I know I am not alone when it comes to crafting and hand problems, most notably Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, so I decided to do some research right here at About.com and see what kind of help I could get and pass on to other jewelry designers:
On the Orthopedics site I found a good article and diagram that discusses exactly what the heck Carpel Tunnel Syndrome is and what causes it.
I found an article entitled Exercises to Prevent and Ease the Pain of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome on the Physical Therapy site.
For those looking for a more holistic approach, I found some natural treatments discussed on the Alternative Medicine site, and on the Yoga site I discovered that there are actually some poses you can do aimed at reducing the pain.
The list really goes on and on, but here are a few more articles I found of interest:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Prevention Vs. Surgery?
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hypothyroidism
Illustration of the Carpal Tunnel - Carpal Tunnel Diagram
Comments
I make jewelry for about 6-10hrs a day and I have no problems with my hands. I just make sure to stretch my fingers often and do circles with my hands… from the wrists about every hour or so.
Keep them moving and stretching often.
I also get up and walk around or do a little chore every hour or so and that gets all my circulation going again.
I too have problems with carpel tunnel syndrome. When I crochet, cut hard vegetables and carry large coffe urns at work it bothers my the most. Sometimes it also acts up when I’m doing wire work but not as much. It was getting really bad so I bought a brace at walmart and wore it every night for several months and that seemed to help. Now I only wear it if it flares up again and I’m more careful to avoid those activities now.
Blissful – You are very lucky you have no problems. Some people do and some don’t. I just know of a lot of people, including myself, who do deal with this issue.
Trianna – I have heard the braces help. My sister has used one before as well and did notice a difference.
From hours of jewelry making, crocheting and working on the computer I developed tennis elbow!! I know exactly which bracelet I was working on when I took a turn for the worse…darn memory wire..LOL It’s very frustrating to have so much pain and be limited in doing the things I love most. Thanks for sharing your research.
Sometimes it seems everything bothers my hands. Initially, it was coat-checking in my late-teens/early-20s that triggered the pain – mainly in my left, non-dominant wrist/hand/forearm. Wearing a wrist brace helped prevent over-exertion and further injury. I wore the brace soooo much that even to this day, I can do almost everything while wearing it.
Now, I am on the computer all day doing graphics-based work (i.e., not word processing, but still on the computer); I don’t do a lot of jewelry making these days because of time constraints. I wear the brace when I have to, which is almost daily. Under doctor’s instruction, I take breaks and do little exercises with my fingers, wrist and even up to my elbow and take 1-2 NSAIDS per day (usually Aleve). I have an ergonomic keyboard, and that helps tremendously. Of course, as I get older, now there’s tiny hints of arthritis in one of my thumb joints. (It just keeps getting better & better!!)
I still have bouts of numbness in my fingertips (in both hands), and the doctor has attributed that to issues with the ulnar nerve that runs through the elbow (it’s the nerve that freaks out when you hit your “funny bone”). And if the pain is bad enough, I will wear the brace practically 24/7, including a special one when I sleep.
I refuse to have the surgery because … well, it’s surgery, and too many people have worse pain from the scar tissue that builds up than from before they had surgery.
Best suggestion is to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. And if it’s not talking to you, you need to talk to it and treat it well before a serious problem pops up.
I’ve had carpal tunnel in both hands as well as other problems. I also do hand exercises often when working with wire. The best thing I’ve found is my Lindstrom ergonomic pliers. I love them, I have very small hands and they just fit my hands so well. I can work longer using them before my hands tell me that I have to quit. They may cost more but to me it’s worth it not to be in so much pain.
I agree listen to your body. If something works do it, use it, whatever. Your body knows best and it’s the only one you have. Your hands are your #1 tools take care of them you can’t replace them.
I don’t have carpal tunnel, but had to have surgery on my right (dominant) wrist two years ago, because the little bone that sticks out at the base of the thumb was riddled with arthritis. I was spending my time with the brace on 24/7 and it wasn’t alleviating the pain. I finally asked the orthopaedist what solution would give me the most flexibility for the rest of my life and he advised the surgery, because I have to be able to use my hand both for work and for play! I had to make some sacrifices, in that I can no longer work on large pots because I don’t have the strength to wedge clay, but I can work small, ie beads in clay or polymer, painting, etc. Anything that doesn’t require alot of strength. So, it’s not always carpal tunnel, though that is what I called it for years. Get xrays to find out what your options are. Better to give up a little of what you love than all.