Exercises to care for crafters’ hands

Thank you so much for these! I've been having increasing trouble with my hands over the last few years (at least partly due to arthritis but some carpal tunnel issues as well) and have had to give up some of the more strenuous art activities while trying to switch regularly between crafts so I don't over-stress any one set of joints/tendons. I use thumb braces when needed but haven't worn them overnight, so might try that next time my thumbs flare up.

Thank you lixy and V3ra

It's worth looking up DMSO which is frequently kept on the side of football fields for players who need quick healing after an injury. I've been using it for years. There's also a book by Amandha Vollmer (Canadian lady) with health protocols in it.

Thank you V3ra

One day I’ll learn how to do that on this new machine!

nativehands.co.uk/2025/03/hand-care-for-makers-1/

I have been using my right hand to excess lately, first with very hard work on the allotment using impact with tools, then spinning and knitting on tiny circular needles

I have gone back to using a very good hand brace at night, on my right hand. It is large and firm and has metal supports up the palm and the back and the thumb. I bought it from a physio supplier, around 15 years ago and keep it in my supports `just in case` box

Lately I had slept with my hand curled and consequent tendon shortening which caused painful spasms in my fingers overnight. I have been using this splint for just 3 nights and already there is a big improvement. I will carry on with this brace for another week and then transition to warm support gloves at night, I have some with longer supports for fingers

I remember being almost panicky about the developing osteo arthritis that I saw in my right hand but I nipped it in the bud.

Funny I find doing my cross stitch keeps my fingers nimble and it's the only time my hands don't tremble . So don't need any special exercises for my craft.

But do hands exercises in sit fit and my move it or lose it classes. And remember to do gentle neck exercises as our sit fit instructor tells us people forget to exercise their necks and end up with neck pain doing repetitive things, like looking at a pattern or screen . Also try and sit as straight as you can to stop back pain .

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Thank you for posting this. I do lots of crafting and my fingers are very painful at the moment. I’ve had a Quick look and the exercises look good.

I’m going to give it a go starting tomorrow. ( have been cleaning the block paving today so that is quite enough for today).

I find my right thumb objects if I crochet for too long and my wrists ache if I knit anything big using straight needles. I shall be interested to see if the exercises help.

I enjoy willow weaving though my thumbs sometimes moan about it.
Hope the exercises help anyone who tries them.

Thank you so much for this. Couldn't have come at a better time for me as I'm decorating my hallway at the moment and my hands are so stiff in the mornings. I'll give it a try.

Thank you lixcy for this useful link. 😊👍🐝

Just found this, thank you. I will certainly try them.

Interesting lixy, I’m no crafter but will pass it on to a friend who is and is having increasing problems with pain and stiffness in her hands.