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Post by SunnySmile on Apr 11, 2020 7:05:02 GMT
I'm a fairly new crocheter. I'm working on my first afghan. Is it normal for me to have pain in my dominant forearm and in the other shoulder? It's got to be over-use or I'm doing something wrong. Did you all have pain when you were first starting out?
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,760
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Apr 11, 2020 7:17:49 GMT
It's been so long ago since I first started that I can't remember.
But in January I made a charity blanket using two threads at once which made it heavy to work and because of a time constraint I worked on it steadily. I paid for it in shoulder pain, I took a long rest, read weeks and am back crocheting again.
Couple of things to consider, are you using the right size hook for the yarn? Are you sitting in a good position, your work should be nearer your lap than your face? Stop regularly and stretch your fingers, hands and arms. Don't push through the pain, give your body a chance to recover and then try small ten minute session and see how you feel. You may well be tensed up as it's a new skill and you are consciously working every stitch. How long are you crocheting in a session or a day?
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Post by SunnySmile on Apr 11, 2020 7:36:07 GMT
Well I've taken a rest for the last 2 days, and I was probably crocheting 6 hours, but 2 at a time. I do keep it near my lap, but I'm working on the yarn tension, I struggle keeping it loose enough, but it's coming more natural little by little. I usually sit propped up on my bed since right now I'm bedridden, maybe a chair would be better. I thought it was going to be more relaxing, but it isn't yet. I do enjoy it though.
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wellway
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,760
Jun 25, 2014 20:50:09 GMT
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Post by wellway on Apr 11, 2020 7:42:57 GMT
Six hours is a lot! But I'm judging that from my work rate, others might find that a doddle.
Try going up a full hook size and see what that does for your tension, let the tool do the work!
A chair maybe better if you can manage it, I would suspect the body support would be better.
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Post by gillyp on Apr 11, 2020 7:46:33 GMT
I started about 3 years ago and found if I sat working for too long I would get achy. At the start I found it easier to work at a table so I could rest my arms on it and stop them getting tired. That’s my preferred way of working now, particularly for a complicated pattern. Come and join us on the Craft Thread! Just noticed you are bedridden - I would put pillows under my arms for support I think.  |
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Post by SunnySmile on Apr 11, 2020 8:12:44 GMT
yes, I definitely have pillows under my arms, even when I sleep (I sleep sitting up propped on pillows).
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 11, 2020 8:32:23 GMT
I have found that having a pillow under my arm is a bad thing. I normally crochet on my couch and I have throw pillows. Every time I have a throw pillows under my arm I regret it. Otherwise I don't have any soreness. I wonder what kind of hook you are using as well. How you are gripping it might be adding to your pain. I use addi swing hooks and I love them.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,732 
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Apr 11, 2020 9:55:49 GMT
I think that aching muscles when you do anything new for more than a few minutes at a time is normal. Yes, when I get really into my crochet, I do get achey in different places depending on what I'm working on, and where I'm sitting. Moving to different chairs helps me, but you can't do that, so are you able to change your position or do something else briefly every 20-ish minutes? We have a monthly craft thread here. This is April's: 2peasrefugees.boards.net/thread/105119/april-craft-thread I bookmark the craft thread (Actions at the top right side, then Bookmark) so that I can get back to it easily. There are a lot of crocheters and loads of support and encouragement. It would be lovely to see your work as it progresses. |
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 7:31:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2020 12:18:38 GMT
I don't remember having any pain when I first started crocheting but I did when I started knitting, I'm not sure why but I'd sit with my shoulders hunched up and I'd have a death grip on the needles!
Maybe take a moment to recognise how you're sitting and stretch out your arms, shoulders and hands occasionally.
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Post by gillyp on Apr 11, 2020 12:22:44 GMT
If you Google Hand Exercises for Crocheters there are loads of hits, one or two of which might help. I don't want to link to anything specific in case they aren't right for you.
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Post by redshoes on Apr 11, 2020 13:12:49 GMT
Do you grip the hook tightly? Try loosening that up a bit. 6 hours a day is a lot, so I suspect it is a combination of both holding the hook and the length of time. What other activities are you doing since you’re bedridden? If it’s coloring, etc, that could also contribute to muscle fatigue.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
May 2, 2024 7:31:12 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Apr 11, 2020 15:47:08 GMT
I don't remember having pain, but I was around 10 years old when I learned. That was so long ago.
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Nanner
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,962
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Post by Nanner on Apr 11, 2020 18:41:59 GMT
I don't have any pain while crocheting. But I never do 6 hours at a time.
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