Craftgrrl

I feel your pain. While I don't have rheumatoid arthritis, I do have bad carpal tunnel, and almost everything makes my hands hurt: beading, painting, crocheting (there's your answer!), playing my guitar... and of course computering.

I find crocheting to be hard because of my hands... my joints start going numb after a while and the rest of my hands/wrists hurt, so I can't do it for too long. In fact, I have been working on the same project for like... a YEAR... because I can do very little at a time. so depressing! :(

Crocheting would probably hurt just as much...

But I'm sure with using only one hand for the hook you could hold the hook so that it wouldn't hurt so much...as your other hand 'holds' the yarn in a sense...

It'd be worth trying..

i have arthritis in my hands and i can crochet but not knit. i can't crochet in the same way as you're supposed to, though - you know, like a pen? i grip the hook between the base of my thumb and my ring and middle finger (the least affected ones) and go from there.

i think it's more do-able cause there's only one implement to worry about :)

i think both hurt the hands. but knitting breaks the pain up into two hands. I have fibromylgia and carpel, and I find that only using only HUGE Needles (10+ in knitting, and N's and up in crochet) and working with bamboo/wood or flexible needles/hooks it may help. Clovers and other wood/bamboo needles/hooks are much better on your hands compared to aluminum. They are so flexible and light. also, I know that they have a specific hook that has this amazing handle meant to ease the pain of crocheting. i forget the name, but they carry it at joann's.

no i can understand that as well.
and yes, any sort of crafty store. just ask if you cant find them. Theyre all over online too. works wonders for my arthritic craftaholic mom:)

how about a knitting machine? that might be better for your hands..
(tho not the same medatively, and you'll tear through more yarn faster (because you are making more stuff) but if you can't do it, it might be worth a try.

knitting machines are great. Look on ebay or even in thrift shops. i found one for only 35usd. Oh and kniffy knitters, the round looms. those arent hard on hands at all. and make neat scarves, hats and slippers. all sorts of things actually.

I have the same problem. I can crochet better than I can knit. They do have special hooks out that are for those of us with hand problems. I just made my own and you know how it is I worked out my own salvation. I like the lite plastic Red Heart hooks (they break easy, but got to have them:) ) then you know those pink foam hair curlers I take the plastic fastners out and slip my crochet hooks in. Perfection. Those little curlers pad it so well, and I have used tape to get the right fit. Also no understanding of why, but a pillow under my arm helps. Also have you seen those gloves that help with hand pain. Its on my Christmas list. I have a knit and crochet project going and trade off. What type of knitting did you try for I can do the English (throw the yarn) or the German which the yarn is in your left hand you just kind of scoop it up :) that is the way that is possible for me. You know I encourage you to try all sorts of ways for if it gets on the needles and looks good to you then its the right way to do it. I have had comments like "Boy do you Knit wierd" Yes I do but knitting I am :) I so hope something I passed on will help.

the universal sweater machine or the EZ Knitter are great knitting machines and cheaper than the electric ones, you can find them at walmart and craft stores like Michaels and AC Moore.

I had a hard time with knitting and crocheting is a lot easier on my hands. I also use Icy/Hot (like Bengay) on my hands at night as a lotion and that helps a ton as well with the pain and lets me crochet longer. :)