Nodes and Knitting.

devonann

I have been diagnosed as having Nodes on my upper Knuckles on my hands.They are very sore to knit with.Knitting is supposed to be a good exercise for Arthritis.Has anyone any advice to help me.

dreamdaisy

Hi devonann, it's nice to meet you. I am not sure what sort of advice you might be after: we do have some very keen knitters on the forum and yes, it is good for the hands if they can take the strain! Perhaps kick off with larger needles and thicker wool - you get faster results that way and that is encouraging. Don't be afraid to knit in our own style - I know there is a 'proper' way to pass the wool between the needles etc but I never mastered that - I did it my way and enjoyed it very much. I cannot hold the concentration now for long enough and what small reserves of patience I had are rapidly running out. I wish you well with your new endeavour and I hope you find it both satisfying and soothing. DD

caterina57

Its a long time since I did any knitting, but I have thought about it recently after seeing the price of Jumpers and cardis in the shops!!!I have a few small bumps on my fingers and arthritis in my wrists, can only echo DD start with bigger needles! and if your hands benefit from the excercise go to smaller needles.
Cath

elnafinn

Hi Devonann

Welcome to the forum. Have you tried the Swallow knitting needles of Australian casein? They are meant to be good for arthritic hands. Perhaps you already use these. If not, you could google them if you are interested.

Elna x

woodbon

Hi I used to do a lot of knitting, but now I have nodes on my fingers upper joints are the worst. I have reduced the length of time I sit doing it, I manage about half an hour, then break for a little bit and do some more. That way my hands don't get so sore. It also splits the skin a bit as my skin is dry, but cream helps.
As my wrists also are a problem, I only do light wool and not too big a jacket, as it gets heavy! Some days, I just can't do it and have to accept it and do number puzzles or read. Also try a soft wool first and change the way you knit.
My Mum also had arther and she had to give up knitting and switch to crochet, but I can't do it very well!!! Just see how it goes. Love Sue

need me bed

I also knit in a kinda hamfisted sort of way!! I never was any good at doing things the 'proper' way. :oops: My friend has just had a baby and i have made a small blanket to use in the babies carry seat, pram. baby was born last friday 4th march and called Rosie Amaya at 6lb 6oz and she's beautiful (of course) I found out about my friends pregancy at the 12 week mark and finished the blanket the day after Rosie was born... :oops: I used 8mm needles and a nice fluffy soft wool, Mum, Dad and Rosie all loved it and said it was perfect as they had been shopping for something like it and not seen any they liked. BONUS!! They have even sent me a pic of Rosie using my blanket and how they can't thank me enough as they know it was knitted with love. they also know I have RA in my hands so can appreciate all the effort that went into it.

Now i've finished that i'm teaching myself how to knit socks... could be interesting!!! i may end up with another scarf!!

I have tried to crochet like Sue the results were a disaster (another dish cloth with holes already in it! :roll: )

Just do it how you can and take breaks often, but give it a go you have nothing to loose!!

Gentle Hugs
NMB
xx

devonann

Thanks for the replies I am sure I will find them helpful.I have also bought some finger bandages from the Chemist that you roll on and twist half way up and roll down over the part already on the finger.I knit and crochet for the prem babies so its small fine items I make.I also have arthritis in my neck so cant look down for long as well as arthritis in other joints.

madwestie

Devonann, I have OA and Ra and my GP acupuncturist has said that she think my hands would be muc worse if it wasn't for the knitting.
I don't knit big things just baby clothes and toys and not for long at a time I do try to use either bamboo needles or anither type i can't remember the name but they are plastic with a metal core so strong but flexible they are easy to find as they are all different colours for the different sizes.
I have recently taking to crochet and made my first baby hat in less than 2 hours much quicker than i could ever knit one. i have now moved onto a baby jacket it seems to be much easier to pick up than knitting is(i have been trying to teach my sister to knit for years)

I hope you get on ok

Tracey

tanith

I have had nodes appear on various fingers over the last 15yrs and am pleased to report that as a rule once these nodes are formed and aren't inflammed anymore they tend to be painless. I know how sore they can be though I have a new one at the moment and am giving my knitting a miss for the moment but once it settles down I shall back knitting for my smallest grandaughter again... I hope your's settles down soon..

frogmorton

Hi

I am sure there are some knitting gloves too you can use....lots of guys on here knit and it can be so theraputic. I beleive that it can also distract your mind from pain a bit.

NMB that blanket sounds LOVELY as does baby Rosie

Love

Toni xx

need me bed

Thanks Toni, I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Rosie yet as I live quite a distance away but am hoping to get down there in the summer when the arther is less painful for driving long distance.

I use gloves sometimes when I knit but don't always find them helpful and I can't for the life of me remember what brand they are.

xx

woodbon

Hi, I have a painful neck too, and find looking down a problem when knitting. Also my hands and wrists get sore. I gave up for a few months but missed it so much so I do as much as I can and then have a break. I don't do complicated patterns now either, like I used to, but I enjoy what I do and I'm NOT giving in any more to this thing!!! I'm a stubbern old lady!!!!
Love Sue