Body Aches/Pain from FMQ
 

I am experiencing pain around my right ankle and radiating up my leg from holding down the pedal during FMQ. I don't spend long periods of time at one stretch, but intermittent sessions through the day/week. I tried a phone book to support and provide rest for my foot behind the foot pedal. It seemed to help some, but is not the answer. I have stopped quilting for now trying to figure out what to do. I don't want to strain my body and cause damage to nerves or something.

Does anyone else experience body aches/pain from FMQ? And what do you do about it?

When doing FMQing, I know I tend to tense my leg muscles too ... go at it for a constant stretch, whereas when piecing, you do a seam, stop and relax. Then do another seam etc, So I understand what you are meaning.

Yes definitely ... think of the ergonomics and how it is effecting your body and what you can do to alleviate. How high is your chair? Moving your foot pedal back closer to your chair might help. Also, is your machine set into a table? or on top of a table? These are a few of the things that I would consider.

By chance does your machine have a stop/start feature where you do not have to use the foot pedal?
That might help a lot if it's primarily your ankle and leg that is being affected.

I don't feel pain on my legs but I'm with Tartan on this one I get pain on my shoulders and a knot on my right shoulder blade that sometimes last for days and yes just when I'm finally fmq half decent my body limits me also.

Can you use your left foot. Try moving the foot pedal closer so you are not reaching too far. Do stretches before, during breaks and after FMQ.

Does your machine have a stop/start button you can use instead of the foot pedal?

I have severe back and leg pain, so doing ANYTHING is so painful. I just made myself some supper, by the time I had made my meal, I was in so much pain I had to take a painkiller and sit down in my recliner for a while. I hope that you will never be in the pain that I am, but, I can give you some pointers in how to reduce pain. Work on your quilting for 15 to 20 minutes, then stop, stretch your muscles. Get up out of your chair, if you were sitting and walk around for 10 minutes or so. That may mean, go put a load of clothes in the washer,take a load of clothes,put in the dryer. You get my point. Do something to make you move. I know, quitting after only 15 to 20 minutes seems like such a short time. But, I think you body will find it easier if you break up your day with different tasks that require different muscles. Good Luck!

What about attaching your foot pedal to the leg of your table so that instead of pressing it down with your foot, you are pushing it with the side of your knee / thigh ? You could use zip ties / command strips( like they use to hang hooks on the walls ) to attach so it would not be permanent or do damage to anything. Then you would just have to press your leg to the side instead of pressing with your foot.

I spent a whole afternoon after having my long arm frame set up. No breaks no stops. Two days later I could hardly move any part of my body without pain. Now adays I do. Twenty minutes spells at a time and then go to another machine to do piecing or hand applique etc.one set up in different. Places. Advantages of living alone.
I have even used a timer.
Sorry for your pain.

I find that if I put a large book under the non pedal foot it evens up pressure on my spine. Both feet are elevated and equal.