Knitting is a great way to pass the time and keep your mind active, but it can also put you at risk of developing certain health problems. Repetitive strain injury (RSI), tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and even arthritis can be caused by knitting too much. People with these conditions should take extra precautions when knitting. Repetitive movement disorders (RMDs) are a family of muscle conditions that result from repeated movements performed in the course of normal work or daily activities.
RMDs are caused by too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or movement, unnatural or uncomfortable movements such as twisting the arm or wrist, overexertion, incorrect posture, or muscle fatigue. Symptoms of RMDs include pain, tingling, numbness, visible swelling or redness of the affected area, and loss of flexibility and strength. Interestingly, studies have shown that knitting can actually help reduce anxiety and obsessive thoughts in people with eating disorders. However, if you have arthritis or tendonitis, you should take extra precautions when knitting.
Poor posture, gripping knitting needles too tightly, and putting too much weight on your wrists with large projects can all cause problems. To reduce the risk of injury, use a pillow under each elbow and a flatter one under the project itself. You can also use larger needles when working on garments. Knitting is also a great way to connect with other people and reduce loneliness and isolation.
You can exchange patterns with friends or find new ideas online. Knitting and crocheting can also produce happiness, increase self-confidence, and help create a sense of well-being. If you experience any pain or discomfort while knitting, take a break and do some exercises to regain strength. With the right precautions, you can enjoy knitting without worrying about health problems.
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