The question of whether knitting can cause arthritis has been asked by knitters for centuries. While the answer may not be as straightforward as a simple yes or no, it’s important to consider for anyone who enjoys knitting as a hobby. In this blog post, we’ll explore the research behind this question and look at what we can conclude from it.                                            

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an umbrella term that describes conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system, including the joints. It is characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. Typical forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the joints wears down over time, leading to bone-on-bone contact, which causes pain and stiffness. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joint tissue, resulting in pain and swelling. Gout occurs when uric acid crystals form in the joints and cause inflammation and pain. There are many other forms of arthritis, but these are the most common.

How does knitting affect the body?

Knitting is an activity that requires repetitive motions with your hands, wrists, and arms. While calming and therapeutic, these repeated motions may lead to pain or even more serious issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome. When done correctly, knitting can help keep your joints moving, which can help reduce stiffness and pain. However, it can strain your muscles and joints if done incorrectly or for too long without breaks.

The most common issue from knitting is known as “knitters’ tenosynovitis.” This condition is caused by prolonged periods in the same position when knitting, which strains the tendons and muscles. This can cause inflammation and pain, leading to swelling and impaired movement in severe cases. Other issues that could arise from knitting include tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and trigger finger.

It’s important to pay attention to how you’re knitting to avoid any of the above issues. Take a break every 30 minutes if you feel pain or discomfort, and if possible, alternate between different types of knitting stitches to give your muscles and joints a break. Be sure to use good posture while knitting, including keeping your elbows close to your sides and keeping your wrists in a neutral position to avoid any unnecessary strain. Finally, stretch your hands and arms before and after knitting to help reduce any potential discomfort.  There are physical therapists on YouTube that can give you simple exercises to try.

But, Can knitting cause arthritis?

Many types of arthritis can lead to long-term joint damage, resulting in disability. With this in mind, it is understandable why many people are curious whether knitting can cause arthritis.

Knitting is a repetitive activity. This repetition may cause muscle strain or inflammation in the hands, wrists, and arms. The small movements and fine motor control required to make the stitches can also stress the tendons and ligaments. 

Studies have not definitively proven that knitting causes arthritis. However, if you are already predisposed to developing arthritis, then it is possible that extended sessions of knitting could increase your risk. Certain tight techniques may make the risk even higher. For example, if you knit in tight tension, then you may be more likely to develop arthritis due to increased stress on the muscles and joints. However, the daily knitting may decrease your hand pain since exercise helps keep your joints limber. Remember how I said it isn’t a yes or no answer?

Frequent or incorrect knitting technique may be the most significant factor in increasing your risk of developing the condition. Read on to see steps to prevent and reduce the risk of developing arthritis that can help keep you happily knitting for years.

How can I avoid getting arthritis from knitting?

If you love to knit and don’t want to risk developing arthritis, there are several steps you can take.

1) Be mindful of your posture and technique when knitting. Make sure to keep your neck, shoulders, back, and wrists relaxed, and avoid hunching over your work for long periods. Use warm wood needles instead of metal and keep your hands at the same height as your elbows when working.

2) Take frequent breaks when knitting. This is a hard one to do! Take a break every 20-30 minutes and stretch your arms, back, and neck. This will help reduce any strain that may be caused by long-term knitting.

3) Alternate between different types of knitting. If you are knitting one particular kind of project for a long period, try to mix it up with something else (I’m looking at you garter stitch scarf!) Doing this will help keep your muscles from getting fatigued and stressed.

4) Make sure you’re using the right type of yarn for your project. Choose a yarn that is not too heavy or stiff, as this can place more stress on your joints.

5)Taking supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids and glucosamine may also reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with arthritis. Most importantly, see a doctor for regular checkups to catch any signs of arthritis early on.

Finally, if you’re having any pain while knitting or afterward, stop and give yourself a few days to rest and recover. It’s important to recognize the signs of joint inflammation and take action before the condition progresses. Talk to your doctor if you experience any persistent joint pain while knitting. He will have even more suggestions to help mitigate your pain.

With the proper care and attention to your body, you can continue enjoying knitting for years to come!