Arthritis refers to the tenderness and swelling of joints. It’s a chronic health condition characterized by joint pain and stiffness that deteriorates with age.
This health condition is more prevalent in females than in males and over the years crotchet enthusiasts have been wondering that with all the gripping, movement, and sitting for long hours can it be that crocheting can cause arthritis, can crocheting be done with arthritis, and can crocheting cause any injury at all.
Continue reading to find the answers to these questions and many others in this article.
Can Crocheting Cause Arthritis?
Crocheting can’t in any way cause arthritis and while it may worsen the condition for some crocheters, for others especially the ones with mild arthritis it serves as a form of hand exercise. Crocheters with arthritis are to exercise to avoid worsening their condition, and with crocheting, the finger joints are in motion and this compels fluid to move around the cartilage surrounding the joint thus keeping them well hydrated and reducing sudden arthritis flare-ups.
In addition, crochet is a good physical activity choice for people with arthritis as it results in muscle movement in the fingers, wrist, and hands and this movement minimizes the stiffness of the joint and restores some flexibility to the fingers.
Can I Crochet With Arthritis?
Yes, you can crochet with arthritis. Quite a number of elderly crocheters are suffering from arthritis and they’ve found a way to adapt to it without hindering the love they have for crocheting. Although it can’t be quite discomforting, you will just need to be careful and apply some tips to make sure your once favorite hobby doesn’t become something you hate due to your condition.
Consult your doctor regularly on tips to relieve the discomfort and stiffness. After that it’s highly recommended to go for the right equipment that will relieve you of the pain that comes with being arthritic, there are a lot of ergonomics crochet hooks for arthritic crocheters, and get compression gloves to promote healthy blood circulation and minimize pain in your hands and any other tools that will make crocheting easier for you and ease your pain.
Also, alternate between the crochet projects you’re working on as each project comes with different tension and hook sizes, and ensure you go for lighter tension projects on your off days.
Things you should stay away from include; avoiding crocheting first thing in the morning, or late at night as these times arthritis symptoms are usually worse, and avoiding slumping your shoulders while sitting so ensure you constantly maintain a good posture.
Can Crochet Cause Injury?
Crochet entails a rhythmic and continuous movement, and can lead to certain repetitive use injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and bursitis. All of these injuries cause arm, hand, elbow, and wrist pain
These injuries are a result of the handling of a crochet hook and maneuvering it to make stitches using muscles that can become inflamed with prolonged use. This inflammation can occur in different areas depending on the type of crochet technique used.
In addition, straining could also occur with crocheting due to the combined movement involved during the process and can result in injuries too. Crocheting can also worsen conditions like arthritis if care isn’t taken by an arthritic crocheter. Leg numbness, neck pain, and lower back pain can be caused by crocheting as the craft includes sitting for a long period.
What Are The Tips For Preventing Crocheting Injuries?
Since most crochet injuries are caused by repetitive and combined movement you can adopt some of these tips to prevent them. The tips include:
– Incorporating breaks during your craft process
Before you can start having some of these repetitive injuries caused by crocheting, it has to be that you’re crocheting for more than an hour in a day. It’s fine if you do this as this craft also has a lot of benefits but to avoid any injury, ensure you’re taking rest breaks after every hour to relax before continuing.
– Maintaining a good posture
Maintaining a good posture while crocheting will reduce the risk of many injuries, as well as neck and back pain. You can get a posture corrector to properly align your body, also you can use a pillow and armrest to support your elbow and forearm to lower the strain on the muscles in these regions and seat cushions to help relieve pain.
– Stretch your muscles
Stretching the muscles around your arm to the wrist region from time to time while crocheting will also help prevent pains and injuries. Your fingers and shoulders shouldn’t be excluded from stretching.
Can Crochet Slow Down the Aging Effect?
Crochet slows down the aging effect in adults as it’s challenging and requires focus, this will boost cognitive function and memory which helps them keep away from Alzheimer’s and Dementia. It postpones age-related memory loss, making it a good craft for seniors already experiencing Dementia. It also prevents dwelling on chronic pain in older people as their mind is fully set on the crochet projects they’re working on.
In addition, it can also be a way to meet other seniors in the cases by joining clubs or groups and forming relationships that makes them happier as they’re bonding on their love for the craft. The overall effect of crocheting on elderly ones is great for their mind, body, and brain.
What Are The Benefits of Crochet?
Crochet is an addicting craft and with its movement might be some discomfort but on the brighter side, it has numerous health benefits that will keep you with it for a very long time. These benefits include:
- It prevents depression by the release of a natural antidepressant known as dopamine which is released by the brain when we feel happy. Crochet is a craft that makes its crafters feel happy doing what they love.
- Crocheting builds up self-confidence as humans tend to feel more confident in themselves when they get the results of being productive.
- It also helps with chronic pain. Crocheting is a craft that requires full concentration and focus from the crocheter and this dulls chronic pain as the crocheter doesn’t dwell on it. It also helps that crocheting helps release serotonin which is a natural pain reliever in the body.
- Helps with insomnia. Picking up this craft when you’re experiencing difficulty sleeping will help you get better sleep as your mind and body will relax and calmly focus on what you’re working on making it easier to fall asleep.
- Relieves stress. Stress is a common issue and causes a lot of health problems but thankfully crocheting helps diminish the level of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood and minimizes the feeling of stress in crafters.
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Conclusion
Crochet can’t cause arthritis but its combined and repetitive movements can cause certain discomfort and pain or even worsen arthritis if done carefully it will help you ward off the symptoms of arthritis. This craft has a lot of beneficial effects on the soul, body, and mind to the point that it boosts cognitive function so it has perks and downsides that can be avoided if you’re careful.
If you’re already suffering from arthritis and would still love to continue crocheting you can adopt the tips above to ease your pains and listen to your body to know when to stop so you can continue doing what you enjoy for a long while.