Banner Sponsors
For artists and collectors sponsored by Intercal...your mohair supplier and Johnna's Mohair Store
Wrist injury.Time and time again this injury comes up. Basically it results from repetitive movement. My son who is an ergonomist has advised me not to work on the same project all the time and to vary my work.
i.e. Cut out, then stitch, then embroider, so that you are using different movements through out your day.
Change your position when working, instead of sitting in the same position all the time and sit correct.
From what I understand with carpal tunnel syndrome is that once the nerve is damaged, they can operate and that will help, but once damaged that is it. So the thing is to prevent getting it in the first place.
Taken from my website
IF BEAR MAKING is causing you back ache, headaches, wrist problems, or general discomfort perhaps it is time for you to have your sewing studio assessed.
is your table at the correct height for the work that you are doing?
is your chair the right height for sitting at your sewing machine ?
when hand stitching are you sitting correctly ?
Does your work area allow you to adopt safe postures when tracing/cutting out your pattern pieces?
Repetitive, awkward postures preformed on a daily basis strains your body and in time you may develop an injury!!!!!!!!
My son Dale sells these hand braces, I wear mine when typing ( this is what he originally did them for in SA) and when needle felting. It does support the wrist although a bit awkward in the beginning you get used to it. You get one for your left hand and one for your right hand. I think your local health shop might sell a similar thing.
Like most health issues we all wait till the damage is done before acting, i.e. high blood pressure, high cholestrol.
Lynette.
Matilda Huggington-beareSorry about the wrist problem Lynette. But thanks for the timely advise. Well maybe timely for some. For me WAY tooo late. I wear a wrist band when I'm sewing. Have had to for many years now. I also vary my work. I usually change when my wrist hurts or my fingers start to cramp. :redface: 
I know I'm not the only way who has to feel pain in order to remind them to stop and go on with something else.
You know who you are . NAUGHTY boys and girls 
Cleathero CreationsI wear a stiff brace at night, it is molded to my arm it prevents any movement from the palm down. I find this eases any beginning problems. but yes I try and do something different after a few hours to stop the build u.
Jellybelly Bearsi've got that exact wrist brace! I use magnet braces too...they work well..actually never take my right hand one off 
Kiprie BearsOh poor Lynette. 
please take good care of your wrist. :hug:
and thanks for good advice.
MerBear OriginalsI also use a wrist brace at times. Since I'm on a computer on day and my programs are all mouse driven I also use a gel support mouse pad; makes all the difference in the world.
Marion
Mountain Dreamer BearsSorry about the wrist problems girls. I feel your pain! I have occcasional problems with my right wrist. Mainly only when I spend too much time on the computer but forget needlefelting! ouch! 
I think a gel pad sounds like just what I need Marion. I will have to look for one. Maybe a brace too.. I've always wondered if those magnet wraps work. Good to have an endorsement from someone who has used one! Thanks Sarah!
Thanks for the tips Lynette, all good advice and worth taking the time to set things up right. After all, we want to be making bears for a long time!
I hope everyone's joints are feeling better soon. :hug:
LuxembearsI have to say that I have used Lynettes wrist bracfes and they are WONDERFUL! It feels almost like someone is messaging your hands. The support and pressure really feels good when you spend hours and hours on end sewing. I would recommend these to anyone who wants some relief
