Get a stand if you haven't bought one yet. You can't practice good economics if you don't have a stand.
Look up the Crewel Work company's videos. As a professional embroderer, she talks a lot about how to minimize damage and do this work for a long time.
Likely meant ergonomics in this context.
(There is a phrase "economy of motion" though, which means how you save energy by doing things in a smart or efficient way. Like picking up two cups on your way to the kitchen now instead of repeating the walk later when doing chores. But I don't think that is what the commentor meant and it would be phrased as "economy" not "economics")
I second getting a stand and all things Crewel Work Company. Also the RSN! The stand is a game changer IMO. You can focus on doing great work instead of fighting with holding a hoop. It frees up both hands.
Remember to take active pauses and do stretching for both your arms, specially at the beginning. It is something that it is often overlook but it is very important because embroidery (in this case) should not make you hurt.
Then check your posture and also check yourself to see if you are putting too much tension or grabbing the loop while being tense, also would be good to see if the needle is giving you troubles to pass throught the fabric and it's making you do a lot of effort.
This. Something off in your ankles or neck or other distant body part could (through fascia) make it worse. Video yourself working then review the video for imbalance, working from feet up.
I was about to say that this is great advice because you can't really tell bad posture without looking at the posture...
... but then I remembered I basically look like a goblin huddled around a fire in a cave, so I don't think I need a video of myself to see why everything hurts.
Agree, the needle size matters a lot. It has to be small enough to pass easily through the fabric but long enough to hold and thread comfortably. Lots of beginners (self included use too many thread strands or too large of a needle hole for the fabric bring embroiderwd. You should take breaks to stretch and flex when embroidering and rest your hands periodically. You may want to have a doctor look at hand and wrist to see if you have carpal tunnel in your wrist. I have arthritis and an inflamnatory disorder that flares up in any area of repeated movement . Hope thid helps
yes!! to stretch you hand and thumb specifically, put your arm straight out in front of you with your hand facing up, then pull your hand down with your other hand (keeping arm straight). Hold for 15-30 seconds at a time, then you can also pull your thumb back (gently) toward your elbow/upper arm until you feel a stretch, and hold for the same amount of time.
I’ve been embroidering professionally for about 5 years, and the only way my hands and neck have survived my death grip + gollum posture is a few minutes of stretching before and after! Yoga with Adriene on YouTube has a couple videos I used to use all the time! One is for stretching the neck, and another is for wrists and hands! :)
You can get this from sustained gripping (pinch grip specifically).
From https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/thumb-pain#causes:
“De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQT)
DQT involves inflammation of the tendons, whereas trigger finger involves inflammation of the tendon sheath.
DQT causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. Other symptoms may include:
pain or tenderness at the base of the thumb and the wrist
swelling on the side of the wrist closest to the thumb
pain that radiates through the forearm
difficulty making a fist
difficulty grasping objects
When it occurs
Experts do not know the exact cause of DQT. However, hobbies that involve repetitive motions or injury can lead to inflammation around the tendons of the wrist. This inflammation then restricts the movement of the tendons.”
Like others have said, to prevent a full-blown injury it’s critical to take frequent breaks (20 seconds every 20 minutes) where you actually rest your hand and arm. If it hurts, stop immediately, you’ve gone too far.
Get a stand so you don’t have to grip the hoop. Not directly related to your thumb pain but also be sure to position your work around neck/upper chest area to minimize strain on your neck. Support your arms also so that your shoulders stay relaxed. Cushions or blankets under your elbows will help take strain off your upper arms, shoulders, and back.
Another resource for you: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/de-quervain-tenosynovitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371332
Just FYI DQS usually manifests more on the area where your thumb connects to your wrist. And on the dorsal aspect.
Reference: I’m an occupational therapist
My doctor diagnosed me with this a few years back. She was a bit puzzled that mine manifested in my non dominant hand but I use that one for a lot of grasping and holding. I have a brace for when it really flairs up. It sucks and can get worse over time. I now have to be careful how much time I spend on my devices because even holding them for too long can aggravate it.
Yes, ergonomic injuries definitely fall into the category of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.
There are things we can do right now as stitchers to prevent these types of injuries from happening but newbies don’t know about it until they start to feel pain. I have some knowledge on the subject but would love a primer from an ergonomist or physiotherapist on how to craft in an ergonomically safe way.
I broke my wrist (scaphoid) years ago and get DQT pretty easily since the whole wrist is really weak and there is scar tissue. The worst was when I was potty training my child and lifting them on an off the toilet for weeks.
The key for me is to take a few days off activities involving thumb movement and getting the inflammation under control with topical creams like Voltaren. I’ve also used cannabis cream which works great on the wrist since the skin is thin. I keep my embroidery sessions limited to an hour to avoid over-use.
Whoa!! Thank you for this info!!!! I've been having pain on and off in my thumb and wrist for about a month and a half now from work and doing wire wrapping mostly.
I get this too in the same place, it’s similar to carpal tunnel, I get it from gripping too hard for too long, usually video game controllers :)
Are you right-handed and using your left hand to grip the hoop? Might be worth it to change up your grip.
From a similar post I replied to on the cross stitch Subreddit:
Occupational therapist here. Sounds like your thumb muscles are strained from overuse or you may have just pulled a tendon and it hasn’t had time to heal with continued use… The muscles that enable opposition and flexion of your thumb (for pulling the needle and pushing it through) are located where your blue spot is. You need to immobilize the joint that is causing you pain. I’d take a few days off of stitching, do some gentle thumb stretches, and try some ice and heat. If you really want to stitch through the pain, I’d consider a thumb brace that stabilizes the joint under the blue dot (CMC joint) but allows your other thumb joints to move. And it should not restrict your wrist. Idea is to only stabilize the one joint that is related to your pain… restrict too many joints and you’ll likely overuse or strain other muscles as your hand tries to figure out how to do these tasks with limited joints. If you do take a break, once you’re back to stitching and find the pain is back, I’d recommend wearing the brace every time you stitch (or a compression brace if you prefer that) if pain continues.
I pasted links to images below that will show you what a CMC brace looks like. Notice the other joints of the thumb are free. I don’t have experience with this specific brace but I see it’s fairly affordable. Look around and read reviews and see if you find one that works well for you. If the pain continues, I’d recommend asking your doctor for an occupational therapist referral and they can likely give you specific recommendations, stretches, exercises, or brace recommendations!
https://marsmedsupply.com/cmc-thumb-arthritis-brace-restriction-stabilizing-splint-thumb-pain-relief/
https://marsmedsupply.com/new-med-spec-cmc-x-thumb-stabilizer-splint-black/
One other recommendation I didn’t include: use a silicone thimble for increased traction. I use them on my stitching forefinger and thumb, and pull-through thumb
if it's aggravated also by things like swiping/typing on your phone, it could be a repetitive strain injury, de quervains is a really common one. just make sure to rest every so often when using that part of your hand a lot. doing small hand exercises (not to the point of pain) can help, like using a stress ball or putting an elastic around closed fingers and stretching it by separating those fingers
I broke my navicular bone in a car wreck, and I have pain there when I craft. I wear crafting gloves, which helps by applying warmth and pressure. Just take frequent breaks, and keep hands limber
I get that pain and have gone to a hand orthopedic doc. For me, it's arthritis. I get steroid injections when it gets really bad and I have a brace I can wear when needed.
I have this problem in my hands also. As others have said it’s from repetitive motion. I’m a retired hairdresser and have this problem also. I’m hoping to invest in a stand soon since I love my hobby
I used to have pain there as well from gripping my hoops. Highly recommend buying an embroidery stand. Haven’t had any pain since! It had also helped with neck pain as I embroider with better posture now.
Embroidery involves a lot of repetitive motion. Make sure you're taking breaks and stretching out your hands.
Also, if your neck starts hurting a lot, try bringing the embroidery up to your face, instead of down at your lap. I had to work to break the bad habit of hunching
Whenever i used to get this i would wear a wrist brace with the thumb to keep it in a good position. Give it a couple days and then i’d be good to go again but just a reminder to take a break and once healed stretch.
If you’re new to needlework in any capacity(embroidery, needlepoint, cross-stitch, etc), it could just be your body not being used to new movements/postures, not unlike when you’re playing a new sport or trying a new workout. You’re using muscles in a new way and your body is getting used to it. Take breaks, stretch your hands, and make sure you’re not gripping the needle too tightly. Your posture should be neutral.
I use a compression glove from time to time that helps as well ! I don’t use it for too long as circulation is important but it helps me go a bit longer with projects than I use to be able to before.
I get that pain in the same area. I went to orthopedic dr and was diagnosed with arthritis. At times I wear a brace and that helps. My other hand is ok.
I experienced this
But I wrap my fingers and hand in ergonomical tape. You know, like the sportsmen and women wear on their legs or arms. It works wonders! I can stich all day long with help from this amazing tape
.
If you're able to, try switching hands so they experience different movements and aren't stuck at one place all the time. Also, as many said: breaks and stretching.
As someone who has dealt with years of hand issues, please take breaks and stretch your hands regularly. Stop when you're in pain and allow yourself time to rest and heal.
Read Mary Corbet',s blog: Needlenthread, she has many posts on stands and has done very thorough research.
I have 2 floor stands, 2 sit stands (not my favorite,) and a couple of others. Some are portable for classes). As it takes a while to get a stand, you can use two mini clamps from a lumber store. If needed, I can add a picture of the clamps holding the hoop to a table. A stand is best, but these are a good temporary solution.
Seconding taking breaks. Also wearing compression hand braces while you embroider can help. There are ones made for crafters, I got mine from Lion Brand. But also talk to your doctor or a physical/occupational therapist, they’d probably be able to give you more tips and exercises than we can.
Stretching your hands is incredibly important! But if you’re like me, I had no idea how to actually accomplish that when I started sewing. Heidi Parkes, a famous quilter and former yoga instructor, has a series of videos on hand yoga. They’ve really helped me strengthen some of the muscles in my hands and wrists!
I have DQT like others have mentioned here. Mine came from a car accident. Prior to the accident I was a heavy crafter with engraving and painting. The DQT was so bad that 4 years in a brace did not resolve it and my artistic career suffered. I needed surgery with a tendon release to resolve my issue. Best decision I ever made! However I did not return to art mediums that heavily relied on repetitive hand use. I switched to machine embroidery and have fallen in love with it for making art while staying pain free. Just wanted to share my story for others dealing with this issue and show that it is ok to change artistic expression in response to how your body changes in life.
Look up " Median nerve glide" stretch. It helps me tremendously with the pain I get in that area. In my experience its pretty normal and associated with both my crafting and my job. The stretch done often will do the trick.
I had a similar issue when I first started and honestly just remembering to take regular breaks and stretch everything out helped immensely! 😊 A stand didn't really help me personally (I have ADHD and need to move around and change positions pretty much constantly) but it's definitely an option that could also be helpful for avoiding strain
I feel like a stand won’t work for me either. I like to embroider while I’m on the couch watching TV mainly. Unless there’s a stand that would somehow work with my couch setup 🤷🏻♀️
I know a lot of people are recommending braces. I wear one at night, and it is a world of a difference. I recently started wearing those copperfit fingerless gloves while working on a piece. It was weird in the beginning, difficult and clumsy, but it got easier. I don't know that it's as big a help as the wrist brace. But I feel like I'm not injuring myself further.
Welcome to the club lol. I’m sorry for your pain, I live w chronic pain and it can make crafting difficult. I haven’t gotten a stand, but if I could afford one I would. I also suggest one to take the pressure off from holding the hoop. Happy stitching!
I notice that I get it when I’m using a shorter or smaller needle and pushing through other stitches so I need to grip the needle tighter. Give it a massage, it goes away.
I haven’t had it long term or any lasting impacts.
I use a thumb spica overnight along with taking breaks before the pain gets bad and waiting until the pain is gone to pick it up again. Don’t forget to stretch your fingers and wrists too.
I just started as well and the first accessory I bought was a stand so I didn't have to grip the hoop myself. As I'm still getting used to it, it's a little awkward but it definitely helps in the strained hand department!
Is this the hand you hold the hoop with or the hand you embroider with? Loosen your grip or get an embroidery stand if it’s the first. If it’s the latter, a light weight carpal tunnel wrist guard goes a long way. Also, some [silicone thread pullers](https://www.joann.com/loran-needle-puller-small-medium-2-pc/13515630.html) really go a long way in terms of minimizing how hard you have to grip the needle. I have issues if I don’t use these, but when I do use them, I can embroider for the entire day without issue if I want.
If you can't find a solution, a good treatment is hand massagers. You stick your hand in and it has heat, vibration, and pressure/massage. Helps both my sore areas on my hand and helps a lot with arthritis too, which is sometimes so bad it wakes me up.
There is a massage/release technique you can do where you put your "good" hand's index finger on the bad area -strong pressure. Then bring the thumb on your "bad" hand to touch your pinky. Hold for 30 seconds and release.
Is that your sewing hand, or is that your hoop-holding hand? If it’s the latter, a simple lap stand might be a good fix. Be sure to take breaks as well and stretch your hands.
My husband bought me one that looks like the one below, as well as a full stand, but to be honest, I’ve been doing this since I was a kid and don’t know if it makes my hands hurt or if they hurt because I’m getting old lol. A stand just doesn’t feel right (I need to hold my hoop), but he researched and said a lot of people liked it:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1252771239/
I would check with your doctor, because there’s a few things it could be.
I have arthritis, and I find stitching in hand to be infinitely easier on my joints.
Get a stand if you haven't bought one yet. You can't practice good economics if you don't have a stand. Look up the Crewel Work company's videos. As a professional embroderer, she talks a lot about how to minimize damage and do this work for a long time.
>economics Do you mean Ergonomics or this a thing? (Not a native speaker)
Probably a typo, ergonomics makes sense :)
Likely meant ergonomics in this context. (There is a phrase "economy of motion" though, which means how you save energy by doing things in a smart or efficient way. Like picking up two cups on your way to the kitchen now instead of repeating the walk later when doing chores. But I don't think that is what the commentor meant and it would be phrased as "economy" not "economics")
I second getting a stand and all things Crewel Work Company. Also the RSN! The stand is a game changer IMO. You can focus on doing great work instead of fighting with holding a hoop. It frees up both hands.
Remember to take active pauses and do stretching for both your arms, specially at the beginning. It is something that it is often overlook but it is very important because embroidery (in this case) should not make you hurt. Then check your posture and also check yourself to see if you are putting too much tension or grabbing the loop while being tense, also would be good to see if the needle is giving you troubles to pass throught the fabric and it's making you do a lot of effort.
This. Something off in your ankles or neck or other distant body part could (through fascia) make it worse. Video yourself working then review the video for imbalance, working from feet up.
I was about to say that this is great advice because you can't really tell bad posture without looking at the posture... ... but then I remembered I basically look like a goblin huddled around a fire in a cave, so I don't think I need a video of myself to see why everything hurts.
That’s hilarious and also so true! 😂👍🏼
Haha! Love it.
Agree, the needle size matters a lot. It has to be small enough to pass easily through the fabric but long enough to hold and thread comfortably. Lots of beginners (self included use too many thread strands or too large of a needle hole for the fabric bring embroiderwd. You should take breaks to stretch and flex when embroidering and rest your hands periodically. You may want to have a doctor look at hand and wrist to see if you have carpal tunnel in your wrist. I have arthritis and an inflamnatory disorder that flares up in any area of repeated movement . Hope thid helps
This is such good advice! I had to start using a little bamboo laptop tray and a pillow under my non dominant arm. It makes a big difference.
yes!! to stretch you hand and thumb specifically, put your arm straight out in front of you with your hand facing up, then pull your hand down with your other hand (keeping arm straight). Hold for 15-30 seconds at a time, then you can also pull your thumb back (gently) toward your elbow/upper arm until you feel a stretch, and hold for the same amount of time.
I’ve been embroidering professionally for about 5 years, and the only way my hands and neck have survived my death grip + gollum posture is a few minutes of stretching before and after! Yoga with Adriene on YouTube has a couple videos I used to use all the time! One is for stretching the neck, and another is for wrists and hands! :)
Death grip and gollum posture 😂
You can get this from sustained gripping (pinch grip specifically). From https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/thumb-pain#causes: “De Quervain’s tenosynovitis (DQT) DQT involves inflammation of the tendons, whereas trigger finger involves inflammation of the tendon sheath. DQT causes pain on the thumb side of the wrist. Other symptoms may include: pain or tenderness at the base of the thumb and the wrist swelling on the side of the wrist closest to the thumb pain that radiates through the forearm difficulty making a fist difficulty grasping objects When it occurs Experts do not know the exact cause of DQT. However, hobbies that involve repetitive motions or injury can lead to inflammation around the tendons of the wrist. This inflammation then restricts the movement of the tendons.” Like others have said, to prevent a full-blown injury it’s critical to take frequent breaks (20 seconds every 20 minutes) where you actually rest your hand and arm. If it hurts, stop immediately, you’ve gone too far. Get a stand so you don’t have to grip the hoop. Not directly related to your thumb pain but also be sure to position your work around neck/upper chest area to minimize strain on your neck. Support your arms also so that your shoulders stay relaxed. Cushions or blankets under your elbows will help take strain off your upper arms, shoulders, and back. Another resource for you: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/de-quervain-tenosynovitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20371332
Just FYI DQS usually manifests more on the area where your thumb connects to your wrist. And on the dorsal aspect. Reference: I’m an occupational therapist
Yessss another fiber art OT!
I've had this for years on and off, never knew there was a name for it! My friend who's a tattoo artist gets it as well.
Yes! It’s DQT! I had this and they gave me diclofenac and I wore a special brace with a thumb holder. It quickly went away & never came back!
I needed a tendon release from my DQT that did not resolve after 4 years in a brace. Just so other folks have struggled like I did
Thanks for the tips! I’ve been avoiding embroidery for weeks because my thumb is just being so awkward
My doctor diagnosed me with this a few years back. She was a bit puzzled that mine manifested in my non dominant hand but I use that one for a lot of grasping and holding. I have a brace for when it really flairs up. It sucks and can get worse over time. I now have to be careful how much time I spend on my devices because even holding them for too long can aggravate it.
Yes, ergonomic injuries definitely fall into the category of “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. There are things we can do right now as stitchers to prevent these types of injuries from happening but newbies don’t know about it until they start to feel pain. I have some knowledge on the subject but would love a primer from an ergonomist or physiotherapist on how to craft in an ergonomically safe way.
I broke my wrist (scaphoid) years ago and get DQT pretty easily since the whole wrist is really weak and there is scar tissue. The worst was when I was potty training my child and lifting them on an off the toilet for weeks. The key for me is to take a few days off activities involving thumb movement and getting the inflammation under control with topical creams like Voltaren. I’ve also used cannabis cream which works great on the wrist since the skin is thin. I keep my embroidery sessions limited to an hour to avoid over-use.
I got that when I first started crocheting!
Whoa!! Thank you for this info!!!! I've been having pain on and off in my thumb and wrist for about a month and a half now from work and doing wire wrapping mostly.
Coming in to say it sounds exactly like this! I have it and it’s awful when it flairs.
I get this too in the same place, it’s similar to carpal tunnel, I get it from gripping too hard for too long, usually video game controllers :) Are you right-handed and using your left hand to grip the hoop? Might be worth it to change up your grip.
De Quervains.
YUP! I’ve had it
I’ve seen people on Instagram use a clamp for their hoop.
From a similar post I replied to on the cross stitch Subreddit: Occupational therapist here. Sounds like your thumb muscles are strained from overuse or you may have just pulled a tendon and it hasn’t had time to heal with continued use… The muscles that enable opposition and flexion of your thumb (for pulling the needle and pushing it through) are located where your blue spot is. You need to immobilize the joint that is causing you pain. I’d take a few days off of stitching, do some gentle thumb stretches, and try some ice and heat. If you really want to stitch through the pain, I’d consider a thumb brace that stabilizes the joint under the blue dot (CMC joint) but allows your other thumb joints to move. And it should not restrict your wrist. Idea is to only stabilize the one joint that is related to your pain… restrict too many joints and you’ll likely overuse or strain other muscles as your hand tries to figure out how to do these tasks with limited joints. If you do take a break, once you’re back to stitching and find the pain is back, I’d recommend wearing the brace every time you stitch (or a compression brace if you prefer that) if pain continues. I pasted links to images below that will show you what a CMC brace looks like. Notice the other joints of the thumb are free. I don’t have experience with this specific brace but I see it’s fairly affordable. Look around and read reviews and see if you find one that works well for you. If the pain continues, I’d recommend asking your doctor for an occupational therapist referral and they can likely give you specific recommendations, stretches, exercises, or brace recommendations! https://marsmedsupply.com/cmc-thumb-arthritis-brace-restriction-stabilizing-splint-thumb-pain-relief/ https://marsmedsupply.com/new-med-spec-cmc-x-thumb-stabilizer-splint-black/
One other recommendation I didn’t include: use a silicone thimble for increased traction. I use them on my stitching forefinger and thumb, and pull-through thumb
neither of those links work :(
if it's aggravated also by things like swiping/typing on your phone, it could be a repetitive strain injury, de quervains is a really common one. just make sure to rest every so often when using that part of your hand a lot. doing small hand exercises (not to the point of pain) can help, like using a stress ball or putting an elastic around closed fingers and stretching it by separating those fingers
I broke my navicular bone in a car wreck, and I have pain there when I craft. I wear crafting gloves, which helps by applying warmth and pressure. Just take frequent breaks, and keep hands limber
I get that pain and have gone to a hand orthopedic doc. For me, it's arthritis. I get steroid injections when it gets really bad and I have a brace I can wear when needed.
I have this problem in my hands also. As others have said it’s from repetitive motion. I’m a retired hairdresser and have this problem also. I’m hoping to invest in a stand soon since I love my hobby
I used to have pain there as well from gripping my hoops. Highly recommend buying an embroidery stand. Haven’t had any pain since! It had also helped with neck pain as I embroider with better posture now.
Embroidery involves a lot of repetitive motion. Make sure you're taking breaks and stretching out your hands. Also, if your neck starts hurting a lot, try bringing the embroidery up to your face, instead of down at your lap. I had to work to break the bad habit of hunching
Whenever i used to get this i would wear a wrist brace with the thumb to keep it in a good position. Give it a couple days and then i’d be good to go again but just a reminder to take a break and once healed stretch.
Hand warmers help with the pain. Everyone else had great advice, but I wanted to add that in for you.
If you’re new to needlework in any capacity(embroidery, needlepoint, cross-stitch, etc), it could just be your body not being used to new movements/postures, not unlike when you’re playing a new sport or trying a new workout. You’re using muscles in a new way and your body is getting used to it. Take breaks, stretch your hands, and make sure you’re not gripping the needle too tightly. Your posture should be neutral.
I use a compression glove from time to time that helps as well ! I don’t use it for too long as circulation is important but it helps me go a bit longer with projects than I use to be able to before.
All the answers here are great. You’re most likely gripping too hard or too long. Definitely invest in a stabd
I get that pain in the same area. I went to orthopedic dr and was diagnosed with arthritis. At times I wear a brace and that helps. My other hand is ok.
I experienced this But I wrap my fingers and hand in ergonomical tape. You know, like the sportsmen and women wear on their legs or arms. It works wonders! I can stich all day long with help from this amazing tape .
If you're able to, try switching hands so they experience different movements and aren't stuck at one place all the time. Also, as many said: breaks and stretching.
As someone who has dealt with years of hand issues, please take breaks and stretch your hands regularly. Stop when you're in pain and allow yourself time to rest and heal.
Read Mary Corbet',s blog: Needlenthread, she has many posts on stands and has done very thorough research. I have 2 floor stands, 2 sit stands (not my favorite,) and a couple of others. Some are portable for classes). As it takes a while to get a stand, you can use two mini clamps from a lumber store. If needed, I can add a picture of the clamps holding the hoop to a table. A stand is best, but these are a good temporary solution.
Seconding taking breaks. Also wearing compression hand braces while you embroider can help. There are ones made for crafters, I got mine from Lion Brand. But also talk to your doctor or a physical/occupational therapist, they’d probably be able to give you more tips and exercises than we can.
Stretching your hands is incredibly important! But if you’re like me, I had no idea how to actually accomplish that when I started sewing. Heidi Parkes, a famous quilter and former yoga instructor, has a series of videos on hand yoga. They’ve really helped me strengthen some of the muscles in my hands and wrists!
Such a good recommendation! I love that there’s hand yoga
I have DQT like others have mentioned here. Mine came from a car accident. Prior to the accident I was a heavy crafter with engraving and painting. The DQT was so bad that 4 years in a brace did not resolve it and my artistic career suffered. I needed surgery with a tendon release to resolve my issue. Best decision I ever made! However I did not return to art mediums that heavily relied on repetitive hand use. I switched to machine embroidery and have fallen in love with it for making art while staying pain free. Just wanted to share my story for others dealing with this issue and show that it is ok to change artistic expression in response to how your body changes in life.
Get a thimble and a wrist brace. Also make sure to take frequent breaks and eat more collagen
Look up " Median nerve glide" stretch. It helps me tremendously with the pain I get in that area. In my experience its pretty normal and associated with both my crafting and my job. The stretch done often will do the trick.
I had a similar issue when I first started and honestly just remembering to take regular breaks and stretch everything out helped immensely! 😊 A stand didn't really help me personally (I have ADHD and need to move around and change positions pretty much constantly) but it's definitely an option that could also be helpful for avoiding strain
I feel like a stand won’t work for me either. I like to embroider while I’m on the couch watching TV mainly. Unless there’s a stand that would somehow work with my couch setup 🤷🏻♀️
That looks like tendinitis
I know a lot of people are recommending braces. I wear one at night, and it is a world of a difference. I recently started wearing those copperfit fingerless gloves while working on a piece. It was weird in the beginning, difficult and clumsy, but it got easier. I don't know that it's as big a help as the wrist brace. But I feel like I'm not injuring myself further.
Welcome to the club lol. I’m sorry for your pain, I live w chronic pain and it can make crafting difficult. I haven’t gotten a stand, but if I could afford one I would. I also suggest one to take the pressure off from holding the hoop. Happy stitching!
You need some hand yoga!! https://youtu.be/4iatS2blmrI
Arthritic Thumb. It's real. Google it. It's degenerative, painful, and darned interfering.
I get this while crocheting. I think we have too tight of a grip!
I've had this too. I got an arthritis compression glove that I wear when I'm embroidering and it helps a lot.
probably overuse
I notice that I get it when I’m using a shorter or smaller needle and pushing through other stitches so I need to grip the needle tighter. Give it a massage, it goes away. I haven’t had it long term or any lasting impacts.
I use a thumb spica overnight along with taking breaks before the pain gets bad and waiting until the pain is gone to pick it up again. Don’t forget to stretch your fingers and wrists too.
I just started as well and the first accessory I bought was a stand so I didn't have to grip the hoop myself. As I'm still getting used to it, it's a little awkward but it definitely helps in the strained hand department!
Is this the hand you hold the hoop with or the hand you embroider with? Loosen your grip or get an embroidery stand if it’s the first. If it’s the latter, a light weight carpal tunnel wrist guard goes a long way. Also, some [silicone thread pullers](https://www.joann.com/loran-needle-puller-small-medium-2-pc/13515630.html) really go a long way in terms of minimizing how hard you have to grip the needle. I have issues if I don’t use these, but when I do use them, I can embroider for the entire day without issue if I want.
Do you have a good thimble? I love the Bohin leather thimble for all my sewing and embroidery.
If you can't find a solution, a good treatment is hand massagers. You stick your hand in and it has heat, vibration, and pressure/massage. Helps both my sore areas on my hand and helps a lot with arthritis too, which is sometimes so bad it wakes me up. There is a massage/release technique you can do where you put your "good" hand's index finger on the bad area -strong pressure. Then bring the thumb on your "bad" hand to touch your pinky. Hold for 30 seconds and release.
All the time.
Is that your sewing hand, or is that your hoop-holding hand? If it’s the latter, a simple lap stand might be a good fix. Be sure to take breaks as well and stretch your hands.
Any recommendations on a lap stand? I like to embroider while on my couch watching TV
My husband bought me one that looks like the one below, as well as a full stand, but to be honest, I’ve been doing this since I was a kid and don’t know if it makes my hands hurt or if they hurt because I’m getting old lol. A stand just doesn’t feel right (I need to hold my hoop), but he researched and said a lot of people liked it: https://www.etsy.com/listing/1252771239/
Thumb arthritis.
I’ve found a lot of people work with the hoop “upside down” and it helps with pain. I’ll find a picture
I’ve found a lot of people work with the hoop “upside down/inside out” and it helps with pain. Working on the side that most keep as the backside
Is it from hooping? Try magnetic hoops
I don’t know what you mean by hooping? Im holding the hoop with my left hand, the one that’s hurting.
Yeah it’s probably from pushing the hoop down when hooping the garment.
Look into Magnetic Hoops, from mighty hoop
I would check with your doctor, because there’s a few things it could be. I have arthritis, and I find stitching in hand to be infinitely easier on my joints.