Tricks to Make Crochet With Arthritis Finger-Friendly

If arthritis has forced you to put down your needlework, take heart. Better yet, take notes. Helpful tools and smart tricks can help you meld arthritis, knitting, cross-stitch and crocheting. You’ll not only create sweaters and afghans, you also might increase hand dexterity, says Theresa Leto, an occupational therapist and instructor at the University of Findlay in Ohio.

Leto suggests approaching needlework as an athletic event. “Warm up your hand in some way first.” Soaking hands and wrists in warm water prior to picking up a needle helps some of her patients. Then approach the activity like a sprinter, not a marathoner, and stitch in short sessions. Here are more smart needlework tricks from experts.
From (Arthritis foundation)

Crochet Away

Trick 1: Use flexible, flattened and square crochet hooks. They are easier to hold than traditional round hooks.

Trick 2: Add a foam sheath or wrap a rubber band around the hook handle a few times. It will prevent the hook from slipping from your grip, and you’ll use less force to hold it.

Trick 3: Ask experts to watch your moves. Experts at a needlework shop can suggest adjustments for yarn tension and other ways to ease stiffness and increase nimbleness.
Links to more info
health-therapeutic
5-simple-ways-to-relieve-prevent-hand-pain
rheumatoid-arthritis/living-with/crafting-with-