Luci in California

I am having similar problem with right thumb. It has limited my sewing time, but, what has helped is icing the inflamed area. When I sit to watch TV I get a gel pack out of the freezer, wrap it in a kitchen towel and put it on my thumb. Eventually, the swelling went down. It did take a while, couple of months. I found pain pills made my blood pressure go up, so had to find alternative. Chiropractor also did adjustment on thumb and suggested ice. Hope this helps, as I know how frustrating it is to limit your sewing time.

mcar

one thing about arthritis is it comes and goes. However the injured area becomes weaker and needs rest and to be protected. I cut the knuckle of my left thumb with a rotary cutter and had to keep it straight with a splint for 10 days. The cut healed beautifully, BUT, I had a secondary problem develop from wearing the splint. Be careful. Not happy at all about it as my hand have been fine the years of knitting. I rested my hand for two days, then went on cutting fabric....bad idea as I compensated by leaning on the palm of my hand. It became so inflamed and dreadfully sore, enough to take pain pills so I could sleep. Sometimes I can feel a problem coming on and stop....mostly when working at the end of the quilt when you have to lift so much fabric. It becomes heavy and my hand shows its weakness. One thing I do to reduce further injury and to give comfort is use green gloves found at JoAnne's for gentle support. I use my Isotoner driving gloves that are stronger and help with reduction of inflamation when needed. I am the Michael Jackson of the grey glove at times. Hey, it is needed!

ann clare

Welcome from Ireland

luce321

Welcome from Harahan, LA. I have arthritis, but not in the hands. My heart goes out to you, hope things get better.

cattailsquilts

I have a pinched nerve in my neck & shoulder that causes me to lose feeling in my right hand. I wear splints at night so that I don't have to wear them during the day (they keep me from curling my hands up under me while I'm sleeping.)

Otherwise, ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen sodium (Aleve) if you're able to take them, and ice, and don't over do it.

*edit: Oh, I forgot to add that I'm 'young'n', so I've got years and years of fun with pain ahead of me. :-\

jojosnana

WElcome from Michigan. Sorry I don't have an answer for you.......

Stitchit123

Hello from NW Ohio---My Great Aunt had arthritus in her back and they sent her out for water therapy it worked so well that when her hands got arthritic she used a foot whirl pool and she could go back to Tating she made the most beautiful lace -she passed away a few days before her 102nd birthday and she was working on a project the day before

clynns

I have tendonitis and tenovenitis in my left hand and thumb due to a work injury. It's been that way since 2003. I've had surgery to release the band that surrounds the tendons, 5 cortisone shots in my wrist and 3 in my thumb joint. I know exactly how bad you have to be hurting to get those shots. Here's what helps for me.

Polar Ice is what I think it's called. It's a gel that doesn't smell too good, but it like freezes the area. You can buy it at the drug store.

Go to a Tractor Supply store or anyplace that sells Vet Wrap. It's what trainers use to put around the horses legs. This will give you support without causing you to lose your mobility using the splint. I can't do ANYTHING wearing the splint. I have a molded plastic one, a Sammons glove (blue in color), a velcro black one that has a metal splint in the thumb area. I think my hand hurts worse when I wear them.

I also invested in a Hand and Foot Spa. You melt parafin beads in it and then dip your hands in the wax. I usually dip about 5-6 times and then let it cool and peel off. It brings relief especially after using my hand alot like when I cut out my quilts.

I put my binding on using the sewing machine, but then hand sew the other side on. After I do this my hand hurts for at least a week. It usually takes me about a week to do a queen size quilt.

I also use a rice bag. If you don't have one, it's easy to make. Cut a piece of fabric, fill about 2/3 full of long grain rice. Sew shut. Heat in microwave for NO LONGER than 2 minutes.

I hope one of these things help you. I'm right there with you. Cheryl in Ohio

GGinMcKinney

Howdy from Texas.
I am dealing with right shoulder arthritis and maybe a torn pec muscle. I sew on the days it is not too painful. When really hurts I sew short while, use heat/ice & take pills. Enlisting the help of others for the part of quilting that is most difficult. This weekend I have asked if hubby will cut out binding. We will see how that goes. I am encouraged as I have read how many quilters over come seemingly difficult situations. I think the key is to take it slow & easy. We only have one body & must take care of it. Wishing you the best.

LAB55

Hello from Western Mountain Maryland !! :-)