Health Benefits of Crocheting
Could there actually be benefits of crocheting for people with rheumatoid arthritis? With the right approach you can not only keep crocheting but it could also serve as great exercise.
In an article I found on the Henry Ford Health website it stated that “Both knitting and crocheting can challenge and strenghten our brains through the repetition of complex stitiches and patterns. This actually helps build new neural pathways that help with memory and can reduce the cognitive decline that comes with age.”
“Knitting and crocheting can also reduce stress and blood pressure; decrease symptoms of depression; and reduce chronic pain. The meditative and repetitive action of both knitting and crocheting help to focus the mind on the activity, thereby slowing the nervous system and reducing anxiety and stress hormones (cortisol) in the body.”
When I start feeling overwhelmed, I sit down in my recliner and crochet for a bit. Taking that few minutes to unwind makes me much more productive in the long run. I am lucky to be able to work from home. This allows me to be able to take a quick break. However, you could do the same even if you work full time. Have a small project that you could stick in a bag or even your purse and when you are on your break pull out your project! Even a few minutes can help.
Precautions to Take
Crocheting and rheumatoid arthritis are not exactly the perfect pair, but that does not mean you have to give it up completely. There will be times you will have discomfort so don’t push yourself too much. You’ll need to take some extra steps to ensure that you protect yourself from further aches, pains and potential damage.
One of the best things to do before and after crocheting is to warm up your hands. Heat soothes swelling and helps you relax. You can soak in warm water, or you can use a paraffin bath. Dipping your hands in paraffin and leaving it on for just five minutes or so will really warm up and relax your hands.
After you have your hands warmed up, do some stretching exercises. Just like you do warm up exercises when you go to the gym or for a run, you should do the same before you start crocheting. Give your hands a massage before, during and after crocheting. Massage will get the blood flowing in your hands and will help with circulation.
- Move/bend your elbows, wrists and fingers (open/close)
- Hold stretches for 15-20 seconds each
- Massage for 20 – 60 seconds in each of the “puffy” areas of your hands; ie. the pad areas just above your fingers, along the side of your hand on the little finger side, above where your thumb attaches. Feel around your hand on the top and the bottom and massage any area that feels tender.
Please note that all opinions are my own and are not intended to be taken as medical advice.
Tips to Make Sure You Reap Only the Benefits of Crocheting
I want to make sure you reap only the benefits of crocheting and not the pitfalls. These tips will hopefully reduce any pain that might occur.
- Crocheting should be fun and relaxing. Don’t push too hard!
- Most of the people I know who crochet give their projects away as gifts. Plan your projects so you aren’t forcing yourself to meet a short deadline.
- For example, If you like to make baby blankets to give away, create an inventory of them so you have them on hand when you need a gift.
- Have more than one project going at a time. (that’s certainly not a problem for me!)
- Different projects will have different tensions and different types of yarn. By switching from one project to another it will give your hands a break. The little adjustments between projects will help reduce tension on your joints.
- When you are having soreness, but still want to crochet, work on a project that uses a larger hook and worsted weight yarn. Avoid projects with fine and lightweight yarn and ones with a more intricate pattern.
- Be aware of your posture. The more upright you sit, the better. Your shoulders, arms and hands are all connected. Tension from one area will travel to all the others. When you are in a slump it only adds to the problem.
- An arm rest will allow you to have somewhere for your elbows to rest. Be aware of how heavy your project might get. Holding up a lot of weight can cause tension in your wrists and fingers.
- Have proper lighting. If you can’t see well you may be squinting and slouching forward and not even realize it. This can create tension in many areas of your body. Besides having a light right by my chair I like to use this light that goes over my neck. I can point it right on to my project. It works especially well when I am using dark colored yarns.
Best Crochet Hooks for Arthritic Hands
You will want to avoid a plain metal hook. These can be very hard to hold and are small, which puts more tension on your hands. Once you hold any style of ergonomic hook you will instantly feel the difference. The soft larger grip of an ergonomic crochet hook is just what you need if you have arthritic hands. Just like hands, ergonomic hooks come in many shapes and sizes. You will want to try out different types of ergonomic hooks to see which works best for you. Fortunately, you can pick up most types in a set and the cost is about the same as going out to lunch.
Because they are so inexpensive you can afford to try different types to see which works best for you. I even find that I like different styles of hooks for different projects. Having more than one set also allows you to keep the hook that you are using with your projects if you have more than one project going at a time.
My Favorites
Crochet Hooks With Curved Handles
These have a really nice curve to them. My hands are very crooked, and they lay nicely in my hand. The curve seems to fit right into the curve of my hand. I did find that it took a little bit to get used to the curve, but once I did I fell in love, as did so many people who left a review. I find I can crochet longer with these hooks.
With the way the curve of the handle is designed these will not work for people who use a pencil style of holding the hook. However, if you use a knife style grip you will likely love them.
There were some that got sets that sound like they were not of high quality. I have two sets of them and have not had a problem. Keep in mind that this is a very inexpensive set of crochet hooks. Another brand to consider that is very similar and may be of higher quality is the addiSwing brand.
However, while they may be of better quality, they also are much more expensive. One hook is going to cost you more than this entire set.
There are 8 sizes in this set. I actually have two sets of them so I can leave the hook I am using with the project it goes with. Yes, I normally have several projects going on at a time.
Hint: the size of the hook is stamped on the handle, however, it might wear off. I was afraid this would happen so when I first got them I made little labels with the size and the color of the hook ands taped it on to the case. Now I know which hook is what size and know exactly where it goes in the case.
Handle with Interchangeble Hooks
This is my other favorite crochet hook. My daughter bought me this set for Mother’s Day. At first glance I thought the handle would not be something I could use. But I was pleasantly surprised. I quickly fell in love with it. The flatter surface is very easy for me to grip.
The built-in USB rechargeable light is really nice for crocheting in the evening especially with dark colors. It only takes about 15 minutes to charge and a charge will last about 7-9 hours
It also has a row and stitch counter. You do have to move the numbers manually and it takes a bit to get used to, but I found the counters to be very helpful. It would be nice if it could be automated somehow, but I really can’t think of any way that it could be.
There are 12 sizes of hooks. Most crochet hook sets only have 8. Just attach them to the end of the handle using the little wrench that is included. Note that the letter and number size is printed on the base of the hook. Personally I have to hold it up to a light to be able to see but then my eyes aren’t in quite as good of shape as most people.
There are not a lot of reviews for this product yet because it has only been on Amazon for a couple of months. So far, just like me, most of the people who submitted reviews were quite happy with it.
More of the Best Ergonomic Crochet Hooks for Arthritis
I choose the following sets based on Amazon reviews. There were literally thousands of reviews with an average rating of 4.7 -4.8. Amazing!
There are SO many different sizes of crochet hooks in this set. Twenty to be exact!
Crochet hook sizes included are:
- 10 lace hooks from 0.5mm to 2.75mm
- 10 ergonomic hooks from 3.5mm to 10mm
Along with the hooks are:
- 5 yarn needles
- a small set of scissors
- 20 stitch markers
- The best part of this set is the case that they all fit in.
One of the perks of this set is that they are longer than most (4.5 cm for size B and 5.2cm for size N). This gives you extra space when the pattern calls for more loops.
Included in the set is:
- 14 ergonomic crochet hooks
- 9 yarn needles with different sized eyes
- 10 stitch markers
- scissors
- all in a nice case
Don’t be afraid of doing something nice for yourself. Don’t give up if the set you order doesn’t work out as well as you had hoped. As I mentioned earlier, none of these sets are expensive. About the same as going out to lunch or dinner. You are worth it!
It may not be as easy as it once was, but it can be done. There are so many benefits to crocheting such as feeling relaxed and improving your self esteem.
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