Wool Goddess

If you’re a fellow crafter, you’ll know that our hands are our greatest tools. But what happens when those very hands start tingling, aching, or going numb mid-row? For me, that’s the daily dance with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, a frustrating but manageable condition that’s taught me the art of mindful making.

What Is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome?

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) happens when the median nerve, which runs from your forearm through a narrow passage in your wrist (the carpal tunnel), becomes compressed. This nerve controls sensation and movement in your thumb and the first three fingers, so when it’s irritated, you really feel it.

Common Symptoms

If you’ve ever experienced any of these, it might be CTS:

• Tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, or middle finger (especially at night)
• Weakness in your hand or dropping things
• Aching pain that travels up your arm
• A stiff, swollen feeling in the fingers, even when they look fine

For me, it started as a dull ache after long crochet sessions, then developed into pins and needles that woke me up at night.

How It Affects My Crochet

Crochet has always been my sanctuary, my way to unwind, heal, and create. But when Carpal Tunnel flares, even holding a hook can feel impossible. I’ve had to learn when to rest and when to adapt. Instead of pushing through the pain (as I used to), I now listen to my body’s cues. I take regular breaks, stretch, and switch up projects that require less tension or repetitive motion.

Ways to Ease the Pain

Here’s what’s helped me keep crocheting comfortably:

Wrist Support:

I use a metal hand splint, a type of wrist brace that keeps my hand in a neutral position, especially at night. It stops my wrist from bending, giving the nerve a chance to rest and heal.

Warm Compresses & Gentle Massage:

Warming the wrist before crocheting helps loosen stiffness. Sometimes I’ll follow with a gentle massage around the base of my palm to improve circulation.

Stretching & Hand Exercises:

Simple movements like rotating the wrists, gently flexing the fingers, or pressing palms together in a prayer stretch make a huge difference.

Adapting Crochet Habits:

Using ergonomic crochet hooks with padded handles.

Taking frequent breaks (every 20–30 minutes).

Varying stitches and yarn weights to avoid repetitive strain.

Resting my wrists on a soft surface while working.

Holistic Support:

As someone who lives with chronic illness, I’ve found that looking at the bigger picture helps too, keeping inflammation down with a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and using natural remedies like magnesium or CBD for muscle relaxation.

Finally…

Carpal Tunnel may have slowed me down, but it’s also reminded me that crafting isn’t a race. It’s about joy, creativity, and connection. My crochet projects may take longer now, but they’re made with even more intention and love — one mindful stitch at a time.

The Brace Support I use is this one from Amazon
Wrist Support Brace with Metal Hand Splint for Carpal Tunnel Wrist Support

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Love & healing hugs