I have had to start machine quilting since my neck and shoulder injury from 17 years ago is now full of arthritis and I have trigger fingers on both hands. I still love to hand quilt and if its something small I still do it although it takes me a longer time. I quilt and rest, quilt and rest or go to something else then come back to it.
I use the finger cots and also the rubber fingertips you get at the office supply store, used for sorting mail or going through stacks of paper one at the time, this has really helped me a lot.
Wishing you well and hope you find something to help.
delma