Anyone with arthtitis having trouble?
 

Hi, am wondering how many of you sew with very painful, arthritic wrists. Have been diagnosed with severe osteoarthitis & am not using much meds...but am NOT willing to give up quilting. Recently ordered & am using a Martelli Rotary cutter, which isn't as hard as the Olfa. Hoping I'm not alone!!

Don't know if it's in your budget but the new electric Accuquilt might be something to consider.

I have arthritis in my hands that I quit quilting for almost a year. Found a ergonomic rotary cutter that I can comfortably still hold. You just have to find out what works best for you. You might check with your LQS or a quilting friend that would cut the pieces for you.

I too agree with the Accuquilt. Probably the electric one to save handling the crank to move the dies thru the machine. It is the perfect reason for one.

When sewing make sure your wrists are properly supported and your machine is at the correct level. I found that lowering the machine made all the difference on my hands and arms. I got the Sewezi table so I could use it at home and away. But there are many that are not portable that would work fine.

I have arthritis in my right thumb. Sometimes it is hard to quilt--cutting and sewing, especially hand sewing. I use "Australian Dream". It's an analgesic cream. It's kind of pricy, but comes with 100% guarantee. It relieves the pain for quite awhile. Sue

I use the Maretelli and my quilting chiropractor uses it also. Great product imho.

I mainly have degenerative osteoarthritis in my spine, but do sympathize as I also have radiculitis (pain radiating from neck to hand) and tendonitis (very minimal arthritis in wrists & knuckles).

I've found that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure & doing my prescribed fitness activities and meal plan definitely help quite a bit. In addition to that, I use a splint when not quilting to give my joints a rest. The ergo cutters are wonderful, but the bigger cause is the height of cutting surface. When the cutting surface is too low, it forces the wrist/hand to push harder on the surface, and at an awkward angle, in order to execute the cut. OHSA has a fantastic eManual with recommendations for sewers at: https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/sewing/index.html

Since I started following their recommendations (especially tilting my sewing machine toward me & stacking books under a card table to provide me a good height for a cutting surface), I have found my pain and swelling greatly reduced. For arthritis in the wrist, the best way to prevent problems is to keep the pinky side of your hand resting against a surface (or at least parallel to surface). I change out my blades every 6 hours & switch hand needles every 2-3 hours. I use Teflon coated needles & a leather needle puller for my hand work and plan my time so that I have the option to work on 2 different quilts at different stages so that if I need a break from hand work (needle turn, cutting, etc), I can switch and work on a different quilt doing machine piecing or quilting. It works out really nicely for me.

Also wanted to add that if you use a computer, that could be contributing to your wrist pain. I got a GoldTouch split keyboard and an Evoluent vertical mouse. The mouse took about 8 hours to get used to, but now I would never go back. When I don't stress my joints so much with typing, I have less inflammation to impact me when I start sewing.

Hope that helps! I'm with you. I can't imagine I'll ever give up quilting.

I read here on the QB several years ago about Two Old Goats lotion. It was created by a quilter. I got some as a "joke" for my MIL for Christmas, not really knowing if it would help her arthritis, and it did! I'use it and I've shared this with a number of people and most have good luck with it. Not saying it will work for everyone, but you might want to give it a try. You can find it online and our Ace Hardware stores are now carrying it.

I have it in my back , hips , knees , hands, neck. I could make a smaller list if I limited it to the areas where I don't have it lol! I take my time and don't do marathon quilting stints anymore. I'm going to pick up a Martelli cutter. I love their blades anyway.
I've also heard good things about curcumin, hope I spelled that right. It's supposed to really help the inflammation.

You might also consider looking into one of those cutter machines that is automatic, Accuquilt. Watch out that you do not end up buying one that takes a lot of cranking or has super heavy cutting dies. I had to send some dies back. Keep quilting. You are not the only one. Have you considered taking pain meds if need be so you can keep doing what you want to do?

I get tedonitis in my wrist I find the thing that helps me is my brace and antinflamatories and slo witcing up motions. Also ergonomics make a tremendous difference to pain

I just had to hop in here......I too have this problem.....I find if I try to do it for too long, its worse, so do take breaks...even if you just get up to walk to the bathroom or go get a drink or something.......if I sit there too long, I cant move...........keep a sharp blade in your cutter so you don't have to put much pressure when cutting .. don't try to do very many layers at once when cutting....get a good chair.....and be sure its at the best height for you and your machine...trying to think what else..............
ALSO, I just have been doing something that is really helping me....told to do this by a 93 year old with arthritis and she says its helped her a lot.......... take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar /preferable the unfiltered kind...add a tablespoon of honey.....mix it well, add a couple ice cubes and 8 oz of water.....makes a drink, tart like lemonade, and do this 2 to 3 times per day..............after a few days, you will not have near as much joint pain.....I promise you, it helps........this is a an old remedy from by gone days...after the first 3 weeks, I could not believe the difference.......I now do this twice a day, and I use 2 tablespoons of vinegar and honey each time...I haven't had any of the OTC pain meds in 3 weeks........this is amazing.................I am not practicing medicine here, just passing on advice from a 93 year old and saying that this has really helped me........

I have trouble with my wrists and thumb - not diagnosed by a dr. but I am assuming it is arthritis. Rotary cutting and repetitive stuff makes it worse. I have used a Martelli rotary cutter for a long time and love it. It is definitely easier on my wrist. I have been working out some with light weight weights and am surprised at how much it has helped my wrist.

Have you tried the Fiskars ruler with the rotary cutter attached you use the ball of your hand to push the cutter. I find it needs a lot less pressure than the hand held rotary cutter.

I have very bad arthritis. My doctor ordered me a splint to help with the pain in my thumb area. The splint was covered by insurance but if it isn't it costs $90. Here is the link:
http://www.vivomed.com/en/Push-Brace...n=UnitedStates

I have it in my spine and I have to pace myself when using the rotary cutter. I sew everything I can by can because I can sit and relax in my big chair when sewing. When I sew the binding on the with the machine I usually have to take a pain pill and lie down. I have some in my right hand but so far I can still hand sew. I started quilting because I had to find something I could do that didn't require me to stand or walk. I use to walk outside for exercise but not any more. If I hand't developed arthritis in my spine I am not sure I would have found this wonderful hobby quilting.

The list for me would also be shorter. My hands and my spine appears to be the most affected by that evil arthritis, however I have recently lost 47 lbs since February and that has helped my knees and my spine. I do work full time as a cashier at Walmart so it keeps my hands flexible. Quilting has not been as vigorous as it used to be and it seems to take me longer to make one but I intend to keep on keeping on as long as I am able. My stomach lining is weak so I am not able to take any anti inflamatory medicine but heat packs help my spine. We can only do what we can do and be thankful that we can do it. GOD Bless

mike'sgirl;7309202]I have it in my back , hips , knees , hands, neck. I could make a smaller list if I limited it to the areas where I don't have it lol! I take my time and don't do marathon quilting stints anymore. I'm going to pick up a Martelli cutter. I love their blades anyway.
I've also heard good things about curcumin, hope I spelled that right. It's supposed to really help the inflammation.[/QUOTE]

I've had surgery on both thumbs at the base--and also one carpal tunnel procedure. I've been sewing and typing my whole life and have worn out my hands. I am limited in the quilting I can do but with all my experience I can usually come up with easy procedures that at least keep me making charity quilts. Easy, no pressure projects. And I get a quilting "fix" right here on QB enjoying all the pictures and posts.

oI have rheumatoid arthritis and have to take Humira.....I do get severe pain in my hands if I overdo....I did buy an Accuquilt electric for that reason, but haven't started using it yet...It's still in the box and stares at me....I feel so guilty since I spend so much for it....It's learning something new that is my problem I guess.....There are many good creams for hands such as Voltaren but it's only by prescription...

I purchased some gloves made by Tommie Copper and they have really helped my hands. The pain and swelling are much much less. I got the ones with the finger tips open.

Bree123, thanks for the great information. I am unwilling to give up hand quilting and using the computer. This information is a great help.

I love the Martelli cutter, easier to keep it strait and easier on the fingers too. I still hand quilting but only smaller quilts, I don't like machine quilting as much but I've learned to live with it.

I have worked with other quilters, as time goes on we all end up with some problems. When a lady I know wants to start a new quilt, one of use does all of her cutting (I use clean pizza boxes for quilting). I will cut out each size and label them, then move onto the next and so on. When I take this on, I let this lady know it will take a week to get all of the cutting done (it never does, but this gives me time and I don't feel pushed). Now this lady has helped me with personal sewing help (I haven't had to pay $45.00 per hour to a sewing teacher, so a win, win). So you might find someone that you can help, who can help you. Win, win all around. Good luck

I am trying Blue Emu Oil which is available at a Hannfords. Seems to be helping.

So many thanks for all the replies to my question re:arthritis. I will use alot of these remedies!!

I learned to bind my quilts totally on the machine rather than hand sewing them. Also, if the pain gets to me, I wear the glove with no fingers and the wrap at the wrist. Persevere . . . we have to do something creative!!!

Does it work?....

I have had RA for 46 years and there have been times I could do nothing. I have been lucky that the medications I take now have helped me so much. I do have problems with my hands and if they get to bad I get injections in the joints that keeps them in good enough shape for me to use them They don't like to do that very often so I self treat as much as possible. I use the gloves I find at Walgreen that brace my wrist and thumb area but leave my fingers free. You put them on and pull the band to as tight as you want it and fasten the velcro strap where it is most comfortable for you. I sleep in them when I am having a lot of pain and it helps so much.

I use 1 teaspoon of raw (unpasteurized) honey, taken orally prior to bedtime and for me; I would say it has taken 75% of my pain away (through my entire body, especially my hands). I have no medical background, but have almost been incapacitated with what they think is osteo arthritis. In an attempt to regain my previous life, I searched the internet for help and found articles saying taking honey helps some. I was skeptical, but knew it wouldn't hurt me to try. I was really amazed, but very grateful that it helped. I continue to take the same amount in the morning as well and have resumed all my activities, including piecing quilt tops. It was a life saver for me. I have a friend who takes 2 Tablespoons a day, but didn't get as quick relief or as much relief; so it may vary from person to person, but perhaps worth a try. When you have that much pain, it's worth it to try. Good luck to anyone with arthritis!

I have RA for 30 + years now. before I found Orencia, I fell and broke both my wrists, the left one is the worst, a steel plate and screws in that one. Anyway I use Havels ruler-cutter combo and really love it. Sure I'm slow at quilting but I get to do the thing that I enjoy the most now-days.

I sent you a reply. Hopefully, you received it!

You are not alone! I get cramping in my wrists, and even hands curl and lock so badly I have to stop.

I hope the rest is ok to post....

One thing that does help sometimes. I have found adding a bit of Icy Hot , Ben Gay or some sort of mentholated rub CREAM,
Add a dab on wrist from the tube and rub in using all over on wrists only, not your fingers to get marks on fabric.
Also word of warning as we age our skin gets thinner RUB GENTLY, so it doesn't get too hot. Also, caution I found Capasin (made with hot peppers) burns me.

I take Neutontin (Gabopentin) for my OA, and it keeps me active.

:( I never associated arthritis with hot, humid weather till now but the high humidity here and my allergies seem to bring out the pain in my hip and at the base of my thumbs (but am fortunate that these don't really affect my quilting) but I am taking my Aleve in the morning and having some relief -- good luck in dealing with your problems and that the new cutter will make cutting easier on your wrists -- my doctor always recommends ice on the affected parts to bring down the inflammation and says to do whatever helps as far as diet and other things go-- I'm going to try the apple cider vinegar drink (may be the vitamin C in it that helps)--and thanks to all the QB posters for all the encouragement and helpful hints on all sorts of subjects!!:thumbup:

barbara
 

Write to or phone the Arthritis Foundation--they have lots of consultants familiar with adjustments to arthritis of all types

Great idea! Thanks!

Got the unfiltered apple vinegar today!! Glug glug!!! Many thanks.

Thanks Bree. Good idea re: changing the blade more often. I don't do alot of needle work, so I get a break there. I also noticed, not being stressed in general, sure alleves some pain.

I have osteoarthritis in my whole body. I have had both of my thumbs fused and this past March I also had a new joint in my index finger. It is a slow recovery and my surgeon told me it would be at least a year until it is fully recovered. He asked me what I wanted this surgery to do for me and I told him I wanted to be able to quilt again and do hand work again. I am now able to cut with a rotary cutter and some hand work. I can't cut for as long as I used to be able to, but I can do it again. I have the original accuquilt cutter that you hand turn and I can do that again. The electric one would be better. For me, being able to quilt in small doses is better than not at all. have you tried getting any cortisone injections?

Arthritis - my constant companion. I no longer do anything that requires fine finger dexterity, as my hands hurt so much and so fast when I try. Sewing on my machine is not a problem, though. Being on the computer is heck though, so have to cut back on that, too.

However, I do take nsaids for the pain. Pain is not something I want to tolerate if I don't have to.