ouch

I'll put this simply:

my right thumb hurts. A lot.

I don't know if it's been too much knitting, knitting the wrong yarn, or perhaps the weather. I'm quite willing to blame damp/cold weather for this kind of thing - I'm old enough that I can get away with it, perhaps even without sounding like my grandmother.

I haven't had this kind of joint/muscle pain for years, so this took me by surprise. I'm more than willing to blame chunky yarn and fat needles, but I fear that's not the whole story.

In the meantime, while it ... gets better, I'll probably be reading a lot. I finished a book today that I started yesterday. I also knit a lot, but that didn't feel very good so I kept putting down the knitting to read instead.

I wish my fingers were as satisfied with turning pages as they are with twisting wool.

Comments

[Jennifer]

this aging stuff stinks. My hand has taken to protesting if I knit too much. I hope your thumb feels better soon.

[Jenny in Jersey]

I hear you. I am in my 60's now (how did THAT happen) and find certain weather can call up a whole list of discomforts. I am a BIG fan of wristers, even indoors when I do not actually feel cold. They definately keep my hands working better and more comfortably. K2P2 with two rows of K f&b in each stitch bofore CO works well for me....and is a great carry with you project.

[Sonja]

Happy February! :)

[elizabeth]

I had thumb problems from all that cabling but it's eased up now. Rest your fingers and enjoy your books!

[Sandy Lambert]

I found that if I vary the size needles I am using (or vary the projects), it is better for my right thumb. I also find that if I stop knitting completely for several days, it hurts more. I guess this means moderation.

[Lynne]

It's the weather - I can only manage one round on my socks (2 at once on 2 2.5mm circs) before my hands are ready to cease all motion and lock into position. Spring is coming! Hope you can hold out, and that your thumb will feel better soon.

[Caroline M]

If it were your toe or knee then somehow it wouldn't be as bad. When it's your hands and therefore your knitting that's affected then it strikes at a whole different level.

[claudia]

Aches and pains suck. I have a treadmill-stupidity injury currently and I hate it too.

I predict the arrival of spring will make us all better. :)

[Samantha]

I'm sorry about your thumb but can I recommend a book? The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. Definitely a distraction from knitting!

[Wendy Hedemus]

My hand hurts so bad at times I drop things. Doctor says it's arthritis. I find when it gets bad, wearing a brace at night makes it possible to knit during the day. I'd like to think that knitting actually keeps it from getting worse. Anyway, I hope your feeling better real soon.