Hi all
I have recently taken up knitting again, however my shoulder is not happy! Please give me some hope😱I use bamboo needles as they are supposed to be easier for aches and pains, I even use big needles in order for the item to grow faster. I have recently joined a ‘Knit and natter’ weekly group which I enjoy. I’m guessing I may have to stop this hobby… I try not to spend too much time knitting in one sitting but still I’m aching…
You probably just need to pace yourself more -do shorter periods of knitting -and probably not every day -for now anyway.
Like all exercise - build up slowly.. Have the day before and the day after K&N as rest days .. and do more nattering than knitting initially! You can still socialise and enjoy yourself.. 😊
Your post has conjured up all sorts of amusing images of you knocking your K&N friends off their stools with your wayward elbows and shoulders. I wonder what is actually causing the pain? Do you move your arms and shoulders a lot while you are knitting. I know some people who just seem to move their fingers, particularly on finer work, but I move their whole of my right arm for every stitch. Ask your pals at K&N “Hey girls, do you think there is anything funny about the way I knit?” And confide in them, and observe them. Are you any good at crochet? My neighbour has made some stunning amigurumi dolls.
😂it’s my left shoulder that aches, I don’t really move that arm much when knitting as it holds the needle steady. My right arm moves to wind the wool round.
That sounds like the way I knit. Maybe you are squeezing your left arm into your side somehow, or holding the needle too tightly. Perhaps you need to loosen everything up, shake your shoulders and consciously relax. Seriously though, ask the other ladies to watch you and see if they have any ideas. At least you will all have a good laugh. Keep at it, it's a great hobby.
Even holding it in one position is requiring the muscles to do something. Shorter sessions seems a good idea to start with.
Or you could take up spinning, a very common group activity in New Zealand, men go too. You would need to learn of course. YouTube?It would use a different set of muscles and you would be slow at the start.
Hmmm spinning…. Would have to look that up. Kids said to get a knitting machine. Yeah.. can really see me dragging that to the group.. or not😂
Or a spinning wheel! … 😳
Hail, fellow knitter(s)! Experiment with your technique. I knit with elbows close to body so my fingers do most of the work, and only for 20 minutes at a time, then haul myself up off the sofa and get (reasonably) mobile for 20 minutes. Crochet is much quicker. I'm self-taught and tend to improvise with my stitches. Where possible, I use 5 or 5.5 needles and hooks, plus aran-style yarn. Currently working on wheelchair blankets for Ukraine. Bamboo or plastic is kinder than metal, and my favourite hooks are metal but with soft rubber handles. Happy knitting!
I would say two things. Bamboo might be harder as the yarn won't slip easily and so you are constantly having to move it along the needle as there is no give in bamboo. Also large needles- your arm movements are going to be bigger and more exaggerated with a large needle.
I was a regular knitter in a past life but gave it up due to being to busy and having arthritis in my thumbs. Not being very good at sitting down and resting, I recently tried it again and to my delight, I had no ill effects! I have changed to needles called Magic Circle, even though I am knitting from side. I am not sure why but they seem easier to use. I find knitting very relaxing! And I can listen to music or an E book while doing it, so it has become my way of winding down. Just don’t sit for too long!
Hello, Cashewnutty1962. I am a knitter-mainly for premature baby charities so no heavy garments involved-and have awful posture for which I’m currently seeing a brilliant young physiotherapist. I find it very uncomfortable to stand/walk with my shoulders back and without the horrible head forward position that makes me look like an “old lady” (my grown up grandson with whom I share a wicked sense of humour cheerfully informed me that I AM an old lady 😂😂.) Anyway, just last evening I was googling all things posture and came across the following article that you may find interesting:
marthastewart.com/1526290/k...
There may be one or two tips relevant to your situation.
I have the same problem and my physio suggested placing a pillow on my knees which gives the arms and shoulders some support. Also frequent rest periods.
I had to give up knitting when PMR started - made my shoulders ache too much although that was when I wasn't on pred and everything hurt! I haven't tried again.
I do a bit of knitting and to be honest, I can’t use bamboo needles. Although they are lighter, they « slide » less easily. Just a thought. Like all exercise….slowly slowly . Good luck and enjoy .
I have trouble with crochet & other hobbies. Can only do them for a short time each day. I now have a tear in tendon in shoulder, but it’s not connected. I mention it as that is affecting my hobbies more than PMR. The thing that’s affected most by these types of hobby is actually the osteoarthritis in my thumbs & wrists! As you have only just taken it up, your body won’t be used to the new position you expect it to love as you knit! This resulting problem you have isn’t limited to those who have PMR, I don’t think, & probably affect a lot of people!!
👌🏽
sock knitter here, I find knitting with bigger needles very hard on my wrists. I use Zing needles which are light and allow the yarn to move easily. Socks are a joy to knit, mostly mindless relaxing knitting and everyone loves being gifted a pair.
Nothing mindless about turning a heel!!!!!
Certainly not!
I am a knitter, as well as making 'rag' rugs. Pacing is the key, as others have said. I thought that bamboo needles would be easier, but found them awkward, as the yarn didn't slip along as it does on plastic or metal needles. 🧶
In the 9 years that I've had PMR & GCA I've knitted several jackets and pairs of socks. My favourite pattern is Elizabeth Zimmermann's 'Baby Surprise Jacket', which is a small enough garment to complete in a fairly short time. I have made 2 'Adult Surprise Jackets' for myself too - quite an undertaking, but the finished results are lovely and much admired!
I go to a weekly 'Mat & Chat' group, so can chat more than mat if I need to! The company of fellow ruggers is the tonic.
I do hope you find a solution to help you continue with this creative hobby.
If I have a break from knitting I find it takes a while to be able to do it painlessly again. I also find I have to use larger knitting needles and knit smaller things as something like a jumper would be too heavy for me.
all the suggestions above are ideas I think will help… knitting has saved my creative life during the last 5 years of pmr. The idea of keeping my arms against my body and actually the arm of the chair I sit in to side . . Ipress against my left arm for support work’s tremendously. I use plastic needles and always a circular for lightness even on straight projects, just turn the circular at end of row. Smaller size is better between 3 and 5 for needles and lighter yarn. I also throw the yarn over with my right hand and have found a gentle was to do this with little impact on shoulder I have made many shawls, panels fir afghans, socks, scarves and hats and gloves using these ideas. Knitting is so good for mental peace I hope you find a way for it to work for you.
Knitting is such a relaxing art; hate for you to have to give it up. Have you tried using circular needles? Very little stress on shoulders and circular needles can be used for most projects. Currently knitting a sweater-back, front, sleeves, all on circular and stress-free on the shoulders. Good luck finding what works for you.
I find knitting causes all sorts of muscles in hands, arms shoulders to get sore if I do it for long. A physio suggested putting a pillow across the chest to support the arms and reduce the need for bending the neck - also for reading.
I have also trained myself to hold the knitting lower, not squeeze shoulders, modify certain hand movements, etc. In short, as soon as something starts to ache, I make sure that that muscle is not being overworked. I'm determined that PMR/GCA is not going to take that as well!
Can you have a flare when on 1.5mg pred?
Steroid card
Rheumy visit recently, going forward…..
I know I’m asking on the wrong page maybe….
