patimint

This works for my feet (neropothy & arthritis). Rub a small amount of vicks, yes vicks, or generic and cover with white cotten gloves just before going to bed. I use cotten socks on my feet of course. It may take a couple or three days of doing this, but it does work. I do it on my feet for 2 weeks and then don't have to do it for a couple of weeks. Or quit quilting, okay, okay, I didn't mean it. I was just seeing if anyone read this.

Katiequiltsalot

I worked in a sewing factory for 20 years,there are flexing exercises you can do to keep your hands and fingers loose.Helps keep them flexible.I'm sure if you google it you'll find them.

pinkcarn

I do a lot with my hands, have some arthritis since I was forty yo, the best I have found is to soak hands in Epsom salts, and use a product called BLUE GOO. The Blue Goo gel has EMU oil in it, I have used that for all the strained back and muscles pain. My accupuncturist advises 2 cups of the Epsom salt in a bath of hot water for muscle spasms, then I rub with the blue goo. Hope this helps, as I know it is frustrating not to be able to do what we want. CAUTION- do not get the Blue Goo in your eyes. I also start with the ibruphophen, that's not spelled rght, but anyhow if you can take those over the counter pain relievers, they help the inflamation. Good luck pinkcarn

#1piecemaker

Put rubbing achohol on your fingers and thumb especiall y before you go to bed. It will pull the soreness right out of them.

tjradj

I have to clarify first that I come from a nursing background.
I also have arthritis, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
I strongly recommend listening to your body before taking drugs to cover up pain.
If a repetitive motion - like quilting, knitting, typing etc is causing pain - your body is telling you that something is WRONG.
You have to stop, and rest that area, sometimes use ice to keep the inflammation down at first, then later on use warm heat - whether dishwater, wax, hot tub, or what ever to loosen up the sore areas and get them moving.
If you do not rest the area when repetitive motions cause pain, you risk repetitive strain injury, tendonitis or worsening a chronic condition such as arthritis.
I know we all want to keep working on our passionate hobbies, but in the long run, if you don't care for your self, you won't be able to do your hobby in the future.

firecrackerpam

Have had the same issue but mine came from the pressure from the rotary cutter. It took months for it to go away. I had to stop cutting fabric. NSAIDS and not using my Thumb or putting pressure on my right hand. Serious nerve pain.

Mona Marie

I went and had an injection put into my thumb. It took several days but now no pain.

OraLee

Rub your hands is hand loation, put them in a plastic bag and if you have a heating pad lay them on it (Not to Hot) and put a towel over them. Leave them there for about 20 minutes. It will not only help yout thumb but it will also make your hands feel really good. Have been doing this for about 10 years and it helps every time my thumb starts to hurt. Hope it works for you also.

madamekelly

Try soaking sore parts in Epsom salts. I use 'mole skin' to prevent soreness in my fingertips when I hand sew.

biscuitqueen

someone posted a gagit that pulled the needle through the fabric. It was really cool and a must have for hand quilting. I haven't been to the shop to find it yet, but I will be looking next time I do.