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totallycaked
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 28, 2009
Posts: 24
Location: Southern California Baby
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Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:12 pm |
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Advice anyone? I am new and in love with decorating. I already have wrist issues. My hand and wrist hurts so bad after I decorate. Any advice? tips? wrist supports? thank for any help! |
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KathysCC
Gallery Moderator
Joined: Aug 18, 2007
Posts: 930
Location: Mississippi
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Fri Nov 06, 2009 9:20 pm |
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I've just started battling this in the last few years. I was lucky to have my early decorating years pain free. I sometimes have a week of wrist pain after just one fondant cake.
When I first started out, I made the mistake of making my icing too thick to squeeze through the bag so piping buttercream, something that should have been easy, made my hands hurt. Don't know if that might be a problem for you, but I thought I'd mention it.
Kneading fondant seems to be my biggest problem now. Precolored fondant would be a good alternative, though probably more expensive if you don't do a lot of cakes. Teenagers come in handy for fondant kneading....  I use mine for that when I can... 
Wilton makes some kind of wrist support but I don't know much about it or how well it works. Try to figure out what is causing the pain and find a way to make it easier. Hope you find a solution! I know I'd hate to give up decorating because of pain. |
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CBMom
Regular Member
Joined: May 09, 2007
Posts: 109
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Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:23 am |
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Too dry BC is always my worst wrist culprit..and overfilling the bag, and its just too hard to squeeze:roll:
Adding a little corn syrup has made it much easier...it makes the BC a little more "elastic" and easier to work with.
Good luck! Have fun!
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heavenlys
Frequent Member
Joined: Jan 18, 2006
Posts: 278
Location: Iowa Falls, Ia
Birthday: Sep 26
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Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:03 am |
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I have problem with this through the years and recently I have discovered that my chiropractor can help me alot!!! We have used acupuncture and cupping. That has helped a ton!
I also sleep with a wrist brace when I have a flair up.
There are exercises that a physical therapist could share with you to help. I don't know those for sure.
I have also used magnetic bracelets.
Good luck! It is no fun to hurt when you decorate. |
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costumeczar
Forum SuperStar!
Joined: Oct 18, 2007
Posts: 2569
Location: Henrico VA
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Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:07 am |
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Try pressing around on the muscles behind your armpit on your shoulder blade. I'll bet you'll find something that's really tender. You probably have "cake posture" as I refer to the hunch you get when you spend too much time bending over. The muscles in the front of your shoulders will shorten and the ones in the back on your rotator cuff (I think) will stretch out. That makes your arms go numb and will affect your hands, too.
Thin out your icing and stand up straight! Stop every now and then while you're working and stretch your shoulders back, also try stretching out the forearm muscles by flexing your hand. |
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ramie7224
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 16, 2009
Posts: 43
Location: Augusta, GA
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Sat Nov 07, 2009 6:38 am |
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I have carpal tunnel syndrome in my right wrist, so I run into this problem a lot. If I know I have a good bit of decorating to do that will most likely cause a flare up I get the IcyHot self adhesive patches, wrap one around my wrist and then put on my gloves. You can also try taking an Ibuprofen or two beforehand as they are anti-inflammatory and will help with the pain before it really gets started. |
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totallycaked
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 28, 2009
Posts: 24
Location: Southern California Baby
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Wed Nov 11, 2009 10:31 pm |
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Thank you all.. my posture is horrible on a good day! My arms are falling asleep.. I think I will try a chiro... I have a very bad back... so I am a bit worried about people messing with my back but I LOVE decorating.. it is such a joy for me.. I must figure out how to fix this wrist/hand/ problem... this is NOT going to hold me back from a dream of decorating that I have had for years. I will thin out my icing too! and I over fill... are you all watching me in secret.. ha ha... thanks a ton! |
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