Knitting for Those with Arthritis

 Have arthritis in shoulders, arms, hands?  We have discovered that using circular needles is much less tiring and painful than straight needles.  It's worth introducing circulars to friends who have always used straight.  One of our groups' members was joyful that she could actually knit for 1/2 hour using the circular needles. 

 I have arthritis in hands & shoulders.  Circs make a big difference!!! 

 I have RA and have to agree with the circular needles. Not having the weight at the end of the long needles has helped a great deal. Definitely worth switching to.

Circular needles are the only ones I knit with unless I'm making a small guage swatch, maybe. When your hands start to ache, get away from the project for a few hours. I know that's hard to do when you're in the zone but your hands will thank you for it.

When my hands get that throbbing sensation, I either switch to a project not requiring twist and such of my hands (like cabling) or I wash dishes. The warm water feels very comforting. Then I make tea, slather lotion on my hands and sit for a spell. In an hour or so, I may be able to continue.

I started using circular needles instead of straight needles when I was in my 20s.  I found my arms would get tired with all the weight on one side or the other.  I now have arthritis so like all of you had to make adjustments.  I usually knit while watching TV so I'll knit for one show then take a break for the next.  Sometimes I change projects so I'm working on different size needles.  I'm in Physical Therapy for something and have been made aware of my posture.  That includes my legs, feet, butt, back, shoulders and even elbows.  I'm willing to be compliant with this in order to keep knitting--it's my sanity.

  Good, Keep Knitting as I too have that same problem and I found those knitting gloves works wonder's and thought I done gone to candy land with my hands feeling better so Keep Knitting and enjoy

 I am new to this list. I am also older with pains here and there and not only use circulars but have switched to wooden needles. I usually use bamboo. Also, the Denise needle sets are flexible and easier on the hands.

I've been using circulars for 30 years now, and there really was a time when I was sure I would never get the hang of it.  Arthritis can slow you down, but I try to remember to get up every 30 to 45 minutes and walk around and stretch.  Also, when I'm knitting, quilting, or appliqueing, I use a low stool to raise my knees and this seems to be easier on the shoulders!

 I have just been told got athritis in my feet and have had hot parrafin wax treatment not a cure but relief yes.

 Hi...

Circulars make sense for anyone w/ any kind of muscle or pain issue. And all of us who knit/ crochet/ etc have that !!!  I started using circulars yrs ago making Lopi sweaters + discovered they were great for larger items such as baby blankets + lap robes. Then came the realization that you could knit longer w/ less pain using them ( I knit A LOT).

When I was diagnosed w/ Fibromyalgia some yrs back...that was the end of ever knitting w/ straights. I occasionally use them as st holders or to stretch an edge straight while blocking...but that's it. If I make a scarf or dishcloth I'll use a pr of dpns w/ an elastic wrapped around 1 end of each.

And I agree...posture is SO important. As well as learning to actually relax your shoulders + neck while sitting "well".  Knitting is supposed to be fun...not torture...so relax + have fun!!!

  Take + Care + happy knitting to all......Andrea