This article contains affiliate links to products I use, please consider getting from them it would really help 🙏
About 2 years ago when my amigurumi business started to take off, the demand was high and I had to keep up. Because of this I developed pain in my hands. I was ordered by doctors to rest my hands and don't craft. I was devastated. Not only was I giving up a business but I was being told to stop something I love doing and something that relaxes me. I couldn't accept it and went to find anything I could to help. These are the things I tried that really helped me. I did not want to spend too much money so I made sure to narrow down what I need to care for my hands
First I found taking collagen helps.
Get them here - COLLAGEN POWDER
Maintaining joint health is crucial for leading an active and pain-free life. As we age, the natural production of collagen, a vital protein in our bodies, begins to decline. Collagen plays a significant role in supporting healthy joints, and incorporating collagen supplementation into our lifestyles can have numerous benefits in promoting joint health and overall well-being.
Understanding Collagen and Joints:
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is a crucial component of connective tissues, including joints, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. It provides structural support, strength, and elasticity to these tissues, allowing for smooth joint movement and flexibility.
As we age, the production of collagen naturally decreases, leading to joint deterioration, stiffness, and discomfort. Additionally, factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor nutrition, and excessive physical activity can further contribute to joint issues. Thankfully, collagen supplementation can help replenish the body's collagen levels, providing the necessary building blocks for joint repair and maintenance.
Benefits of Collagen for Joint Health:
1. Enhanced Joint Lubrication: Collagen helps promote the production of synovial fluid, a natural lubricant that reduces friction between joints. By improving joint lubrication, collagen supplementation can alleviate joint stiffness and discomfort, allowing for smoother and pain-free movement.
2. Cartilage Protection and Regeneration: Collagen is a vital component of cartilage, the flexible connective tissue that cushions joints. Supplementing with collagen can help protect and regenerate cartilage, reducing the risk of joint damage and supporting overall joint health.
3. Increased Joint Strength and Flexibility: Collagen provides structural support to joints, contributing to their strength and stability. By enhancing collagen levels, we can improve joint flexibility, mobility, and resilience, making physical activities more enjoyable and sustainable.
4. Reduced Joint Pain and Inflammation: Studies have suggested that collagen supplementation may help alleviate joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Collagen's anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the joints, enhancing overall joint function.
Choosing the right one is also something you should consider. I am allergic to seafood so I had to find collagen that's not derived from marine. I found one from neocell which derives from Bovine (cow).
Next I began using this compression gloves
Buy them here - COMPRESSION GLOVES
I find that it helps my mobility. As crocheter sometimes we grip the hook too hard which also causes hand strain.
A little knowledge about these gloves
Compression gloves are specialized gloves designed to apply gentle pressure and compression to the hands and wrists. They are primarily used to alleviate symptoms associated with various hand conditions, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and joint inflammation. These gloves are made from stretchable and breathable materials, such as spandex or nylon, and are available in different sizes to ensure a proper fit.
The benefits of using compression gloves include:
1. Pain Relief: Compression gloves provide gentle compression and support to the joints, tendons, and muscles in the hands and wrists. This compression can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with conditions like arthritis by promoting blood circulation and reducing inflammation.
2. Increased Circulation: Compression therapy helps improve blood flow to the affected areas. By enhancing circulation, compression gloves can reduce swelling and promote faster healing of damaged tissues.
3. Reduced Stiffness and Swelling: The compression provided by these gloves can help minimize joint stiffness and swelling, which are common symptoms of arthritis and other hand conditions. This can improve hand mobility and make daily tasks more manageable.
4. Enhanced Grip and Dexterity: Compression gloves offer a snug fit that supports the hands and improves grip strength. They can enhance hand dexterity and allow for better control during activities that require fine motor skills, such as writing, typing, and handling small objects.
5. Warmth and Comfort: Compression gloves provide a gentle warming effect, which can help soothe achy and stiff joints. The added warmth can also be beneficial for individuals with poor circulation or those who experience cold hands.
Just a reminder before buying one
- Choose the Right Fit: Select compression gloves that are the correct size for your hands to ensure optimal compression and comfort.
- Follow Usage Guidelines: Wear the gloves as recommended by the manufacturer or your healthcare professional. Typically, they can be worn for a few hours at a time or throughout the day, depending on your needs.
- Combine with Other Treatments: Compression gloves can be used in combination with other treatments, such as medication, physical therapy, or hand exercises, to maximize their effectiveness.
Not only do I use this while crocheting, I also use one while sleeping sometimes if I find I worked my hands too hard that day.
Last thing that helped is, I changed the type of crochet hook I use.
I changed all of my crochet hook with ergonomic ones or bought some grips for my metal hooks. This is because it is harder to grip the thin hooks compared to ones with "handle". This helps relax your grip.
These are designed to ease the strain on the hands and wrist by improving grip and comfort. This is especially useful for those suffering from arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. Since I don't have that much budget and did not want to spend a lot of money, these are the mid ranged hooks I love to use.
My favorite hooks are these.
1. Clover soft touch - the best grip I could find for my hands. I have small sweaty hands and the plastic part of this works perfectly. The shape also makes my grip less pressured.
2. Daiso hooks - this is the most affordable one
The handle is rubberized but never sticky even with my sweaty hand. My only problem with this is the hook itself is too short for me. It's also not very good with loose ply yarns like Indophil.
3. Prym crochet hook - this may look like a toothbrush 🤭🤭🤭 but it's really comfy to use, I just find this does not glide as easy as the clover soft touch.
4 Clover amour last but not least, my first ever branded hook. Grip just fits my hand perfectly for both pencil and knife grip.
So there you have it my care kit for crocheters or any crafter's hands.
Of course the best care is to learn to rest. I know we get this feeling of wanting to finish a project quickly but it is more important to rest and do some stretches.
Happy crafting!!!
