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Minimising Joint Problems by
Dr Christine Hamilton M.B. Ch.B
Many people as they get older begin to have problems with their joints. The commonest cause of this is osteoarthritis, the wear and tear arthritis that everyone gets to a certain degree, but which causes more problems to some than to others. There are many other conditions however, which cause stiff and/or painful joints such as the more serious rheumatoid arthritis, injury to a joint and repetitive strain injury. Whatever the cause of the problem, it is very frustrating to an avid stitcher if they get pain when indulging in their favourite hobby. Even worse is stiffness which prevents stitching movements altogether. There are several things you can do to combat the problem however.
The first thing is to take a look at the movements which are causing you pain and see if you can eliminate them, or at least minimise them. Definitely to be avoided if you are having problems is the use of a hand-held hoop or frame. This puts a strain on the wrist and thumb of the hand holding the hoop and the constant movement of the hand holding the needle in passing from the top of the work to underneath and back again puts a strain on the wrist of that hand also. (This movement is the commonest cause of repetitive strain injury for stitchers) The larger the hoop the bigger the movement required by the stitching hand and the more joints become involved. A small hoop will probably affect mainly the wrist of the stitching hand, a medium-sized one will also involve use of the elbow and a large one will involve the shoulder joint as well. If you must use a hand-held hoop or frame, use the smallest one possible and try to minimise the movement involved in transferring your stitching hand from above to below your work.
An easy way cut down the movements you make when stitching by any method is to use either a floor stand to hold your hoop, or floor, lap or table frame. Any of these methods will allow you to use both your hands to make your stitches. You then need to organise yourself with one hand above the work and one below so that the top hand pushes the needle into the work and the bottom hand pulls it through. The bottom hand can then pass the needle back up into the next hole where it can be pulled up by the top hand. If you are right handed you will probably find this is easier to do with your left hand on top and your right hand underneath and vice versa if you are left handed. Stitching in this way considerably cuts down the movement necessary to make each stitch. It may take a little practice but you will find it well worth the effort of learning. As a bonus you will also find it much quicker.
Using a short piece of thread also helps to cut down the movement your hands are making as you work each stitch. The longer the thread the further your hand and arm has to move to pull it right through the work.
This does cause extra fastening on and off however, so you could try pulling about six inches through at a time as an alternative.
Stitching on stiff fabrics such as canvas can aggravate joint problems. In fact canvas work is probably the worst kind of embroidery for anyone with problems with their hands. Pulling a needle full of thick wool through unyielding canvas puts quite a strain on the fingers and wrists. It is far better in these circumstances to confine your stitching to soft fabric, preferably a loose evenweave, with only one or two strands in a small-eyed needle so that it pulls through easily.
Even if you don’t at present have joint problems, it is worth taking a little thought about the way you go about your stitching. Remember that repetitive strain injury can affect any joints, which are used in a repetitive way and osteoarthritis tends to appear first in over-used joints.
It makes sense therefore for all of us who enjoy our stitching to improve the way we use our joints now, in order to help prevent damage later and allow us to go on enjoying our hobby for many years to come.
