Needlework Tips for Arthritic Hands

Not every summer day will be sunny, warm and filled with outdoor adventures.  Some lazy days were tailor made for helping us to slow down, read a good book, catch up with family, take a nap, do some baking or pick up a project we may have started in the cooler weather.  However, knitting and other needlework can be challenging for older adults who suffer with arthritis. Before throwing in the towel (or scarf), consider some of these tips and tricks and products designed to let seniors continue with the activities they love.

Even those with rheumatoid arthritis can keep knitting or crocheting with the right approach and these hobbies may even help prevent stiffness and serve as therapy to keep hands working better.

Smart Solutions for Arthritic Hands

• A soak in warm water followed by stretching exercises can help reduce stiffness.
• Try to avoid long periods of repetitive movement by switching projects often, keeping several different type of needlework projects on the go to prevent hands from becoming strained.
• Give bamboo or birch needles a try, they create less friction and may be easier to manage.
• Circular needle projects may also work well,  helping to prevent the work from slipping off the end.
• Cubic needles have been claimed to reduce hand fatigue and may be easier for arthritic hands.
• Intentionally relax your grip.
• Choose smaller projects with a tension you can manage well.
• Give yourself plenty of extra time if the project is a gift.
• Sometimes the extra warmth of fingerless gloves designed for knitters can keep fingers nimble.
• Choose wool or wool blends which are more elastic and easier to manipulate than cotton or other fibers.
• Talk with your doctor about pain medication.
• Make an appointment with an occupational therapist to find more techniques to keep up your hobby.
• Those who enjoy embroidery can use a hoop holder or a clip-on magnifier lamp to lend an extra hand.

To learn more needlework tips and tricks for arthritic hands visit the Arthritis Foundation blog at http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/needlework-with-arthritis/ .