Hello all!
Did you know you could get a tennis arm or golfer's elbow from too much crocheting? I didn't but discovered the hard way.
My elbow hurts when I crochet too long or if I work at the computer (which I have to for work). Ouch. It started about two weeks ago and I was sure I just bumped my right elbow into something. I am clumsy like that after all. When the pain didn't disappear, I talked to my office colleague about it and she knew right away what I was talking about... So I have a golfer's elbow. That is, the underside of my elbow hurts. It's a dull pain which gets worse the more I repeat one motion (such as crochet or keyboard work).
A golfer's elbow therefore seems to be a repetitive strain injury. I am not a medical person, so I can't really tell you much about it except that it hurts.
Anyway, I spent some time on the internet to come up with cure (apparently there is none) and ways to avoid getting a nasty golfer's elbow. Since there are probably a lot of people around who share the crocheter's elbow or want to avoid one, I will share my research with you.
How to avoid a crocheter's elbow
1. Make sure your elbow isn't "free". Pop a pillow under your arm when you crochet, so the elbow rests on it.
2. Stop crocheting right away if you feel any pain.
3. Stretch your forearms and hands often. I found that these stretching exercises actually help: Youtube Stretch Exercises.
4. Massage your forearm muscles after a crochet workout. I have one of these back massage pillows and discovered it works for arm massage too.
5. Try out an ergonomic crochet hook. This didn't work for me but it might for you.
Do you know more tricks? I am happy to add them to this list, so drop me a line!
Take care, Anne
P.S. Does any of you know a miracle cure for my elbow? I have crochet withdrawal....
I get this pain too! :( Usually it means having to take an unwanted break from crochet for a couple of days. Those couple of days are no fun, but afterwards I'm usually good to get back into i for a few weeks or more without another flare up. If you keep "pushing through the pain," the pain gets worse, and then it takes longer to heal.
ReplyDeleteGood too know I am not alone (well, not good for both our ellbows though). I am off crochet since a couple of days and have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning. Let's hope it actually helps!
DeleteTake care,
Anne
This video had some tips on crocheting pain free http://www.podbean.com/media/player/embed/postId/4806042?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmikeyssmail.podbean.com%2Fe%2Fcrochet-lessons-lesson-1%2F&type=video
ReplyDeleteOh boy, that's how I must have gotten it... #1, make sure your elbow isn't "free". Yah. I worked on something under time pressure for a gift, and it was a very thick item that required some physical pressure and some dexterity and I was away from home, so not in my usual 'crochet spot'. Instead, since the light was to the left of the sofa I sat on that side of the sofa with my right elbow "free". For hours. And I am an IT professional so I work on a computer all day. I have stopped crocheting now for about 10 days and am feeling much better. Am thinking about trying again for limited periods (I am going through a withdrawal!) so I think this clue about ensuring the elbow is supported is an excellent one. I think I should also try the left handed mousing for the computer but I am not sure that I have the dexterity on that side to pull off what I need to do for work. Who knows? Perhaps that will be a new challenge to keep me from being bored at work! I can hope. No, seriously, I do like my work. Most of the time. :-) But I would rather crochet!
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to hear your ellbow is bothering you, too! I also go a pressure sleeve for the ellbow which helped a lot. Hope you will feel better soon!
DeleteBTW, any links provide in this thread seem to be unavailable now. Too bad. Would have been helpful. Will keep looking.
ReplyDeleteHm, how weird, they still work for me. I will look out for new links though!
DeleteMy doctor prescribed these cuffs that I wear between my wrist and elbow for support when I knit or crochete and they really work well.
ReplyDeleteGlad they work well for you! I am not wearing mine at the moment but it is stored away in reach in case my elbow gets inflamed again!
DeleteWhat do these cuffs look like?
ReplyDeleteI've seen those. It's like a brace, but I have no idea how tight they are supposed to be so I haven't bought one.... check out this picture..... http://clinicsuppliescanada.com/catalog/product/gallery/id/119/image/9186/
DeleteMine is tight but not too tight. That is I can still move the elbow. The braces have pressure points (for the inflamed parts in the elbow).
DeleteLoving your blog. yes, discovered the pain last night... I'm quite new to crochet, but been binge crocheting on an all round granny square afghan, thanks for the tips
ReplyDeleteWish i knew about this before I got it. Ended up needing a cortisone injection. Which has lessened the pain but hadn't healed it completely. I miss crocheting ��
ReplyDeleteI had lots of projects to knit for the holidays and was in pain for months afterwards. I never thought to say anything to my chiropractor until recently. I told her the issue and she said, "I can fix that!" After she manipulated my arm, elbow and wrist, I couldn't believe that I actually felt a huge relief. I asked when I could go back to knitting, she said to wait a few more weeks as she would have to work on it more. If I told her right away when the pain started, it would have been different. I am now back to knitting but can only knit for about an hour a day before the pain creeps back. Thankfully she is still working on this once every three weeks. Maybe one day soon I will be pain-free. I wish I let her know sooner, a lot of the unnecessary pain could have been avoided.
ReplyDeleteMy pain hasnt went away an i havent crocheted in days but i find that i use my arm all the time im left handed but its my right elbow that hurts i didnt realize that i used my right arm that much till im trying not to. Mine hurt even if i lift anything. But it started after i had crocheted for several days.
ReplyDeleteAll too familiar. I started crocheting 6 months ago and got the nastiest pain in my elbow and arm. I used heat bags and anti-inflammatories, but we all know the best cure is prevention and rest. I switched from crochet/ knitting to carding fleece :)
ReplyDeleteHowever All things in moderation ( she preaches but can she Do It?) :D
Thank you for sharing this. Very helpful. Keep it coming please
ReplyDeleteElbow Stretches for Anyone Can Use For Elbow Pain
As the elbow pain increased I started getting shoulder pain as well. After reading this article it makes sense why. Thanks for posting.
DeleteThe first time this happened about six months ago I was given a steroid injection into the joint; it wasn't pleasant, but the pain was gone in about 24 hours. This time I opted for oral and topical meds along with an elbow brace; we'll follow up with physical therapy then progress to steroid injection as a last resort.
ReplyDeleteI suffered from crochet elbow. The only thing that worked for me was surgery. I tried to start crocheting again but the pain is still there, so I've had to give up crocheting. Very sad.
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear that! Is there any chance the pain might get better in the future?
DeleteI have just been diagnosed with tennis elbow in my left arm & golfers elbow in my right arm, so feeling an awful lot of pain which eases some days & others is quite painful, needless to say I am a big knitter & crocheter, the last 12 months I made 6 blankets the last one all squares are done but can’t put it together.
ReplyDeleteDr said rest, cold compacts & an elbow brace, so will just have to do all these things & hopefully heals quickly.
This happened to me this past winter when working on a baby afghan. My grandson has been born, but the afghan waits, as it took me months for my elbow to get back to normal. I'm about to attempt finishing it now, but will limit my time per day and ice the elbow afterwards to try to keep it from flaring again.
ReplyDeleteI have been dealing with this pain also. I stopped crocheting for a while and it did get better, but came right back when I started back up:(
ReplyDeleteI got the Suzie ice brace on amazon and I ice every morning and every night and that really helps.
I am a pottery artist for a living so this is super frustrating!
Thank you for having this blog it helps to know I am not alone!
Anne, thanks for sharing these tips to avoid crocheter's elbow! It's so important to take care of our bodies while indulging in our favorite hobbies. Your advice on using a pillow for support and taking breaks is spot on. Remember, listening to your body is key to preventing injuries. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
ReplyDeleteBest Wrist Support
I have always turned to homeopathy for repetitive strain. Ruta 30c & Rhus Tox 30c are both excellent, they also come combined. I take one an hour for 3 doses & often it’s gone by the second dose. I don’t know how it works, it just does 🌺
ReplyDelete