Tendonitis -- and a hook question

[crochetme]

Hi kids. Turns out my wrist pain is most likely caused by tendonitis, not carpal tunnel. (I consider this great news, as it likely won't mean a lifetime of problems [sorry Pam!] <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/clap.gif" />). I'll be seeing a PT as soon as I can, but I want to research crochet hooks. I think my problem started in part because of using skinny crochet hooks, and I'm wondering if any of you have used hooks with larger handles (I thing Addi makes one). I've also seen handles that can be used with different sized hooks (on Ebay?). Do you have any recommendations/reviews/advice? I'd really appreciate it. Hopefully it will only be a few more weeks until I can pick up some projects again!

Thanks,
Kim

[pfirsch]

I have an Addi-like hook (http://secure.elann.com/images/image1/t3nac.jpg). They take some getting used to, but they're okay.

Clover (http://www.clover-usa.com/products/knitting/crochet/main01.html#01) makes hooks with fat handles, too. They're wider than the Addi hooks. I've read reviews that these are good for hand-related issues.

[crochetme]

Thanks for the links, pfirsch. The Addis don't look so hot, but I'll have to try out a Clover when I'm back at it.

[HollyM]

Here's an idea that works with bigger hooks (h & up) Get a pack of cheap fat foam curlers. Slide the foam part off the curler and onto your hook. Viola! A nice cushy grip and you still get to use your favorite hook.

Walmart usually has curlers like these but don't blame me if you wander into the yarn isle ;-)

Holly

[crochetme]

Thanks, Holly. I looked at my local drugstore for foam, but all they had seemed too insubstantial to add a good grip. I've got some time before I'll be ready to crochet again, so I'll have to do more searching.

[Julie]

I've seen pictures (usually on eBay) of crochet hooks with Fimo wrapped and formed around them. I'm tempted sometimes to try that myself, especially for the smaller hooks. It might be a cheap way to experiment with a grip that is comfortable for you. It could also give you ideas as for which kind of hook you might like to try later.

[Julie]

I buy wooden hooks from <a href="http://www.turn-of-the-century.com/hooks.htm" target="_new">www.turn-of-the-century.com/hooks.htm</a> when the mood strikes. The hooks are longer than most available, and cause me to hold the hook differently than I do the Boye hooks I usually use. If you have the Spring 2004 edition of Interweave Knits, the crochet insert has a table with different crochet hooks pictured. A Turn Of The Century hook is at the top of the images. It's just a thought, and he does some beautiful work besides. <img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/rocking.gif" />

[crochetme]

Thanks for the advice, Julie! We even have some Fimo around here, somewhere...

[Julie]

Hope it helps, Kim!

[rebeccav]

i just bought these little blue cushions at WM for my smaller hooks. they work great and i think were only 97cents. made by boye next to the hooks.

[crochetme]

How cool! I'll have to see if I can find some. Are they nice and fat?

[rebeccav]

nice and fat :pig they make the hook about the same around as a fat pen (like a sharpie-maybe a little smaller than that) and squishy :fluffy

[crochetme]

Woo hoo! That's exactly what I need. I'm on it. Thank you!
<img border=0 src="http://img28.photobucket.com/albums/v84/crochetville/frog1.gif" />

[antara]

Okay, I have a question. I bought one of those cushy things, and I can't get it to fit even on my small hooks. Any suggestions?

[rebeccav]

did you try using dish soap to get the hook in?

[antara]

Ooohhhh.... I hadn't thought of that. I need to find the thing now :b

[Nashville Crocheter]

I have been crocheting for about 2 months ---everyday :) I guess I'm addicted. :bang

Now I wake up at night with my right hand asleep. Does anybody else have that happen. I am guessing it is related to my crocheting. Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel???

[crochetme]

Eeek! Pain/numbness/tingling in the night is a symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome (my lack of it helped their diagnosis of tendonitis). You may want to see your doctor, so that you can figure out what's causing it, and make changes accordingly. Also, for about $20 you can get a wrist brace that you wear while sleeping; it keeps your wrist from bending and helps to relieve the nightly discomfort.

[Ambersafghans]

Wow. I never heard of that. :eek I"ve never had trouble like that, but I was wondering because my hands can get achy when i am trying to meet a deadline! Is carpel Tunnel a temporary thing?
Amber

[crochetme]

Hi Amber,

Carpal tunnel is actually a pretty serious thing. It is caused by repetitive movements (like crocheting, knitting, typing, using a mouse, etc.), and can be prevented by doing things like stretching, setting up your workspace in an ergonomically sound fashion, taking frequent breaks, etc. If it's not treated, it can result in severe, chronic pain, and could require surgery.

It sounds like your achiness at deadline is more a factor of over-work, though, as the symptoms of carpal tunnel (and tendonitis, too) linger even long after you've stopped the activity.

You can read more about it all (and get tips on how to avoid it) here:

<a href="http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/carpal_doc.htm" target="_new">www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/carpal_doc.htm</a>

<a href="http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/brochure/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=5&topcategory=Ha" target="_new">orthoinfo.aaos.org/brochure/thr_report.cfm?Thread_ID=5&topcategory=Ha</a>

<a href="http://www.orthohelp.com/carpal.htm" target="_new">www.orthohelp.com/carpal.htm</a>

[Nashville Crocheter]

I got a brace and have used is for a few nights and it seems to help. I ever wear it sometimes during the day. I am being stubborn and am continuing to crochet. Hope I'm not sorry later.

Barbara

[Frangipani]

Sometimes I use the brace while crocheting to keep my wrists aware of the motion. Also, I have carpal tunnel and tendonitis (lucky girl):grumpy and I am a bit stubborn about wearing the braces. Putting ice packs on your wrists is also helpful though.

I just might pop into Wal Mart and have a look for a more comfortable hook as my fingers ache after 30 minutes of crochet!!! thanks all!!!!:bounce
:knit Bec

[Sharon]

I have the same problem and I wouldn't be without my blue cushions!