Darn it anyway

[GirlChris]

Well now that I have decided to get back into knitting and have gotten myself enjoying it again I am struck with the reminder of why I tapered off to begin with,. My wrists are killing me. It is the same thing I got when I tried to knit while PG. Probably carpel tunnel, the wrist and up the inside if my arms hurts when I try to knit. What a total bummer. I am just feeling so sad because I was starting to enjoy it and what if I have to give it up all together.

[evona]

Well now that I have decided to get back into knitting and have gotten myself enjoying it again I am struck with the reminder of why I tapered off to begin with,. My wrists are killing me. It is the same thing I got when I tried to knit while PG. Probably carpel tunnel, the wrist and up the inside if my arms hurts when I try to knit. What a total bummer. I am just feeling so sad because I was starting to enjoy it and what if I have to give it up all together.

You should be sure to take lots of breaks while knitting and stretch. Your doctor may be able to prescribe physical therapy to help as well. If your able to go a physical therapist will teach you how to stretch properly so as not to hurt yourself worse and give you exercises to strengthen the area. Physical therapy can be expensive though if you don't have an insurance plan that will cover it.

Here's a link to some carpal tunnel exercises:

http://www.carpaltunnelexercises.net/

Also, a wrist brace might help.

[Wanda Witch]

I truly believe taking the frequent breaks and doing the exercises in the link Evona provided will help. I have problems with both wrists, worse with the right one, and definitely have to lay down the knitting frequently. At one time I did wear a wrist brace while working with my hands, but to date I haven't needed to with getting back to the needles. Also, I personally find the circs are so much easier on your wrists also. Good luck. Knitting is such a wonderful expression and relaxing too and hope you will be able to continue.

[SBG]

I have 2 small children, so I typically am knitting 1-2 rows at a time between "Mommy! I want some juice!" and "Mommy, read me a story" and "Mommy! Grace took my cracker!" That really helps with avoiding carpal tunnel!

[GirlChris]

Thanks so much you guys. I appreciate the advice. I have been knitting practically non stop lately so that is probably the problem. If I take a break for a few days and do the exercises and try to knit in shorter spurts hopefully that will keep it in check. I do like circulars anyway so that's good. Thanks again for the advice and moral support I knew you guys would understand why it wasn't the pain that was the worst part, more the stress of what if it gets worse or turns into a knit stopper God forbid. LOL

[scout52]

you might want to pick up some elbow braces as well. I am a knitaholic myself. (if you read the other thread regarding my inability to leave the LYS without yarn. needles and magazine, it is a vicious circle) i apparantly pinched a nerved in my elbow KNITTING!! so I have to wear an elbow brace while knitting LOL I'm am still cracking up that I caused myself a knitting injury. I never hurt myself in sports but i did while knitting LOL

[suzeeq]

Yes, stretch during your breaks, especially the lower arms. Gently pull your fingers/hand back with the arms extended - you'll feel the pull in the muscles that need it. Massage in the same area, usually just below the elbow.

[knovice]

You poor thing! Sometimes the kind of needles you're using can make a difference. Long straight needles put a lot of weight on your wrists. Knitting on circulars allows most of the weight of the project to sit in your lap, which may help. If you really prefer straights, holding one under your arm or between your legs often helps.

[Mike]

Don't grip tight.
I found that carpal tunnel type things go away once you relax while you're working.
There's no real need to not be relaxed while doing most knitting.