Sheagatzi Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I quilt in my basement -padded carpet on a concrete floor. I'm developing some knee pain and sometimes an ache or two in my back and shoulders, so now I'm paying extra attention to posture, machine height and SHOES! Currently I'm barefoot or in socks. I'm wondering if a good pair of runners will help the back. I just ordered a saddle stool as well to help when I'm doing the dense work. So. Do you think shoes help? This just sounds like such a weird question I know....but I love being barefoot in the house, but now realizing that it may not be the best for me working at the machine. Or perhaps it is, and it is other factors (posture, machine height) that may be contributing to my aches and pains. I've never experienced body pain before, so this is very new to me and I want to nip it as soon as I can. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quiltedsunflower Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I quilt in Crocks. I'm not sure exactly what they are made of, some kind of rubber/plastic, but quite comfy. Nurses wear them for all the time they spend on hard floors. They're easy to kick off and slip on. I like the kind with holes in them so my feet don't get hot. It has made a difference for me. Hope that helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I wonder if a PT specialist or ergonomics expert could analyse our stand-up machine positions to advise on correct height of machine for height/reach of user, handle positions, posture, and foot support. Many who have body pain issue recommend the hydraulic lifts and the often-changing of the height of the frame. Changing handle positions during quilting is helpful to some, as well as a modified grip. I quilt on carpet as well, but wear closed shoes with the same orthotic insert that I wear in my work shoes. I stand for a full shift at my day job on a foam mat, and would be lost without that extra cushion. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RitaR Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 You are so ,lucky to have lived without pain. It might be an idea to have your bone density checked and see a spinal Neurologist or orthopedic Specialist, to have your pine and knee checked and find out what should/could be done to put off worse pain in the future. I couldn't use Lenni until she had I think 4" cut out of her legs, maybe less... so my elbows could clear the quilt top foot bar, and I could see better what I was doing. I thank God daily for the Saddle Stool, as It made it all a lot easier to quilt. I hate to think of anyone being in pain! God Bless, Rita Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dbams Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 This doesn't sound weird at all. I also love being barefoot, but since I developed plantar fasciitis, I have had to wear shoes and orthotics/supportive sandals pretty much all the time. I definitely think it makes a difference to the rest of my body, too. Last fall, while visiting a LQS in Traverse City, the owner just couldn't say enough about the Body Rite Posture Pleaser. I bought one from her, but you can get them for less on Amazon. (http://www.amazon.com/Mag-Eyes-BR1000-Posture-Pleaser-/dp/B000YZ5V14/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1392218026&sr=1-2&keywords=posture+corrector)%C2'> I do think it helps my overall posture, which improves my breathing, joint pain, etc. IMHO, flooring, foot support, posture, ergonomics, etc., can all impact our entire body, so foot support on a cushioned floor does more than just make our feet happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peggy (SewAsylum) Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I like the Crocs too. Very cushy. I would think that foot support would make a huge difference with future back and knee pain. A cushioned mat could help, too. Rita, could you tell me how the saddle stool helps you? It doesn't have any back support, does it? I need back and neck support at my Tiara. Thank you. Peg F. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wendy-ON Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I wear lined crocks as I quilt in a basement on carpet but up here in NW Ontario is gets super cold in the winter so the floor can be cold. In the summer I might be barefoot for a bit but not the best for my back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lmeimann Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I have bad knees and feet. If I quilt in my bare/stocking feet for very long I have a lot more pain than if I make a point to put on some shoes with good support before quilting. I use my saddle stool a lot and that helps tremendously. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamu Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I have a pair of slip on Mule shoes that have inserts in them for the arch in my feet. If I don't wear them I can really feel the difference in my back. So, I keep them right at my machine, ready to slip on when I quilt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sheagatzi Posted February 12, 2014 Author Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 This is really really helpful feedback, thank you. Yes, I am lucky that I have not lived with pain. But for some reason, this past year, I have developed pain - and this is the year I started long arm quilting. So, it's either my age has said hello to me finally or my shoes/posture/machine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LindaSteller Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 The most comfortable shoes I've found for standing and quilting (or sitting, standing, etc, in a day of quilting) are my Dansko clogs. I've tried the Crocs and they feel great on my feet, but as the day wears on, the lack of support in the shoe just wears me down. The Danskos are fabulous for long days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jmcclannan Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I invested in anti-fatigue mats which really helped but good supportive shoes are must for me as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tyquilter Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I also quilt in the basement on concrete floors. I did buy cushioned mats. I find that wearing my best running tennis shoes that have great support work best for me Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LCQuilts Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 Crocs and anti-fatigue mats work for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancingraisin Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I do both Crocs and Dansko or Sanita clogs. I need to address both recurrent plantar fascitis and arthritic knees. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie H Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I quilt in my garage on cement so I bought some Cadillac mats from Uline. I got the ones that are 5/8 inch. They help but I was still having a lot of knee pain so I went to the doctor and after x-rays I was diagnosed with advanced arthritis in my knees (I'm only 48). He said I must not have paid attention to a torn meniscus at some point in my life. If you are having knee pain, it might be worthwhile to get them checked out. There may be something going on that can be fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meg Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 For me...I switch between barefoot (slippers) and Dansko clogs. The clogs make me a bit taller and I think it changes how I hold me neck & shoulders just enough to give me some relief. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kloar Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I wear Crocs too although I prefer to be barefoot. My back started bothering me on long days and the Crocs seems to help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sdschroeder Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I sew barefoot-okay left shoe on, right foot (with the gas pedal) barefoot! When I am at the Milli, I have it on rubber flooring, and two gel mats that I stand on and I wear Crocs or my Birki sandels-standing that long without good support just kills my legs and back, but with the support shoes, I never have pain. hth suzie s Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 My machine is on a tiled floor. I have two pair of shoes, Crocs and Birkenstocks that stay under the machine and whenever I am Using the machine I slip them on. Will usually kick them off if I move to the computer or sewing table. Prefer bare feet but know the support of the shoes is better for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primitive1 Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I tried crocs too but found that on carpet they caused static problems during the winter. I now use my clarks sandals, they are very comfortable and I can wear them all day without any fatique. I also have an anti fatique mat that I use when in the back of the machine and a saddle stool for the front. They way the saddle stool has you positioned, you never lean back to answer Peggy's question... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeidiP Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 I prefer barefoot or socks, as my machine is on carpet, but the static issues are greatly minimized if I wear crocks or running shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b.glass Posted February 12, 2014 Report Share Posted February 12, 2014 Always...if I don't I end up with lower back pain. I wear Crocs or flip flops or something with good support. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandalei Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 One of the most helpful things for reducing pain in general, for me, has been to remember to keep my core muscles engaged. If I quilt and let my belly "hang loose" without keeping the muscles active, my back ends up hurting. I also do this whether I'm quilting or not, since it keeps my posture where it should be! But... I love quilting barefoot because I feel like I really use my whole body to quilt and my toes actually get used alot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sharond Posted February 13, 2014 Report Share Posted February 13, 2014 I wear Sketchers Shape-ups. No issues with pain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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