huge difference for me is the type of needle I use. When I started using the slick metal needles, my wrist stopped aching when I knit, and I haven't had any knitting related problems. That's something you might want to consider, too.

You might want to also consider moving your keyboard and mouse so it's more ergonomically "correct" for you. I don't know if your employer has this, but my employer has someone that will come in and adjust the work station to fit whomever sits there.

KnittingNat · 03-16-2008, 09:20 PM

I'm knitting with Options, so they are slick enough, i think. It's just that i work on the computer all day, not always in the right posture and i'm aware of that. I'll try to pay that a lot more attention. I also have to adjust the computer at home.

Jeremy · 03-17-2008, 05:03 PM

That sounds like the distribution of the ulnar nerve. Are you leaning on something as you knit? It may be the way you hold your arm as you knit. Good luck.

suzeeq · 03-19-2008, 04:03 PM

It does sound like the ulnar nerve is being pinched or squeezed. Do some stretches of the lower arm and wrist; and straighten out your elbow frequently along with massaging the inner upper arm. When you hold your arm bent a lot, it shortens the biceps and other muscles of your upper arm which can squeeze against nerves and blood vessels going to your hand and fingers.

Knitting_Guy · 03-19-2008, 04:13 PM

Try knitting with your toes for a while to give your arm a break.